On my wedding night, I hid under the bed to surprise my husband. Instead, my mother-in-law walked in, put him on speaker, and asked, “She still has no idea?” Seconds later, I learned the shocking reason he had married me.

My veil caught against the wooden frame.

I nearly laughed out loud trying to free it.

Then the door opened.

I immediately knew the footsteps weren’t Rodrigo’s.

High heels crossed the room.

A pair of burgundy shoes stopped inches from where I was hiding.

I recognized them.

My mother-in-law.

Patricia Luján.

She sat on the edge of the mattress directly above me.

My smile disappeared.

Patricia pulled out her phone.

A moment later, I heard Rodrigo’s voice through the speaker.

“Where are you?”

“In the service elevator,” he answered. “Mariana