In Love With My Son-in-Law

His lips on mine.

~Ophelia POV~

I moved toward the two girls, but my eyes could not leave my darling daughter. She looked absolutely stunning, neat and radiant in every way.

It was her day, and she deserved every beautiful thing that was happening. I stepped closer and stopped behind Amara, staring at her reflection in the mirror as our eyes met.

She looked so much like me—everyone had always said so. I suppose that was one of the reasons I loved her so deeply. In many ways, she felt like my mini-me, a younger version of myself with brighter dreams and a future still untouched by pain.

“You look so beautiful, my baby,” I said, my voice trembling with emotion. Tears welled up in my eyes and spilled over before I could stop them. This moment felt like a milestone in my life as much as it was in hers. I leaned closer and gently caressed her hair, still watching her through the mirror.

“You don’t have to cry, Mom,” she said softly. “You know if you cry, you’ll make me cry too.”

She lifted her hand and placed it over mine as it rested in her hair, and I felt the warmth of her touch spread through me.

“I think the rest will be waiting for us,” Melissa interrupted gently, and she was right. It was time for me to take my daughter to her future husband. I was more than sure Amara was going to have a beautiful marriage.

“I think she’s right,” I agreed, straightening myself and asking Amara to stand. Everything was ready now; there was no need for any delay. Melissa stepped out to make sure everything outside was set and promised to come back for us.

If I hadn’t divorced my husband, we would have been doing this together. But I didn’t regret my decision—not for a moment. I was actually grateful he had left.

Every time I remembered that he had been having an affair with my own secretary, my resolve hardened. Men could be unbelievable sometimes. I only hoped Rio was different, truly different, and that he would treat my daughter with the love and respect she deserved.

Shortly after, Melissa returned to inform us that all the guests had arrived.

“Honey, now it’s time for me to hand you over to your lifelong partner,” I said as I took Amara’s hand in mine. She flashed me a warm, radiant smile. Seeing my daughter smile had always been my greatest priority in life, and in that moment, I felt fulfilled as a mother.

“Oh, Mom,” she said softly, “I think I’m a bit nervous.”

“You don’t have to worry,” I reassured her. “That’s normal. On your wedding day, you feel so many emotions—excitement, fear, happiness. Sometimes you even imagine your man might run away,” I added lightly.

“But you don’t need to worry about anything.”

I could see her slowly relax.

“Now just be ready and put on that beautiful smile before I take you to your husband,” I said. She laughed softly, and I knew it was time.

Ten minutes later

“Mrs. Ophelia, someone wants to talk to you,” one of the ushers said. I was surprised. There had been a small delay before the ceremony, but I hadn’t expected this. I wondered who could possibly want to see me at such a moment.

I looked at my daughter, silently asking for permission. She nodded in approval. I turned back toward the house, where the usher said the person was waiting.

I just hoped it wasn’t my ex-husband. I had made it clear he wasn’t welcome at this event. It wasn’t selfishness—he had caused enough drama in the past, and I didn’t want any today.

I took long strides into the living room, but I froze when I saw who it was.

What the hell was he doing here?

It was Rio, standing by the window that faced the garden where the wedding was taking place. Even though his back was turned to me, I knew instantly it was him.

“What are you doing here?” I asked sharply. The situation was confusing and unsettling. I prayed he wasn’t here to tell me he was breaking up with my daughter on her wedding day. I didn’t know what that would do to her.

He turned around swiftly, his expression serious—far too serious. My heart began to race. It felt like my worst fear was about to come true.

“What is it?” I asked, unable to hide the surprise in my voice. “They said someone was calling me, but I didn’t expect it to be you.”

He said nothing. He simply stared at me for what felt like two long minutes, leaving me completely confused. Before I could speak again, something happened—something I still didn’t know how to name.

The next thing I knew, I felt his lips on mine.

What the hell was happening, for heaven’s sake?

***

As I promised, I will try as much as possible to update at least four times a week.