He took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly as he began to speak. “David isn’t who he says he is. He’s been lying to Emily… to everyone.”The words hit me like a physical blow. David? The man who had lovingly looked at Emily throughout their vows, who had tenderly kissed her as they were pronounced husband and wife? It seemed inconceivable. “What do you mean?” I asked, my voice rising with a mix of disbelief and desperation.

“There’s more.” Dad hesitated, as if gauging whether to continue, but the dam had already broken. “He’s been involved in some very dangerous activities. Things that put people in harm’s way. I found out through a contact of mine, someone from my past who works in intelligence. David’s connected to a group that’s under investigation.”