«And now the bride will gift her business to the groom!» — the emcee announced at the mother-in-law’s request, but instead of the deed, I played the video and the mother-in-law had to flee through the back door…….

It’s me. Everything that was alive and strong in me, I put into it. And you? You just stood and waited for when you could take it off the cake like a toy. Silence.

Then another knock. Open up. We need to talk.

She looked at the key still in the lock. Turned it and cracked the door open. Ethan stood on the steps, in his suit, with a crumpled bow tie, confusion mixed with offense in his eyes.

I wanted what was best, he said. Mom really thought it would be beautiful. Symbolic.

Anna burst out laughing, short, bitter. Beautiful. Symbolic.

To give myself, my work, my name under loud toasts? And then what? Have a child, according to the script? Arrange a photoshoot by the fireplace? Don’t exaggerate, and you don’t pretend to be naive, Ethan. You knew she was preparing this. And you stayed silent.

Because it’s convenient for you. He stepped back, as if her words hit harder than a shout. For a few seconds, he looked into her eyes, then lowered his gaze.

«Annie, you don’t understand,» he began quieter. «This is bigger than you think.» Mom, she helped me.

And you. She covered your loans when you had debts. Remember, a year and a half ago you had a cash gap, Mom gave money, without demanding repayment.

Anna froze. That, that was you. You said you took it from your savings.

I didn’t want to upset you. It was important to me that you held on. We all wanted you to rise.

We all. Or her. He lowered his head.

And now everything fell into place. Investment in the business. Buying a coffee machine as a gift.

Little things that didn’t seem dangerous until they formed one picture. This wasn’t help. This was laying the foundation for someone’s future property.

Did you ever believe in me? Or did you just help to take it one day? I loved you. And I love you. This isn’t about love, Ethan.

It’s about choice. And you made it not today, but then, when you didn’t tell me the truth. When you decided that I and my business are convenient property.

He didn’t answer. He just turned away, as if everything he could say had lost meaning. We can fix everything, he exhaled finally.

We’re married. We’re family. Just forget this scene.

Everything can be rewritten back if you want. Anna looked at him and felt emptiness. Not anger.

Not pain. Emptiness. As if part of her had been pulled out, and she hadn’t yet realized which part.

«Leave,» she said calmly. «Now.» Ethan wanted to add something but changed his mind.

He turned and walked into the night, as if dissolving. Anna stood for a few more seconds at the door, then turned the key again and locked it. She went to the office.

There, on the shelf, lay the folder with the founding documents. She opened it and saw fresh papers. Prepared.

Signed. With seals. Her signature was forged.

And the date was a week ago. Her heart pounded louder than the sound of rain starting outside. He knew everything.

He planned it. Didn’t even wait for consent. They thought the wedding was the perfect moment to make it official.

Gently. With a wedding toast. Like in a fairy tale.

But now this wasn’t just a scene at the wedding. This was a crime. And she knew who was behind it.

Ethan’s mom. Her smile, polite conversations over tea, gifts in beautiful boxes, womanly advice. Everything was clever.

Too clever. Anna sat at the desk, placed the documents in front of her, and turned on the laptop. Checked her email.

Indeed, a week ago, an electronic document about the change of shares arrived. Transfer of one hundred percent share to the new owner, Ethan. Processed through a notary.

With a power of attorney. Under her signature. Fake.

She picked up the phone, dialed her old friend, a lawyer. Sophia, hi. This is Anna.

Listen, I need help. Urgently. And, the same minute she hung up, a notification of a new email popped up on the screen.

Subject — statement on company liquidation. Your copy. Her fingers went numb.

She opened the file. Date — today’s. Signature — hers…