I met Colin three months ago, and it felt like destiny. He was everything I ever dreamed of… kind, attentive, thoughtful, and utterly perfect. When he proposed after just two months, I didn’t hesitate to say YES. Everyone said it was too fast, but when you know, you know, right?
Last night was a big step: dinner with his family. I was nervous but hopeful. He spoke so fondly of them—his doting mom, polite siblings, and especially his sweet grandmother who helped raise him. I picked out a modest but elegant dress, brought a bouquet for his mother, and even baked lemon bars since he said his grandma loved them.
The evening started well. His mom complimented my dress. His younger sister laughed at my jokes. The food was excellent. Colin held my hand under the table.
But then… his grandma leaned in close during dessert. She smelled faintly of lavender and cinnamon. Her voice was low, shaky but firm as she said, “You better run, girl.“
I blinked. “I’m sorry, what?”
But she just smiled sweetly at everyone else, slipped a small envelope into my lap, and went back to eating her pie like nothing had happened.
I excused myself and hurried to the bathroom. My hands trembled as I opened the envelope.
Inside were photographs—grainy, but unmistakable. Colin… with another woman. Multiple women. One photo showed him kissing someone last week. Another showed a pregnancy announcement post—captioned with his Instagram handle tagged as the dad.
There was also a note written in shaky cursive:
“He’s done this before. Fast engagements. Sudden proposals. Promises. Then secrets. Lies. Affairs. One woman moved across the country for him. He left her a month later. I don’t want to see another girl hurt. Run while you still can.”
I stared into the mirror, my reflection pale and stunned.
When I walked back out, Colin was laughing with his siblings, sipping wine, completely unaware that his perfect mask had started to slip.
I sat down, smiled faintly, and whispered to his grandma, “Thank you.”
She patted my hand.
Colin looked at me, concerned. “Everything okay?”
I smiled wider. “Oh, everything’s perfect, Colin. Just perfect.”
But in my head, I was already planning my exit—and this time, I wasn’t going to wait for any more red flags. The universe didn’t whisper. It screamed. And thankfully, Grandma made sure I listened.