She showed me her phone.
Nine recordings.
Nine pieces of proof.
I listened to one.
“Once I marry him, we won’t have to hide anymore. Ethan’s too naive to suspect anything.”
I couldn’t listen to the rest.
We moved quickly after that.
My best friend Daniel Brooks, a lawyer, arrived within minutes after I called him.
He listened. Reviewed the recordings. His expression turned grim.
“This is more than enough to cancel the wedding,” he said. “And protect yourself legally.”
“Cancel?” I repeated.
Guests were already on their way. The venue was booked. Everything was set.
Daniel put a hand on my shoulder.
“One day of embarrassment is nothing compared to a lifetime of regret.”
Martha nodded quietly.
“Money can be earned back,” she said gently. “But time… and peace… you don’t get those back.”
They were right.
I confronted Olivia.
At first, she denied everything.
Until I played the recording.
Her voice filled the room:
“You know I don’t love him…”
The silence afterward was deafening.
Then her expression changed.
Cold. Detached.
“Fine,” she snapped. “You want the truth? Yes, I don’t love you. But that doesn’t mean the marriage couldn’t work. Stability matters more than love.”
“And Noah?” I asked.