What Wendy didn’t know was that I’d hired a second photographer to capture every candid moment. He photographed Alex and Matthew sharing small, tender interactions that showed their deep bond — and Wendy’s cold reaction whenever Alex was near.

During my toast, I raised a glass and spoke about how marriage means embracing someone’s entire life, including their children. The room fell silent, and Wendy’s mask began to slip. When Alex handed her the flowers, calling her “Mommy,” she barely acknowledged him. The photographer caught every second.

Weeks later, I gave Matthew the photo album. As he turned the pages, his face grew pale. The images told the story better than words ever could: Wendy didn’t just dislike Alex — she rejected him completely. Matthew finally saw the truth and ended the marriage. Soon after, he and Alex moved into a cozy house where laughter returned, filling their days with joy and love. In the end, the photos didn’t just reveal what love isn’t — they showed us what family truly is.