After three years of silence, my ex-husband Leo suddenly said he wanted to reconnect with our daughter, Lily. Hopeful, I agreed to let him take her for the weekend. He even sent photos of them smiling at the park, and I thought maybe he had finally changed.

Then my sister called, her voice shaking. She’d seen Leo’s Instagram — he wasn’t bonding with Lily. He was at his wedding to the woman he’d left us for. And in the photos, my little girl stood there in a flower girl dress I’d never seen, used as a prop for their “perfect day.”

Heart pounding, I rushed to the venue. There was Lily, sitting alone in the corner, clutching her teddy bear. When she looked up and whispered, “Mommy, can we go home now?” I didn’t hesitate. I picked her up and walked straight out, ignoring Leo and his bride’s protests.

Later, I learned it had all been the bride’s idea. She’d bragged that I would “fall for it.” That was the last time Leo saw Lily. He didn’t want to be a father. He just wanted a picture-perfect wedding. And until he proves he truly wants a place in her life — he won’t get another chance.