My wedding with Ethan finally started, and my ethereal dress glowed in the festive lights. But suddenly, I saw my mom talking to my fiancé, and I wish I’d never heard those words! All I wanted was to throw that wretch into the cold ocean waves and listen to her beg for mercy.

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Under the grandeur of a wedding tent, surrounded by the smell of flowers and the ocean, stood Mia, her mind plagued with worries. “I should be so happy today, but everything feels wrong,” she said softly, looking at the waves.

Mia’s mind told her that Ethan deserved the truth. How can I deceive him when I love him so much? Her love for him made lying to him even worse.

“I have to tell him the truth. It’s the only way we can have a real, honest life together,” Mia decided, ready to act.

Getting closer to his room, Mia heard Ethan and her mom, Abigail, talking.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

“Mia just wants your money,” Abigail was saying, trying to deter Ethan from marrying Mia.

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Mia could no longer hold herself back. She faced Ethan, her voice shaking but clear. “I heard it all. It’s not true, Ethan. I love you for who you are, not for your money,” she said, meaning every word.

“Get out of here, Mom! You’re not wanted here anymore! How could you act like I’m to blame? You’re the one who started this!”

Ethan was confused and upset. “What’s going on? Mia, why would your mom say that? Can someone tell me what’s happening?”

Mia stood firm. “My mother has her reasons for what she said, but that’s not the truth. Believe me, Ethan, my love for you is genuine…” she started.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

A year ago, back in their small Las Vegas home, Abigail had shared a plan with Mia, hoping it would help them get some money by being a bit sneaky. “There’s this guy, Richard. He might be just what we need,” Abigail had said.

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Mia felt a chill run down her spine when her mom suggested using Richard to get money. “You mean, fool him? Like a trick?” she asked, feeling unsure.

“It’s not tricking, sweetheart. It’s just making the most of a chance,” Abigail said, trying to calm Mia’s worries. “Richard has enough money to lend a hand.”

“But how? What if someone finds out?” Mia wondered aloud. She didn’t want to do it. The thought of using someone for their money was against her moral principles, but she desperately needed monetary support. Without that, she’d never be able to finish her studies.

Abigail explained their plan with a lot of certainty, promising they’d stay under the radar. “Just get to know him better. Leave the rest to me,” she said, coming up with a plan. Mia was hesitant to go ahead with it, but she finally agreed.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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A few days later, by Richard’s fancy swimming pool, Mia did her part while her mom watched closely.

“Richard, it’s so nice to see you again,” she said, hiding her true feelings behind a friendly smile.

“Mia, the joy is all mine,” Richard replied. “It’s not every day I get to enjoy the company of such a beautiful young woman.”

As Mia spent time with Richard, her fake laughs and gentle touches made her feel like she was betraying herself. Meanwhile, Abigail took pictures of them, making sure nobody noticed her.

At one point, Mia felt pathetic about what she was doing. She just wanted to drop everything and run, but she stayed. If I want to finish my education, then I have to do this.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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“You seem a bit off. Is everything okay, Mia?” Richard suddenly asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“Oh, no, no. I’m okay, just amazed by how beautiful this place is,” Mia lied, trying hard to hide her real feelings.

That evening, Mia lay in her apartment, her mind racing with the day’s events. The luxurious lifestyle her mother had thrust upon them felt increasingly hollow. Reflecting on her actions, Mia’s resolve hardened; she would not lose herself to deception.

A few days later, she and Abigail were at an exquisite boutique. “Mia, look at this dress!” Abigail cooed, holding up a gown. “Perfect for the gala!”

Mia hesitated. “It’s beautiful, but… Mom, what about my education fund?”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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“Mia, our appearances—how we look and carry ourselves—are crucial right now. Your education can wait.”

“Mum, we can’t delay this. I need the tuition we agreed upon!”

Abigail dismissed her concerns. “You’re learning more valuable lessons with me than any college could offer.”

Mia was disappointed in her mother. How could I not see Mom is blinded by money? She doesn’t care about me. Not any longer.

“I don’t want to live by deceit. I want a real future, something to be proud of,” Mia told Abigail, deciding to put an end to their scheme.

But Abigail wouldn’t listen. “Well then, we’ll see how far you get without my help!”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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Mia’s eyes welled up. “I’ll find a way, with or without you, because I don’t want to end up like you, living off others. I want to earn my place in the world, and I want to do it honestly.”

But six months ago, everything changed. They landed in Florida and arrived at a fancy hotel, living a life far different from Mia’s once hoped-for college days. They spent days in comfort, from relaxing by the pool to shopping and spending nights at fancy places. To Mia, it all felt more and more hollow.

She didn’t want to follow her mom’s footsteps. She wanted real success in life, something she could be proud of, not the short-lived glamor of ill-gotten money.

And it was during a serene evening at a restaurant overlooking the ocean’s expansive beauty that Mia and Abigail met Ethan. He was eating alone and immediately caught Abigail’s attention. Using her charm, Abigail asked Ethan to join them, resulting in Mia’s and Ethan’s first meeting.

“Our Mia’s not just pretty; she’s super smart, you know, the best in her class, and dreams of going to college,” Abigail said, making Mia’s academic success sound even better to win Ethan over.

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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“Really? That’s impressive. What are you planning to study?” Ethan asked.

“Biology,” Mia replied. “I’m fascinated by it.”

“And you’re pursuing this… all on your own?”

Before Mia could elaborate, Abigail interjected. “Yes, Mia’s quite the independent spirit. But, as you can imagine, being a dedicated young woman with big dreams isn’t easy today.”

“I really admire you for that, Mia,” Ethan said.

Later, at a beach party, Mia saw Ethan again, his laughter and easy-going nature drawing her in more. Abigail grabbed that chance and said hello to Ethan as if they were long-time friends. “Ethan, dear! What a surprise to see you here!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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As the evening progressed, Mia found herself caught up in conversations with Ethan, laughing more genuinely than she had in a long time. He talked about his travels, his business ventures, and, more importantly, his dreams.

“Education is indeed the key to unlocking our potential,” he said, his gaze locked with Mia’s. “It’s rare to meet someone who shares that belief, especially in such settings.”

However, Abigail’s scheming presence reminded Mia of their initial intentions — Ethan was just supposed to be another target.

Walking along the beach later, Ethan sensed Mia’s inner conflict. “Mia, there’s something you’re not telling me. You can trust me,” he reassured her.

Mia felt torn between her new feelings and her mom’s plan. “Ethan, I wish I could tell you everything. But it’s not the right time,” she said, trying to explain herself.

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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“I’ll wait, Mia. When you’re ready,” Ethan said, a look of understanding evident in his eyes.

Mia’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions as they returned to the party. The night had begun as just another step in her mother’s plan, but it had ended with the realization that her feelings for Ethan were real and undeniable.

Soon after, Mia moved in with Ethan into his fancy house by the ocean. The sprawling residence had amazing views of the ocean and large windows that showed off the stars, making it the perfect place for their love story to grow.

One night, they were chilling on the beach right by their place, listening to the calming sounds of the waves while they talked.

“Mia, have you ever seen the stars shine so bright?” Ethan was amazed as they both looked up at the night sky while lying on the sand.

“No, I haven’t,” said Mia quietly. “It’s like the whole universe is putting on a show just for us.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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Ethan turned to look at her. “Mia, I’ve got to ask you something. Ever since we moved in together, my life’s been so much better. I can’t think of a future without you in it. Will you marry me?”

Mia was surprised. She loved Ethan genuinely, so she immediately said, “Yes, Ethan, I’ll marry you.”

But deep down, Mia felt awful about the secret she was keeping from him. “Ethan, there’s something you need to know about the way we met and what my mom was planning. I—”

“No matter what it is, it won’t change what we have. We’ll get through it together,” Ethan told her.

Now, just moments before their wedding, Mia confessed the truth about her involvement in her mother’s schemes with a heavy heart.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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“Ethan, I love you, and that’s the truth. My feelings were never part of the lie.”

Ethan was hurt, but he loved Mia, too. And when you love someone, you don’t hurt them. He revealed his wedding gift to Mia: paying for her university education.

“It’s a gift from my heart, but I can’t overlook the deceit,” he told her gently. “Yes, the wedding is canceled. I need time to think, to possess my emotions.”

Mia accepted his decision, relieved to have unburdened herself yet devastated by the loss. “I understand, Ethan. I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused.”

“I don’t hate you, Mia. I’m just disappointed. Remember that you deserve happiness and success.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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Despite the ache in her heart, Mia felt a profound sense of clarity as Ethan said that. She knew she hadn’t been completely honest in their relationship, but now she was ready to be her true self.

She was set on making a fresh start and finding her strength alone. She hoped that one day, after becoming her best self, she might win Ethan’s heart again.

With a hopeful heart, she stepped into her new journey, ready to face the future with courage and grace.

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

If you enjoyed reading this story, you might also like this one: I was all set to tie the knot with my fiancé in a fairytale wedding. But my world came to a colossal standstill when my mom barged into the ceremony and screamed: “STOP THE WEDDING… HE’S YOUR BIOLOGICAL FATHER!” Her revelation ripped me apart and had me gasping for breath.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.

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