Chapter 1: The Secret in the Bathroom

The groom's heart pounded as he looked into the little girl's frightened eyes.

"Sweetheart," he said softly, kneeling beside her, "what's your name?"

The girl hesitated before whispering, "Emily."

"Emily, why did your mom tell you to hide?"

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

"She said... if you saw me, the wedding would be ruined."

A cold chill ran down his spine.

The wedding would be ruined?

He glanced at the tiny princess dress she was wearing. It looked carefully chosen, almost as if she had been meant to be part of the ceremony.

Then Emily reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded photograph.

"Mom said I can't show this to anyone..."

The groom unfolded it.

His blood turned to ice.

It was a picture of him.

Holding a newborn baby.

On the back was written:

"Daddy's first day with Emily."

The date was six years ago.

The groom stared at the photo in disbelief.

He had never seen it before.

But somehow... it was undeniably him.

And suddenly, he realized there was only one person who could explain it.

The bride.