… He was my ex-fiancé, Aaron.
The man who had vanished three years ago without a trace, taking my trust and half my savings with him.
My blood ran cold. He looked older, maybe a little greyer, but it was undeniably him. He was wearing the same charming smile he used to give me—until his eyes locked onto mine. The color instantly drained from his face. He looked like he’d seen a ghost.
“Darla! Come give him a hug!” my mom beamed, grabbing his arm and squeezing it affectionately. She was glowing, happier than I had seen her in a decade. “This is the Aaron I’ve been telling you about!”
Aaron opened his mouth, stammering, trying to compose himself. “I… It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he lied, extending a shaking hand, clearly praying I would play along.
For a split second, I looked at my mother. She was so innocent, so in love. I didn’t want to break her heart. But then I looked at the engagement ring on her finger—a ring that looked suspiciously familiar.
I didn’t take his hand. instead, I crossed my arms and stared him dead in the eye.
“Cut the act, Aaron,” I said, my voice surprisingly steady.
My mom’s smile faltered. “Darla? What are you doing?”
“Mom,” I said, never breaking eye contact with him, “You can’t marry this man. Because he’s already technically married… to me.”
The silence that followed was deafening. Aaron turned to run, but I was already dialing 911. My mom might be heartbroken tonight, but at least she wouldn’t be his next victim.
