For days, I struggled to accept that my mother was engaged to someone my age.

I lay awake at night, replaying the dinner in my head.

Eventually, I called her, pretending to make peace. “I overreacted,” I said, forcing a cheerful tone. “I want to fix things. If Aaron makes you happy, I’ll support you.”

She was overjoyed. “That means the world to me, Casey!” she said. “I want you to be part of this. Let’s plan the wedding together.”

So, I attended dress fittings, sampled cakes, and helped with decorations. But deep down, I still doubted Aaron.

A few days before the wedding, I realized I had nothing concrete against him. I had searched for flaws, but found nothing. Maybe I had been wrong. Maybe he truly loved my mom.

That evening, I took a deep breath and faced her. “I accept Aaron and fully support you,” I told her. “Now it’s official.”

On the wedding day, as we rushed to the venue, Mom suddenly gasped. “Oh no! I left my phone at home!”

I volunteered to retrieve it. Back at the house, I searched every room. No phone. Then I noticed a locked drawer near her desk. On impulse, I yanked it open.

Papers spilled onto the floor.

As I gathered them, bold letters on one document caught my eye—Debt Notice.

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