A month after my painful breakup, I was piecing myself back together when I saw my sister, Jessica, slipping money to my ex-fiancé, Richard, at a restaurant. My heart sank, thinking she’d betrayed me. But the truth behind their secret was far worse, revealing a deception that shook my family to its core.
I’m Amber, 27, and I met Richard a year ago at a charity gala my family hosted. He was refreshing—a graphic designer with a quick wit who made me laugh like no one else. Within a year, he got down on one knee, and I said yes, overjoyed. My mom was wary, saying, “You don’t know him well, Amber.” But I was sure. “He’s my future,” I told her. My dad, Robert, who’s hard to please, took to Richard fast. “He’s a good guy,” he said one evening as Richard joked with him over dinner. My sister, Jessica, was cautious at first. “He’s smooth, Amber. Just watch out,” she said. I thought she was bitter, being older and single, and snapped, “He makes me happy, Jess. Let it go.” Soon, everyone loved Richard.
Then, a month before our wedding, I saw Richard’s car outside a café while heading to a spa day. Through the window, he was kissing another woman, their hands tangled, laughing. My chest tightened. I sat in my car, watching them kiss again before leaving together, and canceled my appointment, driving home in a fog. That night, when Richard came by, I was cold. “We’re not getting married,” I said, placing my ring on the counter. He looked shocked. “What’s wrong? Talk to me!” he begged. I shook my head. “It’s done. Get out.” I didn’t tell him I saw him cheating—I didn’t want my dad to ruin him. I just needed him gone.
My family was baffled by the breakup but didn’t pry when I stayed silent. I dove into work, skipping family dinners to avoid their questions. Dad called often, worried. “Richard stopped by, Amber. He’s a mess. Sure you can’t work it out?” I cut him off. “No, Dad. Let it go.” I kept the cheating secret, even from Jessica, thinking I’d heal and move on. Richard would just be a bad memory.
But one Tuesday, I went to a cozy Italian place I’d avoided since it was “our” spot. Waiting for a table, I saw Jessica and Richard in a booth, heads close. My heart raced, thinking they were a couple. Then Jessica handed him a bag stuffed with cash, and he took it with a nod. I marched over. “What’s going on?” I demanded. Jessica gasped. “Amber, why are you here?” Richard grabbed the bag and ran, shoving past me. “Explain this, Jess,” I said, furious.
She glared. “You don’t know the whole story, Amber. Dad and I are helping Richard because you ditched him when he needed you.” I frowned. “Helping him how?” Her voice dropped. “His cancer. He’s got lymphoma, and you left when he told you. That’s low, Amber.” I stared, then laughed, sharp and cold. “Cancer? Jess, I broke up with him because he was cheating. I saw him with another woman.” Her eyes widened. “No way. He told Dad you bailed after his diagnosis.” I slumped into a chair. “It’s a scam, Jess. He’s playing you both.”
Jessica dialed Dad, putting him on speaker. I spilled everything—how I saw Richard cheating and kept quiet to avoid a mess. Dad’s voice broke. “I’m sorry, Amber. I thought you left because he was sick. It didn’t add up.” I asked, “How much did you give him?” He sighed. “Fifty grand, plus 20 today.” Jessica groaned. “We’re idiots.” Dad’s tone turned firm. “I’m calling the cops. That was cash. We can get it back.”
Driving to Dad’s office, he called again. “Richard crashed trying to flee the police,” he said. “He’s in custody, alive. They found the money. He’s been scamming others too.” Jessica and I sat in silence, her hand grabbing mine. “I’m sorry I doubted you,” she said. I nodded. “He fooled everyone, Jess. But not me.” I thought about the wedding plans, the dreams of a life with Richard—all lies. If I hadn’t caught him, I’d be tied to a conman.
At Dad’s office, I felt free, like I could breathe again. Richard took my trust, but not my family’s love. “Let’s eat somewhere new,” I told Jessica, smiling. “We need a fresh start.” She hugged me. “You’re on, Amber. Let’s make it good.”
