Kristi tended to a rich couple in business class who were very affectionate with each other. The next day, she was shocked to discover the same man engaged to her mother. Kristi knew she had to act, but had no idea what she was about to unleash.
High above the clouds in the business class part of a commercial plane, Kristi, in her crisp flight attendant uniform, walked the aisle with practiced grace.
She stopped by a couple nestled by the window, absorbed in their private world. The man, in a sharply tailored suit, presented a small velvet box to the woman, whose eyes lit up like the 4th of July.
As he opened it, a delicate necklace gleamed, its stones scattering prismatic colors across their seats. Kristi’s eyes widened, and she paused her rounds for a second.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“May I, my gorgeous Isabella?” the man whispered to his companion, excitement coloring his voice. The woman nodded, her cheeks blushing as she lifted her hair for him to clasp the necklace.
“That’s a lovely shade of lipstick,” the woman said, turning her attention to Kristi with a warm smile.
Flustered and touched, Kristi touched her lips. “Thank you, it’s my favorite,” she replied, stuttering at being caught snooping.
The man smiled up at Kristi, offering her a generous tip. “Thank you for making this flight special,” he said sincerely.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
“It’s my pleasure. Enjoy your journey together,” Kristi responded, her heart fluttering as she moved on, the couple’s joy lingering in her mind.
***
The next day was her only day off that weekend, and Kristi had promised to visit her mother. Upon arriving, the older woman grabbed her arm and introduced her to Edwin, her new fiancé.
Except, he was none other than the man from the plane who had given another, younger woman a beautiful diamond necklace. Kristi’s shock froze her, but she schooled her expression.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kristi. Your mother has told me so much about you,” Edwin said smoothly, offering his hand as if they had never met.
“Nice to meet you too,” she replied cautiously, playing along for her mother’s sake.
Edwin then took over the kitchen, whipping up a meal with the flair of a seasoned chef. “It’s my way of showing care,” he explained, serving dishes with ease.
As they ate, Edwin regaled them with stories from his travels, yet he only responded vaguely when Kristi probed further into his past.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
It only made things worse, but she wasn’t sure what to say to her mother. Could she be wrong about him?
After dinner, Kristi decided to take her mother outside, hoping the air would clear her mind.
***
The cool breeze of the terrace was exactly what she needed before asking some tough questions. “Mom, what do you really know about Edwin?” Kristi asked carefully.
“He’s wonderful. A billionaire, a diamond tycoon’s son. He’s shown me such a glamorous life,” her mother replied, eyes shining. “We’ll be married in just a few days!”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
“Mom, I know this is going to sound strange, but I swear I saw him on a recent flight with another woman, now suddenly he’s with you and getting married,” Kristi pressed.
Her mother frowned. “Why are you lying? Can’t you be happy for me? Edwin loves me. You just don’t want me to be with another man after your father’s death.”
“That’s not it! Doesn’t his quick move seem odd?” Kristi argued.
“Odd? No, it’s romantic. You’re too young to understand. Edwin is all about love,” her mother shook her head.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Kristi sighed. “Mom, please think about it. He could be a scammer. That act on the plane… he’s like a Casanova.”
“Scammer? Kristi, that’s ridiculous. Edwin is a good man!” her mother defended.
“I just don’t want to see you lose everything to a man we barely know,” Kristi said, desperately trying to make her understand.
But at that moment, Edwin appeared, drinks in hand.“Ladies, let’s celebrate,” he said cheerfully, and Kristi’s mother excused herself for a second.
Kristi frowned at Edwin once they were alone and couldn’t hold back any longer.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
“How can you manipulate my mother’s feelings?” she demanded, exposing everything she saw him doing on the plane.
Edwin’s smile faltered. “Kristi, I only want your mother’s happiness. No need for hostility.”
She scoffed and poured a drink over his head. “You think you’re clever, but I see through you. I won’t let you hurt my mother,” she declared firmly. “You’re a fraud!”
Her mother appeared, and her eyes bulged at the orange slice that was still dripping from Edwin’s face. “Kristi, how could you? Edwin, I’m so sorry…”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Edwin reassured her. “It’s alright. Let’s not let this ruin our evening.”
Kristi’s frown deepened as her mother tended to the scammer, and she realized there was no way to win that night. Still, she knew she had to prove Edwin’s true nature to protect her mother.
It would just take some time.
That’s when she remembered an important detail from the day of the flight where she saw Edwin…and Isabella.
***
Kristi paced outside the airline office, gathering her courage before entering. At the front desk, a cheerful representative greeted her. “Good morning! How can I assist you today?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
“I need to see the passenger list from my last flight. It’s important,” Kristi said, stumbling over her words.
“That’s confidential. May I ask why you need it?” the representative asked, her brow furrowing.
Kristi tried to hide her nervousness as she said, “A passenger left something valuable. I want to help return it.”
“Okay, I can’t show you the list, but I can help if you give me more details,” the representative said, leading Kristi to a private office.
Once seated, Kristi explained that a passenger named Isabella lost her jewelry and was talking about it as they disembarked.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
The representative confirmed the Lost & Found department had received Isabella’s missing item report, and they had, in fact, found the jewelry.
“Could I return it to her myself? It might mean more coming from someone who was on the flight,” Kristi asked.
After signing a release form, Kristi received Isabella’s jewelry and contact details. She called the strange woman, arranging to meet the next day in a hotel lobby.
***
Kristi approached Isabella, the same woman Edwin was affectionate with on her last flight, in a beautiful hotel coffee shop and was recognized immediately.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
“You were the flight attendant on my last trip, weren’t you?” Isabella asked, surprised.
“Yes, that was me. It’s a small world.”
Kristi went right into it, telling her about Edwin, her suspicions, and everything else she knew. The young woman frowned, frustrated.
“I knew something was off. Edwin asked me for a large sum of money for an emergency. I trusted him, and I’m supposed to meet him soon to give it to him,” Isabella revealed, leaning back and crossing her arms.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Kristi told her that was their chance to expose him. “We can set up a scenario to catch him. We’ll record everything. I’ll disguise myself; he won’t recognize me,” she planned.
Isabella agreed, and they spent the next hour devising their strategy, focusing on every detail and potential reaction from Edwin.
As Kristi left the coffee shop, she felt nervous but resolved. The plan was set, and together, they were going to save her mother.
***
In a dimly lit upscale restaurant where Isabella had arranged to meet Edwin and give him the money he asked for, the young woman waited, twirling her wine glass.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Meanwhile, Kristi was disguised as a waitress and watched from across the room as Edwin entered confidently and greeted Isabella.
“Isabella, my dear, sorry to keep you waiting,” he said, sitting down.
Kristi approached their table to take their order, and Isabella played along perfectly, suggesting they celebrate with red wine.
“Excellent choice,” Edwin agreed, keeping his eyes on Isabella. Kristi quickly brought the wine, her heart racing with each step.
“That’ll be all, thank you,” Edwin said, looking only briefly at Kristi. It wasn’t enough to notice who she was. His attention quickly turned back to his date.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
As they sipped their wine, Isabella suggested that instead of giving him money, she could give him a gift, something more tangible like jewelry as he had been so generous to give her diamonds.
Intrigued, Edwin pulled out his phone to show her some options, from Cartier and Rolex watches to designer clothes.
As soon as his phone was on the table, Kristi saw her chance. She pretended to refill their wine glasses and accidentally spilled some on Edwin’s shirt.
“Damn it! My shirt!” he exclaimed, jumping up in irritation.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
“It’s just an accident, Edwin. Let’s not make a scene,” Isabella calmed him, giving Kristi a discreet nod.
Kristi apologized profusely, then hurried away, claiming she needed to fetch club soda and napkins.
She had swapped Edwin’s unlocked phone during the commotion with a temporary decoy, and rushed to the restroom to check the real phone.
After searching for a few minutes, Kristi discovered Edwin’s active dating profile and flirtatious messages similar to those he’d sent her mother.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Not the undeniable proof she hoped for, but troubling all the same. Therefore, Kristi started typing a message, making a last-ditch effort to trap Edwin.
Suddenly, a knock startled her. “I know you’re in there with my phone! Come out now!” Edwin shouted from outside.
“I’m calling the police!” he declared, his voice stern and urgent.
Kristi stood, phone in hand, heart pounding. She opened the stall door to face Edwin in a tense standoff. He lunged for the phone, but Kristi dodged him.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
“Stay back!” she warned, her back against the cold restroom wall.
“Give me my phone, or you’ll regret it!” Edwin cornered her, his hand reaching out. Kristi screamed, hoping someone would come to her aid and bracing for what might happen next.
***
In a sterile police station, Kristi sat under the cold glare of fluorescent lights.
“You’re lucky Mr. Edwin hasn’t pressed charges,” a stern officer warned, “Consider this your only warning.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Kristi nodded, her voice small. “I thought I was doing the right thing.”
“Good intentions don’t always lead to good actions,” the cop replied before walking away.
Just then, her mother burst through the doors, her face etched with disappointment. “Kristi, this isn’t the daughter I raised,” she declared, her voice thick with emotion.
“Mom, I was trying to protect you from Edwin,” Kristi explained, looking down.
“Protect me by breaking the law?” her mother retorted sharply. “You’ve gone too far.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
An officer intervened. “Mr. Edwin had filed a restraining order. Any further actions will lead to arrest.”
Kristi closed her eyes, but her mother didn’t give her any reprieve.
“I don’t want to see you anymore. Learn from this. Goodbye, Kristi,” the older woman said before leaving.
***
Kristi returned to the same hotel where she had met Isabella and sat at the lobby bar. While nursing a stiff drink, Isabella slid next to her.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
“I heard about what happened. I’m sorry,” she sighed, linking her fingers on the bar surface.
“Thanks,” Kristi said, half-smiling. “But before everything went down, I changed Edwin’s password on the dating site.”
“That’s brilliant,” Isabella responded, intrigued. “We can use that. Let’s warn the other women.”
Kristi laughed as they logged into Edwin’s dating profile together, crafting many messages to alert his targets.
“Beware of Edwin. He’s not who he claims to be. Protect your heart and your wallet,” Kristi typed steadily.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
Their initial laughter faded into a determined silence as they saw how far this man would go to scam women off their one.
It was late at night when Isabella closed her laptop and squeezed Kristi’s hand.
“And just think, what we’ve started tonight is only the beginning. Edwin has no idea what’s coming for him. Wait until the wedding—it’s going to be unforgettable!”
***
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the city chapel as Edwin, clad in a sharp black tuxedo, prepared to marry Kristi’s mother.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
However, he didn’t know that today was the last time he would ever get away with his Casanova scam.
Kristi watched from the trees, her heart pounding as the ceremony began. Suddenly, an unusual murmur spread through the crowd.
Heels clicked on the floor as one woman, then another, and dozens more converged at the chapel. All were women Edwin had deceived.
A woman in a bright red dress yelled, “Scammer!” Her voice cut through the ceremony’s solemnity.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Edwin frowned, his confusion turning to horror as he recognized her and others.
“He’s a liar!” shouted another.
“You won’t get away with this!” added a third.
The ceremony descended into chaos. One woman smashed a piece of the wedding cake into Edwin’s face, covering him with cream.
He started fleeing down the aisle, but a guest tripped him, sending him sprawling into a flower bed.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
The women swarmed, using handbags, shoes, and floral arrangements to exact their vengeance, shouting accusations.
The police eventually intervened, clearing the crowd and leading a disheveled Edwin away. As calm returned, the chapel buzzed with hushed conversations and occasional sobs.
Kristi stepped out from her hiding spot just as her mother exited the chapel, tears falling from her face. The older woman shook her head at her and got into a car.
Her mother was too proud to admit she was wrong. But Kristi would wait and give her enough time to grieve. In the meantime, she would make sure Edwin felt the full extent of the law.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
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I Went to Pick Up My Wife and Newborn Twins from the Hospital — I Found Only the Babies and a Note
When I arrived at the hospital to bring home my wife and newborn twins, I was met with heartbreak: Suzie was gone, leaving only a cryptic note. As I juggled caring for the babies and unraveling the truth, I discovered the dark secrets that tore my family apart.
As I drove to the hospital, the balloons bobbed beside me in the passenger seat. My smile was unstoppable. Today, I was bringing home my girls!
A man driving a car | Source: Midjourney
I couldn’t wait to see Suzie’s face light up when she saw the nursery, the dinner I’d cooked, the photos I’d framed for the mantle. She deserved joy after nine long months of back pain, morning sickness, and an endless carousel of my overbearing mother’s opinions.
It was the culmination of every dream I’d had for us.
I waved to the nurses at the station as I hurried to Suzie’s room. But when I pushed through the door, I froze in surprise.
A man holding balloons | Source: Midjourney
My daughters were sleeping in their bassinets, but Suzie was gone. I thought she might have stepped out for fresh air, but then I saw the note. I tore it open, my hands trembling.
“Goodbye. Take care of them. Ask your mother WHY she did this to me.”
The world blurred as I reread it. And reread it. The words didn’t shift, didn’t morph into something less terrible. A coldness prickled along my skin, freezing me in place.
A man reading a note | Source: Midjourney
What the hell did she mean? Why would she… no. This couldn’t be happening. Suzie was happy. She’d been happy. Hadn’t she?
A nurse carrying a clipboard entered the room. “Good morning, sir, here’s the discharge —”
“Where’s my wife?” I interrupted.
The nurse hesitated, biting her lip. “She checked out this morning. She said you knew.”
A nurse holding a clipboard | Source: Pexels
“She — where did she go?” I stammered to the nurse, waving the note. “Did she say anything else? Was she upset?”
The nurse frowned. “She seemed fine. Just… quiet. Are you saying you didn’t know?”
I shook my head. “She said nothing… just left me this note.”
I left the hospital in a daze, cradling my daughters, the note crumpled in my fist.
A worried man leaving a hospital | Source: Midjourney
Suzie was gone. My wife, my partner, the woman I’d thought I knew, had vanished without a word of warning. All I had were two tiny girls, my shattered plans, and that ominous message.
When I pulled into the driveway, my mom, Mandy, was waiting on the porch, beaming and holding a casserole dish. The scent of cheesy potatoes wafted toward me, but it did nothing to soothe the storm brewing inside.
“Oh, let me see my grandbabies!” she exclaimed, setting the dish aside and rushing toward me. “They’re beautiful, Ben, absolutely beautiful.”
An excited woman | Source: Midjourney
I stepped back, holding the car seat protectively. “Not yet, Mom.”
Her face faltered, confusion knitting her brow. “What’s wrong?”
I shoved the note in her direction. “This is what’s wrong! What did you do to Suzie?”
Her smile vanished, and she took the note with shaking fingers. Her pale blue eyes scanned the words, and for a moment, she looked like she might faint.
A woman reading a note | Source: Midjourney
“Ben, I don’t know what this is about,” Mom replied. “She’s… she’s always been emotional. Maybe she —”
“Don’t lie to me!” The words erupted, my voice echoing off the porch walls. “You’ve never liked her. You’ve always found ways to undermine her, criticize her —”
“I’ve only ever tried to help!” Her voice broke, tears spilling over her cheeks.
I turned away, my gut churning. I couldn’t trust her words anymore. Whatever had happened between them had driven Suzie to leave. And now I was left to pick up the pieces.
A man carrying twin babies into a house | Source: Midjourney
That night, after settling Callie and Jessica in their cribs, I sat at the kitchen table with the note in one hand and a whiskey in the other. My mother’s protests rang in my ears, but I couldn’t let them drown out the question looping in my mind: What did you do, Mom?
I thought back to our family gatherings, and the small barbs my mother would throw Suzie’s way. Suzie had laughed them off, but I could see now, too late, how they must have cut her.
I started digging, both literally and metaphorically.
A man searching through a closet | Source: Midjourney
My sorrow and longing for my missing wife deepened as I looked through her things. I found her jewelry box in the closet and set it aside, then noticed a slip of paper peeking out beneath the lid.
When I opened it, I found a letter to Suzie in my mother’s handwriting. My heart pounded as I read:
“Suzie, you’ll never be good enough for my son. You’ve trapped him with this pregnancy, but don’t think for a second you can fool me. If you care about them, you’ll leave before you ruin their lives.”
A man reading a letter | Source: Midjourney
My hand shook as I dropped the letter. This was it. This was why she’d left. My mother had been tearing her down behind my back. I replayed every interaction, every moment I’d dismissed as harmless. How blind had I been?
It was almost midnight, but I didn’t care. I went to the guest room and banged on the door until Mom opened it.
“How could you?” I waved the letter in her face. “All this time, I thought you were just being overbearing, but no, you’ve been bullying Suzie for years, haven’t you?”
An angry man holding a letter | Source: Midjourney
Her face paled as she scanned the letter. “Ben, listen to me —”
“No!” I cut her off. “You listen to me. Suzie left because of you. Because you made her feel worthless. And now she’s gone, and I’m here trying to raise two babies on my own.”
“I only wanted to protect you,” she whispered. “She wasn’t good enough —”
“She’s the mother of my children! You don’t get to decide who’s good enough for me or them. You’re done here, Mom. Pack your things. Get out.”
A man pointing | Source: Midjourney
Her tears fell freely now. “You don’t mean that.”
“I do,” I said, cold as steel.
She opened her mouth to argue, but stopped. The look in my eyes must have told her I wasn’t bluffing. She left an hour later, her car disappearing down the street.
The next weeks were hell.
A man with his head in his hands | Source: Midjourney
Between sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and endless crying (sometimes the babies, sometimes me) I barely had time to think.
But every quiet moment brought Suzie back to my mind. I contacted her friends and family, hoping for any hint of where she might be. None of them had heard from her. But one, her college friend Sara, hesitated before speaking.
“She talked about feeling… trapped,” Sara admitted over the phone. “Not by you, Ben, but by everything. The pregnancy, your mom. She told me once that Mandy said the twins would be better off without her.”
A man speaking on his phone | Source: Midjourney
The knife twisted deeper. “Why didn’t she tell me my mom was saying these things to her?”
“She was scared, Ben. She thought Mandy might turn you against her. I told her to talk to you, but…” Sara’s voice cracked. “I’m sorry. I should’ve pushed harder.”
“Do you think she’s okay?”
“I hope so,” Sara said quietly. “Suzie’s stronger than she thinks. But Ben… keep looking for her.”
Weeks turned into months.
A man rocking a baby | Source: Midjourney
One afternoon, while Callie and Jessica napped, my phone buzzed. It was a text from an unlisted number.
When I opened it, my breath caught. It was a photo of Suzie, holding the twins at the hospital, her face pale but serene. Beneath it was a message:
“I wish I was the type of mother they deserve. I hope you forgive me.”
I called the number immediately, but it didn’t go through.
A man making a phone call | Source: Midjourney
I texted back, but my messages didn’t go through either. It was like shouting into a void. But the photo reignited my determination. Suzie was out there. She was alive and at least a part of her still longed for us, even though she was clearly still in a bad place. I’d never give up on her.
A year passed with no leads or clues to Suzie’s whereabouts. The twins’ first birthday was bittersweet. I’d poured everything into raising them, but the ache for Suzie never left.
That evening, as the girls played in the living room, there was a knock at the door.
A home entrance interior | Source: Pexels
I thought I was dreaming at first. Suzie stood there, clutching a small gift bag, her eyes brimming with tears. She looked healthier, her cheeks were fuller, and her posture was more confident. But the sadness was still there, hovering behind her smile.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
I didn’t think. I pulled her into my arms, holding her as tightly as I dared. She sobbed into my shoulder, and for the first time in a year, I felt whole.
A man hugging a woman | Source: Midjourney
Over the following weeks, Suzie told me how the postpartum depression, my mom’s cruel words, and her feelings of inadequacy had overwhelmed her.
She’d left to protect the twins and to escape the spiral of self-loathing and despair. Therapy had helped her rebuild, one painstaking step at a time.
“I didn’t want to leave,” she said one night, sitting on the nursery floor as the girls slept. “But I didn’t know how to stay.”
A woman sitting on a nursery floor | Source: Midjourney
I took her hand. “We’ll figure it out. Together.”
And we did. It wasn’t easy — healing never is. But love, resilience, and the shared joy of watching Callie and Jessica grow were enough to rebuild what we’d almost lost.
Here’s another story: Thirteen years ago, I adopted my late husband’s secret twin daughters after his fatal car crash revealed his double life. I gave them everything, but at sixteen, they locked me out of my home. One week later, I discovered the shocking reason for their actions.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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