My Fiancée Sent My Daughter to Sit in the Bathroom During Our Wedding — When I Found Out Why, I Knew I Had to Teach Her a Lesson

My throat tightened. “How many?”

“Three,” Juniper said. “I counted.”

The blue folder held life insurance details, house paperwork, and the legal stuff I avoided because it made my grief feel official. I felt heat rise behind my eyes, but I forced my voice to stay gentle.

“You did the right thing telling me,” I said.

Outside, Maribel stood near the chairs greeting guests.

Juniper’s lips trembled. “She said if I told, you’d choose me and she’d lose.”

My heart cracked in two. “You never keep scary secrets for adults,” I said. “Not for anyone.”

Juniper nodded like she was memorizing it. I offered my hand. “Come with me.”

Outside, Maribel stood near the chairs greeting guests. She barely realized I was walking towards her. When she finally spotted me, she lifted a hand and smiled wide.

I walked straight to her. “Maribel,” I said, low, “we need to talk.”

“Why did you put my daughter in the bathroom?”

Her smile stayed put. “Grant, now?”

“Yes,” I said. “Now.”

I guided her toward the side of the yard by the hedge. The officiant glanced over, puzzled, then looked away like he didn’t want to get pulled in. Maribel’s voice turned sweet.

“Are you nervous?” she asked. “Because that’s normal.”

“Why did you put my daughter in the bathroom?”

Maribel’s smile twitched. “Oh my God. Relax.”

“She watches me like I’m a criminal.”

“Answer me,” I said.

She rolled her eyes. “Your daughter sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“She’s nine,” I said. “In her own home.”

Maribel sighed, irritated. “She watches me like I’m a criminal. It’s weird.”