Seconds from saying my vows, my dad crashed through the church doors, shouting that my wedding was canceled. His devastating reason exposed a truth that saved me. The church sparkled with colored light through stained glass, my white dress glowing as I sat in my wheelchair, smiling wide. My friend Mia adjusted my veil. “You’re a dream, Claire.” My heart fluttered. “This is really happening!” Living with a mobility condition since birth, I’d faced challenges, but today I felt invincible. “Jake loves you completely,” Mia said. Jake and I met at a support group six months ago, both disabled, and our love grew fast. “I never thought I’d find him,” I said. “It’s your happy ending,” Mia replied. Mom’s voice came softly, “Time, Claire.” I nodded, ready.
Dad wheeled me down the aisle, guests beaming as Jake’s eyes shone with love. He kissed my cheek. “You’re perfect.” The ceremony started, but Dad’s seat was empty. I brushed it off, lost in Jake. As the priest said, “Do you, Jake,” Dad burst in, yelling, “The wedding’s off! He’s not who he says!” Gasps filled the air. My chest tightened. “Dad, what?” He pointed. “He’s a con, faking his disability to scam women!” Jake paled. “Claire, I love you!” Dad waved in a man with a cup. “This proves it,” he said, splashing water on Jake’s legs. Jake stood, legs working. The crowd gasped. “Just water,” Dad said. “He’s a liar.” Tears hit me. “Jake, why?” “I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he said. Police rushed in, arresting him as Jonathan Lee, a fraudster. My dreams collapsed.
At home, I sat quietly. Dad entered, face heavy. “I saw him walk normally today. He took honeymoon money but booked nothing. A detective found his history of scams.” I cried. “I feel so stupid.” He hugged me. “You’re not. We should’ve watched closer. You’ve got us.” I whispered, “I wanted love.” “We’re here,” he said. “Ice cream?” I smiled faintly. “Okay.” Weeks later, I painted a rising phoenix. Mia texted, “You good?” I replied, “Healing.” Mom suggested cooking together, like old times. We laughed, stirring pots, the house warm. My wedding broke me, but it showed love lives in family and courage. I’m ready to rebuild.
