Against my desires, my 18-year-old daughter was getting married to a 60-year-old guy she had fallen in love with. She declared herself to be deeply in love with this man. I was horrified to learn a terrifying fact about him.
The late afternoon sun filled the living room with a warm glow as I sorted through the usual mail. The sound of the doorbell signaled Serena’s early return from her part-time job. She breezed in, her vibrant energy and the sweet scent of vanilla filling the space. I always looked forward to her visits during this time of year.
“Hi, Dad! You won’t believe what transpired with Jessica, my roommate. Sensing my discomfort, Serena hesitated. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, indeed,” I replied. Everything is fantastic. Please enter, my love.”
“So,” I started, “you were saying…”
Indeed, Dad. In actuality, I met someone who seems really kind and considerate. Edison. truly adores me. Our goal is to tie the knot. However, he’s…”
“But?”
“He’s sixty.”
‘Sixty’ struck me hard. Eighteen years old and a man sixty years old, nearly three times her own age? My judgment became muddled by disbelief and concern. “Serena, are you sixty? That’s… do you not see the problem here?
“Dad, love isn’t determined by age. Edison understands me and believes in me,” she said.
But Serena, what about the future? He’s a lot older.”
“Dad, love isn’t about statistics. Serena’s voice quivered with conviction, “It’s about feeling seen, loved, and cared for, and Edison makes me feel that way.” “Will you please try to meet him at least once? I promise you will adore him.”
I was utterly stunned. Was Serena oblivious to the significance of her words? I couldn’t turn her down, though. What could possibly go wrong with a meeting? I consented to meet this man from Edison.
I went to the balcony at Edison’s the next night because I wanted a breather. Just then, I heard a brief exchange of words. “Annie, please hurry up,” came out of Edison’s polished voice. “My name is Brother. You are familiar with me. It’s merely lighthearted entertainment. An opportunity to win a little extra.”
“This is reckless, Edison,” a woman, likely Annie, told him. “You’re playing with that girl’s feelings for what you call ‘harmless fun.’”
A cold shiver ran through me. “What are you talking about?” Edison growled in response.
Annie growled, “The wager, Edison.” “You think marrying a naive girl is easy money to clear your debts?”
My heart sank as I realized that Edison was using my daughter as a mere wager. Anger surged through me.
I ran back inside and discovered Serena. “Serena, you’ve duped us! He views it all as a game.” I lost my mind.
“Dad, what are you talking about?” When I told Serena about the bet, her expression changed from one of confusion to shock.
“Serena, he’s lying to you! With a crack in my voice, I added, “He’s just using you.”
But Serena became combative. “You’re fabricating this! Edison was never your favorite! Dad, Edison looks out for me, but you don’t. You were never present. It seems like you prioritized your work over me after Mom went away. I did not feel like I had a father. Dad, I didn’t need those nannies or those fancy boarding schools. You were necessary to me.”
Her words stung, but I knew our first priority was to confront Edison about his deceit.
Then I saw him walking into the dining room. I could no longer contain my anger. I exploded, shouting, “Stay away from my daughter, you creep!” and struck him in the face.
However, Serena was enraged with me. “Dad, stop it! She shoved me back, yelling, “It’s my life, not yours.” I was aware that Serena would not support me at that point, regardless of what I said. The artificial affection Edison had shown her had blinded her.
Eventually, heartbroken but resolute, I walked out. My daughter needed rescuing, so I reached out to a friend who works as a private investigator. A few days later, he provided me with a report detailing Edison’s troubled history, including his struggles with misfortunes and gambling addiction.
This was my chance to win Serena back by telling her the truth about Edison.
Duke R., Edison’s former business partner, was referenced in the report but was overlooked as a result of Edison’s errors.
According to the article, Duke used to hang out at a small cafe outside of town named Le Beans Café. I took down Duke’s phone number and gave him a call.
Duke and I met at the dimly lit Le Beans Café. Despite his own challenging life, he was ready to share everything he knew about Edison’s gambling issues. He was determined to help me shield my daughter from him.
That evening, I met Duke and then headed to the casino that Edison often visited, adopting the persona of “Parker,” a wealthy tax professional. I had my story ready and dressed the part. With a grin, I took a seat at Edison’s table.
“Hello, Parker. Tonight’s big game is on. Feeling fortunate?”
I literally played my cards properly, and I beat Edison’s hand with a royal flush to win. Though I could tell he was rattled, he tried to remain composed.
Edison said, “Looks like beginner’s luck.”
I remarked, smiling softly as I allowed him to recognize who I was. “Or maybe some of us just know how to play,” I added. “Surprised to see me, Edison?”
When he finally grasped the situation, his face turned pale. “Billy? What’s this all about?” he asked.
“Serena is the issue here,” I stated firmly. “Leave her alone, and we’ll consider it settled.” I added, “Otherwise, you can settle the debt immediately with cash. Let’s just say I have unconventional methods for collecting unpaid debts.”
“All right, I’ll avoid her,” he grudgingly said.
I was worried as well as relieved to have won as I left the casino. Edison caved in too quickly, and I had the unshakeable impression that our relationship with Serena wasn’t over.
Hearing Serena’s voicemail again in the morning filled me with fury. “Honey, why aren’t you answering my calls?” In my desperation, I reached out to her friend Sarah, who excitedly revealed that Serena was engaged to Edison. This shocking news caught me completely off guard.
“Party of engagement? Alongside Edison?” It stunned me.
Indeed! Serena should have told you. Mr. Thompson, you ought to attend. Without seeing my surprise, Sarah answered, “It’s at The Grand Springs, starts at eight.”
When I arrived at The Grand Springs, I saw Edison, who exuded charm among the visitors, and Serena, who was beaming with joy. I was furious as I walked up to Edison, and my heart was racing.
I drew him aside and said, “We need to talk now.”
The sight of Serena’s voicemail once more in the morning only fueled my anger. “Why aren’t you picking up my calls, honey?” Desperate, I contacted her friend Sarah, who excitedly informed me that Serena was engaged to Edison. This revelation stunned me completely.
“You think you can just waltz in and take over my daughter’s life?” I shoved him against the wall and confronted him angrily.
“She adores me. And your naughty little secrets? With a hint that he knew something about me that could be harmful, Edison lashed back, “They could destroy you.”
“But it’s not going to work out. Not under my supervision!” I said, while being alarmed by his promise to inform Serena of my previous transgressions.
“Thompson, two minutes. Then I dial security,” Edison forewarned, upsetting me. “Daddykins, do you think you can stop this? She cherishes me. She desires me. And no matter what you do, she will never trust you again if she notices even the slightest scratch on me. Thompson, is that what you’re after? to have your lovely daughter desert you?”
I had to concede that the old creep was correct, despite my strong dislike for him. Serena wasn’t even in favor of me. I could not bear to lose her permanently.
Deflated and saddened, I found myself outside, where the dazzling city lights appeared to mock my failure to protect Serena from Edison’s deceit. Feeling overwhelmed, I took a seat on a bench and covered my face with my hands.
I was engrossed in my own misery until I noticed someone coughing. Glancing up, I saw a tall, gray-haired woman who appeared quite gentle in the dim light. She whispered, “You’re Mr. Thompson, right?”
“Annie? Edison’s sister?” It astonished me to see her again.
She smiled a little. Yes, we have previously seen one another. She reminded me of the time you attempted to save your daughter at Edison’s.
I immediately filled her in on the whole problem with Edison and his deceitful behavior toward Serena. “And you’re aware of it, too, right?”
At last Annie spat, “that cunning weasel”. “He’s wasted everything — our inheritance, my savings from years of theatrical performances… all gone to feed his gambling addiction.”
“We could stop him,” I added, sensing that she could be inclined to assist.
“What do you have in mind?” Annie inquired.
I gave her an explanation of my strategy and even made her an initial financial offer. I added, “Think of this as a start.”
She stated, “I’m listening,” with curiosity.
We executed our plan at the wedding. Annie was present, disguised as another guest. Just as Edison placed the ring on Serena’s finger, a young woman cried out, “He’s a liar!”
Moments later, another woman stood up to share her own story of Edison’s deceit. As more guests came forward, the extent of Edison’s fraudulent activities was exposed.
Edison attempted to refute it. “No, they’re not telling the truth! He claimed, “I don’t even know them,” but as soon as everyone realized who he really was, he started to crumble.
Our strategy was successful. The wedding became an occasion where Edison’s lies were all revealed to the public.
An older woman approached Serena during a tense moment.
“My dear, don’t fall for his tricks. He’s just trouble all around. Leave him as soon as you can! “I too have been a victim,” the woman stated adamantly. I was watching on a video call as Serena’s fantasy of bliss was dashed and she tossed away her wedding ring.
This was the culmination of the scheme that Annie and her acting troupe had devised to reveal Edison’s true identity to the public. Though it was evident that Serena was injured, running out of the chapel was her only option to avoid making a grave error.
Then, when the police arrived to take Edison into custody, things became much more serious as it became evident that Edison would eventually have to pay for his acts. Annie’s assistance came at a high cost, but it was well worth it when I saw my daughter freed from Edison.
I had a really emotional encounter with Serena when I later met her at her apartment. “I’m very sorry, Dad. She sobbed, “I should’ve paid attention to you.
Reminding her of her desire of pursuing fashion design, I embraced her and showed her an airline ticket to Boston. “It’s time to start over, to chase your dream,” I encouraged her.
She gave me a hopeful and appreciative gaze. “Many thanks, Dad. I adore you, “said she.
This entire experience made me realize how crucial it is to support our children and go above and above to ensure their safety.
Had I been there for Serena, there’s no way she would have fallen in love with Edison. After taking a deep breather, I made the decision to put my daughter first.
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