Arthur invited me to dinner, and she arrived late. She was polite, but distant. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes, and Arthur seemed uneasy around her, which I found strange. Later, he told me she was just protective.

I believed him.

There were other small moments that didn’t quite make sense, but I ignored them. When happiness comes late in life, you don’t question it too much.

After a year together, Arthur proposed. He said we didn’t have time to waste, and he didn’t want to lose what we had. I said yes without hesitation.

At our age, when joy arrives, you don’t keep it waiting.

A week before the wedding, Linda tried to speak to me alone. She asked if I truly knew her father. Before she could finish, Arthur walked in, and the moment passed. I didn’t think much of it then.

The wedding itself was small and simple, held in Arthur’s backyard. I felt happy—truly happy—as I said “I do.”

But Linda stood off to the side the entire time, watching with a troubled expression.

During the reception, I finally approached her. I wanted to clear the tension between us.

She took my hand and led me somewhere quiet.

For the first time, her expression softened.