When my son brought his fiancée home, I was thrilled to meet the woman who had stolen his heart. But as soon as I saw her face, my excitement vanished. I already knew her, and soon I had her locked away in my basement.
The urge to protect your child never fades. I’m a mother in my fifties living in a quiet suburban neighborhood with my husband, Nathan. We’ve been married for over 25 years and have a son, Xavier, who is the light of our lives.
A couple with their son | Source: Midjourney
He’s 22 now and about to graduate from university. Although he moved away years ago, we’re still a very close family. At least, that’s what I thought until a few weeks ago, when Xavier surprised us with a phone call.
It was a normal Tuesday afternoon. Nathan and I were in the living room, half watching TV and half dozing, when the phone rang.
“Mom, Dad, I have great news!” Xavier exclaimed through the line. “I’ve met someone. Her name is Danielle and she’s amazing. We’ve been dating for three months and…” He paused dramatically. “I proposed and she said yes!”
A man proposing marriage | Source: Midjourney
I couldn’t speak for a second. There was so much to process. Woman. Three months. Proposal? “Wait, are you engaged?” I asked, looking at my husband, whose jaw was practically on the floor.
“Yes! I wanted to tell her sooner, but Danielle is very shy. She wasn’t willing to meet you until now, but I’ve convinced her. Can we go out for dinner this weekend?”
“Of course!” I said, although my mind was already filled with worries and only a little bit of excitement.
A woman on the phone with surprised eyes | Source: Midjourney
Xavier hadn’t mentioned a single girlfriend during his four years at university. No dating stories, no photos, nothing. Now he was engaged after only a few months of dating! It was crazy.
After hanging up, I spoke with my husband. “What do we know about her?” I asked Nathan as we tidied up the house to get ready for the weekend. “Where is she from? What does she do?”
“Honey, you heard the same thing I did,” Nathan smiled at me. “Maybe he’s just in love. You know how young love is.”
A smiling man | Source: Midjourney
That didn’t calm my nerves. I tried calling Xavier the next day to ask him more questions, but his answers were vague. “She’s from around here,” he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. “She’s amazing, Mom. Just wait until you meet her. You’ll find out everything you need to know.”
With those words, I decided to put my worries aside for now and focus on the future. I had to prepare for that momentous event. Nathan also reminded me of the potential benefits of our son getting married: grandchildren!
A dreamlike shot of two young children | Source: Midjourney
So when the big day arrived, I got to work. I roasted a chicken, baked a cherry tart, and set the table with our best china.
Nathan also spent a fortune on some expensive steaks. “This is in case she prefers beef to chicken. First impressions matter, right?”
“Of course, darling!” I said. “Wait, do you think I should make another dessert in case she doesn’t like the cherry tart?”
We spent the whole morning like that. Nathan even mowed the lawn, though I had no idea how that would help. But it made us even more excited.
A man with a lawnmower | Source: Midjourney
When the doorbell rang, we couldn’t stop smiling. We must have looked like two people in a horror movie, because Xavier took a step back as soon as we opened the door.
“Welcome!” I said, almost shouting.
Xavier smiled shyly and introduced us to Danielle, who was standing shyly beside him, with hunched shoulders and a small smile.
A couple on a porch | Source: Midjourney
She was petite, with dark hair and large eyes. Beautiful, truly, and she looked good next to my son. But her face… it only took me a second to recognize it.
Even so, I smiled as I welcomed them, but I felt panicked for a very valid reason.
Just a few months ago, my friend Margaret showed me a picture of a woman who had scammed her son. He had fallen in love with this woman, who had convinced him to buy her an expensive engagement ring and give her thousands of dollars for “wedding expenses.”
Engagement ring | Source: Midjourney
Then she’d vanished without a trace. Margaret was devastated and had shared the photo with everyone she knew, hoping someone might recognize the con artist. And now, here she was, standing in my living room.
Her hair was a different color, much darker, and she might have been wearing blue contact lenses, but I recognized that face. And what happened next was a blur.
Somehow, we all sat down. I served dinner, and everyone chatted animatedly. I even answered messages when I could. But I couldn’t stop looking at Danielle. I also discreetly checked my phone, trying to find the photo Margaret had sent. She must have deleted it.
A dining table laden with food | Source: Midjourney
I’d have to call her later. Suddenly, Nathan coughed. He’d noticed my distraction and asked me to help him in the kitchen.
“What’s wrong, Evangeline?” he whispered once we were alone.
“It’s her,” I said urgently. “The con artist Margaret told us about. I’m sure of it.”
“What? The one who broke his son’s heart and stole everything?” Nathan frowned, hands on his hips. “Are you sure? It could be someone who looks like her.”
A man with a worried expression | Source: Midjourney
“I assure you, Nathan, it’s her,” I insisted. “Margaret shared that photo everywhere she could for months after she disappeared. I have to do something before she hurts Xavier too.”
Nathan sighed, but didn’t argue. “Just… be careful. Let’s not accuse anyone without proof.”
When dinner was over, I had devised a plan and put it into action. “Danielle, will you help me choose a wine from the cellar?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
A woman at a table smiling awkwardly | Source: Midjourney
She hesitated, but nodded. “Of course,” she said, standing up.
I led her downstairs, trying to be as casual as possible. Luckily, she was shy enough that the conversation wasn’t that important. But as soon as she stepped into the dimly lit basement, I turned around and closed the door behind her.
My hands were shaking as I rushed upstairs. “Nathan, call the police. Right now.”
Xavier stood up from his seat, his brows furrowed. “Mom, what are you doing?” he demanded.
A confused young man | Source: Midjourney
“That woman isn’t who she says she is,” I said firmly. “She’s scammed people before. I’m protecting you.”
Xavier looked like he’d been slapped. “What? No! You’re wrong! Danielle isn’t a con artist. She’s kind, honest, and she’s my fiancée.”
I ignored him, called Margaret, and explained the situation. “Send me that picture of the scammer,” I begged my friend and hung up. Seconds later, my phone buzzed with the image. It was her. I had no doubt.
A woman with blonde hair | Source: Midjourney
I turned the phone back to my son and husband. “See? I’m not crazy!”
Luckily, the police arrived shortly after and confirmed that she wasn’t crazy. She was just mistaken.
Xavier went downstairs to let Danielle out of the basement. And, for some reason, she wasn’t scared. She was frustrated but… amused.
A woman with a slight smile | Source: Midjourney
She turned to us with a sigh. “It’s not the first time someone’s mistaken me for that woman,” she said. “I know exactly who you’re talking about. She’s ruined my life, or almost. I’ve been taken to the police station before, and I’ve seen her picture. She’s blonde with brown eyes; my hair is black, and my blue eyes are natural. I’m not her.”
One of the officers looked at her carefully and then nodded. “I remember this case. The real con artist used the name Danielle and evaded the police for a long time. I think she even managed to scam someone else before she was caught. She’s been in jail for a while now. I can confirm that this woman isn’t her.”
A smiling police officer | Source: Midjourney
My jaw dropped. I felt relieved, but also incredibly embarrassed. Why didn’t Margaret know? “Oh my God! I… I’m so sorry,” I stammered.
To my surprise, Danielle smiled broadly and then giggled. “Well, it was an interesting way to meet my future in-laws,” she joked. “At least I got to choose a wine.” And she had good taste, too, because the bottle she’d picked was one of the most expensive.
His words made me laugh, and the tension was easily broken.
Xavier hugged her, clearly relieved and so in love. “I told you she wasn’t like that,” he said, giving me a snarky look.
A couple embracing | Source: Midjourney
That night ended with apologies and a new beginning. Over time, I got to know Danielle and saw how much she truly loved Xavier. She was affectionate, funny, and an incredibly talented baker who even made her own wedding cake.
As for me, I learned a lesson about jumping to conclusions. While I remain protective of Xavier, I’m learning to trust his decisions. And now we have a family history we’ll never forget, though I doubt Danielle will let me enjoy it anytime soon.
A woman embarrassed | Source: Midjourney
This work is inspired by real events and people, but 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 to actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher do not guarantee the accuracy of events or character portrayals, and are not responsible for any misinterpretations. This story is provided “as is,” and the opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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