I was minutes away from marrying the man I loved when my father suddenly froze. A terrified look from him shattered everything I thought I knew.
I always thought my wedding day would end with tears of joy, not a broken heart. More than anything, I wanted my father, Daniel, to walk me down the aisle.
My father raised me alone, as my mother left when I was little. He would braid my hair before school, work nights, and sit beside me when I was sick.
He always said, "Your life will be better than mine. I'll do everything I can to make sure of it."
I always thought my wedding day would end with tears of happiness.
***
Julian, my fiancé, had only seen Dad a few times through video calls with video problems because we lived in Europe for three years. When we returned before the wedding, Dad missed the rehearsal dinner because of a fever.
Even so, she smiled on the phone and said, "I'll see him tomorrow, when I accompany you."
***
On the wedding day, I stood outside the church with Dad. I heard the rustle of my dress, smelled the white roses, and felt his ragged breathing.
When the music started, Dad walked and then stopped.
Dad missed the rehearsal dinner.
My fiancé was at the altar, smiling.
My father's grip tightened on my arm.
"Dad?" I murmured. "What's wrong?"
She stared at Julian, her face pale.
"No..." Dad whispered. "It can't be."
Julian's smile disappeared as he walked towards us.
Dad raised a trembling hand.
"How can this be you?" he demanded. "I was sure you'd disappeared thirty years ago!"
My knees almost gave out.
"It just can't be".
"Do they know each other?" I asked.
Dad whispered, "Adrian..."
Julian looked at me.
"There's something your father has never told you."
My father stared at my fiancé as if he had seen a ghost.
"You're Leonard's son. You were just a child the last time I saw you."
Murmurs spread through the pews.
"What's going on?" I asked.
No one answered.
Elise, my maid of honor, hurried over. "Everyone, please remain seated. We need a moment."
"Do they know each other?"
***
I took Dad to a small office.
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