What Happened to My Son!

"You finally came around, honey."

"Katie kept looking around all day, hoping you'd show up at her wedding."

"Thank goodness you did. If you hadn’t come, this day would’ve been filled with regret for her."

Annalise looked at me with relief in her eyes, like a mother proud of a child who had finally grown up.

I glanced at her, then at Katie.

And then I let out a cold, bitter laugh.

“This wedding... I’m probably the last person you two wanted to see here, aren’t I?”

My words made both Annalise and Katie freeze.

Around us, the wedding guests started to whisper with furrowed brows:

“What’s wrong with this guy? He skipped his daughter’s wedding, then showed up just to stir trouble?”

“I heard he’s been suffering from delusions for years. He claims Katie isn’t his daughter, and kept calling the cops to help him search for some imaginary son. He drove his whole family to the brink!”

“And yet, his wife never gave up on him. She took care of him day in and day out. His daughter tolerated everything, and tried everything to help him get better.”

“With someone that useless and deranged, how did he end up with such a good wife and such a thoughtful daughter?”

“Exactly! I can’t stand crazy people. All they do is make everyone around them miserable.”

Accusations and disgusted looks swarmed me like a wave, as if I were some heinous criminal who had committed unforgivable crimes.

Before it could spiral further, Annalise quickly stepped forward to shield me.

“Please, don’t be so harsh. Ivan is just sick—he’s not a bad person.”

“I hope everyone can show him a little more patience and kindness.”

“Once he recovers, he’ll go back to being the loving man we knew, the husband and father who cared deeply for his family.”

Katie nodded with tears shimmering in her eyes.

“Yes, no matter what... he’s still my father. He gave me life and raised me. He’s the person I love most in this world.”

“If you’re upset with him, take it out on me. Just don’t hurt my dad.”

Their heartfelt words moved the guests.

People who were cursing me just moments ago were now clapping in admiration, touched by the mother and daughter's compassion and devotion.

But in the middle of all that applause—I laughed.

A cold, hollow laugh.

I looked straight at Annalise and Katie, my eyes like ice.

Word by word, I said, “Stop pretending.”

“I know everything.”