“He forgot to hang up. I heard my fiancé whisper, ‘After the wedding, she’ll sign anything.’ I packed my kids at 2 a.m. and left. The next morning I saw the ‘document’—and realized what I escaped.

My fingers went numb. I stared at the dark screen like it might explain itself.

His brother, Grant, laughed. “Especially with her kids. She’s desperate for stability.”

Owen lowered his voice, smug. “Exactly. Two kids, different dad, no ring. She’ll cling to whatever looks like a fresh start.”

My stomach turned hard. My children—Liam and Sophie—were asleep in the next room, excited for tomorrow. They’d picked out their outfits and practiced walking down the aisle with flower petals. Owen had promised them we were becoming a real family.

Patricia’s voice sharpened. “And the house? Your father says don’t marry her unless the deed is protected. We’re not letting her take what you built.”