Chapter 1
Halfway through the wedding ceremony, my husband, Eric Grant, dropped a "surprise" on everyone.
He grabbed the microphone, looking all emotional, and announced that to repay his parents, he'd give them 6,600 dollars a month for living expenses after we got married.
His parents, Richard and Marjorie Grant, burst into tears on the spot, and the whole crowd erupted in applause.
I just looked at him, emotionless, waiting for the applause to die down.
Then I took the microphone from the host. My voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly through the whole hall. "Wow, Eric, you're really the model son."
"But your salary is only 2,000 dollars per month. So where's the other 4,600 coming from? Are you planning to have me pay your parents, or should we pass the hat around and ask everyone here to chip in?"
Apparently Eric's smile froze instantly at that moment.
*****
The wedding music was soft and romantic.
I was in my white wedding dress, holding Eric's arm.
He was my groom.
And today was supposed to be our big day.
All our friends and family in the audience were smiling warmly.
The host's voice was smooth and magnetic, setting the perfect mood.
Everything felt like a dream.
Sweet, but not real.
Halfway through the ceremony, the host announced that the groom had a surprise for everyone.
I gave Eric a puzzled look.
We hadn't planned for this part.
Yet, Eric gave me a reassuring look.
His eyes brimmed with confidence and a hint of something moving, like he was about to make everyone emotional.
He took the microphone from the host.
The spotlight shone on his handsome face.
He cleared his throat.
"Friends and family, thank you all for coming today to witness Julia and me as we begin our journey together."
The crowd burst into applause.
I smiled, just going along with the show.
"Today, on the happiest day of my life, the people I want to thank most are my parents."
He turned to face Richard and Marjorie, my parents-in-law, who were already tearing up at the main table.
His voice got choked up.
"Dad, Mom, you went through so much to raise me."
"You never really got to enjoy life, always giving me the best you had."
"Now that I'm starting my own family and making my way in the world, I can finally give back to you."
Richard thumped the table in excitement.
Marjorie was already dabbing at her tears with a tissue.
The guests started whispering among themselves, everyone murmuring their approval.
"He's such a good kid."
"Such a dutiful son."
My smile stayed the same.
But inside, I felt my heart sink.
Eric took a deep breath, like he was about to make a life-changing announcement.
He raised the microphone, his voice booming.
"To repay my parents for everything they've done for me, starting next month, Julia and I will give them 6,600 dollars every month to support their retirement!"
The moment he finished speaking, the room fell silent for a second.
Richard and Marjorie burst into tears right there.
Richard jumped to his feet, pointing at Eric, his lips trembling, unable to get a word out.
Marjorie was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe.
The applause from the audience exploded like thunder.
Everyone was moved by this "surprise."
Everyone was praising the Grant Family for raising such a devoted son.
Eric looked like he was glowing with pride, soaking up all that moral spotlight, his face full of emotion.
He gave me a tender look, clearly hoping I'd join in and shower him with compliments.
He was probably waiting for me to tear up and get all sentimental about what a "dutiful son" he was.
I just quietly watched his little performance.
I watched the crowd clapping, none of them having any idea what was really happening.
I glanced at my own parents, their faces caught off guard, unable to hide their bewilderment.
I waited for a long time.
Until the applause finally faded away.
Until everyone's eyes were back on us, the newlyweds.
I reached out to the host, who looked a bit uneasy.
He hesitated for a second, then handed me the other microphone.
The microphone felt cold in my hand.
But I gripped it tight.
Eric's smile hadn't faded yet, but he was watching me, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
I looked up, scanning the whole room.
Then I brought the microphone to my lips.
My voice wasn't loud.
But through the speakers, it carried clearly to every corner of the wedding hall.
"Eric," I called out softly.
"You're really something when it comes to being a good son."
I even flashed him a smile, acting like I was genuinely impressed.
Eric visibly relaxed, thinking I was about to play along.
The crowd let out a good-natured laugh.
And then, just a second later, my tone went cold.
"But your salary is only 2,000 dollars a month."
The whole room went dead silent.
Everyone was stunned.
I kept going, my tone steady and unhurried.
"So, what about the other 4,600 dollars?"
"So, am I supposed to cover the rest for your parents?"
I gave Marjorie a look, her face starting to freeze up.
"Or..."
My gaze slowly swept over every guest in the audience.
"Are we supposed to crowdfund it and have everyone here pitch in?"
Apparently Eric's smile froze instantly at that moment.
The thunderous applause vanished, replaced by a deathly silence.
It felt like the whole world had hit pause.
Only my calm voice echoed through the silence.
It was cold but crystal clear.