As Noah and Alice prepared for their wedding, Noah grew suspicious of Alice’s recent lavish purchases—items that seemed far beyond their budget. On their wedding day, a mysterious man interrupted the ceremony. Who was he, and what did he want?

Alice and I had been together for three years, and we were finally tying the knot. We wanted a simple, intimate wedding to celebrate our love with family and friends. However, despite the joy, I felt a growing unease due to Alice’s extravagant new items—a designer bag, shoes, and diamond earrings—that seemed out of reach for us.

When I asked Alice how she could afford these luxuries, she explained, “I got a bonus at work, Noah. I just want our wedding day to be perfect.” Her explanation eased my worries, and I trusted her.

As the ceremony began, Alice kept glancing at the entrance. When the priest asked if anyone objected, a man burst in, pleading to walk Alice down the aisle. It was Alice’s estranged father, fulfilling a long-standing promise. She introduced him, and we restarted the ceremony, this time with her father by her side.