I was overjoyed on my wedding day—until my old rival, Mary, crashed the celebration and grabbed the microphone. “Nobody invited me, but I’m here to say something important,” she said. I panicked, especially since Mary had once claimed to be Tom’s lover. I turned to Tom angrily. “I told you not to invite her!” He gave me a strained smile. “I didn’t.” But before we could argue, the guests chanted for us to kiss, and we were swept back into the celebration.

As I tossed my bouquet, it landed in Mary’s hands. She smiled smugly, and I turned away in frustration. Then the toastmaster invited her to speak. My heart sank as she stepped toward the mic. I feared she’d expose my past: my first love Michael, our tragic marriage, and the daughter he left behind. I had kept all of that from Tom, hoping to tell him when the time was right. But if Mary spoke, my entire life could unravel in front of everyone.

Just as Mary opened her mouth, Tom squeezed my hand. “I know everything, Jess,” he whispered. I was stunned. “What?” He smiled. “We’ll talk later. I forgave you already.” He had known all along—about my past, my daughter, even the heartbreak. He had chosen to love me anyway. As Mary continued, she shocked us all: “I came to wish you both happiness and bring a gift from the office.” Nothing more.

Later, Mary admitted she once loved Tom, but she knew he loved me. We hugged, letting go of the past. Tom had investigated my history, even confronted my ex-husband when he tried to interfere. He stood by me and loved my daughter as his own. A year later, we welcomed twins, and Tom became the best father to all three children. What began as a marriage of convenience became the love story I never expected.