Later, he started talking about schools—private ones, with better opportunities.

“That could be amazing for them,” I admitted.

“I’ll find the right place,” he said. “Money isn’t an issue.”

Those words stayed with me, comforting me more than they should have.

I didn’t realize how dangerous they were.

On our wedding day, everything looked beautiful. Soft lights, cream-colored flowers, a perfect setting.

But something felt off. A tightness in my chest I couldn’t explain.

At one point, I slipped away to the restroom just to breathe.

While I stood there, a woman walked in and approached me directly.

“Are you connected to Richard?” I asked.