When I was ten, my parents told me they were divorcing, and it felt like a bomb had dropped. Mom remarried David quickly; he was charming but controlling. Dad, more distant than ever, married Helen, who was cold and sharp.

Initially, I shuffled between their homes, trying to adapt. But the cracks soon appeared. Helen’s hostility grew, and David’s charm felt like a leash. Mom and David’s marriage ended in a bitter divorce, followed by Dad and Helen’s split. Dad became a ghost of his former self.

Years later, I was shocked to find Mom and Dad dating again. They announced their remarriage and invited Helen and David to the wedding for “closure.” Helen and David declined, but I remained anxious.

On the wedding day, Mom looked radiant, and Dad seemed rejuvenated. Just as I thought the worst was behind us, Helen and David appeared at the reception, creating a tense atmosphere.

Helen announced they had manipulated my parents’ relationship, fueling arguments and doubts to reunite them. The room was silent as Helen and David revealed they had been puppet masters, believing it was for the best.

Mom and Dad were stunned, trying to reconcile their happiness with the betrayal. Eventually, Mom hugged Helen, and Dad embraced both Helen and David. The tension eased, turning into cheers and applause.

The day ended on a note of unexpected acceptance. Despite the manipulation, Mom and Dad found happiness together again. It was a dramatic, unconventional resolution, but it brought them—and us—closure.