My just-turned-adult daughter, Lily, left me speechless by announcing she was going to marry a 60-year-old man. To say I was floored would be putting it mildly. I rushed to convince her not to do it.

“Honey, WHY HIM? Find someone your own age… He’s more like a grandpa to you!”

She stood her ground, defiant. “He is my fiancé, and you won’t stop me! THE CEREMONY is on Friday.”

“WHAT??? That’s next week!”

“I LOVE HIM! If you meddle, you’ll never see me again.”

I begged her to think about the future, but she seemed to be under a spell! In despair, I decided to talk to the groom. Surely, my daughter is young and naive, but this man must have some common sense, right? But just before I could knock on his door, I overheard his conversation with another woman.

“You really think this will work?” a female voice asked.

“Of course,” the groom replied. “Lily is just a pawn in this. Once we’re married, I’ll have access to her inheritance. The old fool she calls her father left her a hefty sum, and she’ll never suspect a thing.”

I felt my blood run cold. My heart pounded as I listened, unable to believe what I was hearing.

“And what about after you get the money?” the woman asked.

“Then we’ll leave. She’ll be heartbroken, but she’ll move on. I’ll make sure she never finds us.”

I couldn’t stand it any longer. I burst into the room, my face flushed with anger.

“How dare you!” I shouted, pointing a trembling finger at the groom. “You won’t lay a finger on my daughter or her inheritance!”

Both of them turned to me, shock evident on their faces.

“Lily is just a naive young woman,” I continued, my voice shaking with rage. “But I’m not. I heard everything, and I won’t let you manipulate her for your own gain.”

The groom tried to compose himself. “You don’t understand. It’s not what it seems—”

“Save it,” I cut him off. “You’re not going to marry my daughter. And if you try to come near her again, I’ll make sure the police know about your little scheme.”

I stormed out, my heart pounding. I had to find Lily and tell her everything. She was devastated when she heard the truth, but eventually, she saw reason.

“I can’t believe I almost married him,” she said, tears streaming down her face. “Thank you for saving me, Mom.”

I hugged her tightly. “I’m just glad I found out in time. You’re young, and you have your whole life ahead of you. You deserve someone who loves you for who you are, not for what you have.”

We spent the next few days together, and I helped her cancel the wedding and sever ties with the groom. It was a painful experience, but ultimately, it brought us closer. Lily learned a hard lesson about trust and love, and I was just grateful that I could protect her from making a huge mistake.