When my dad, 61, announced his wedding to his girlfriend Dana, I kept my doubts to myself. She never liked me, but I showed up for family events. Then came the wedding. I wasn’t even formally invited, but my dad insisted I stay at their house the night before.

The next morning, I woke up to find my phone, keys, and all exits locked. Dana had trapped me inside with only a sticky note: “Don’t take it personally. It’s just not your day.”

She underestimated one thing: I still had my Apple Watch. I messaged a friend, who arrived like a hero. We made it to the wedding just as Dana walked down the aisle. I stormed in, showed the note, and told my dad what happened in front of everyone. Guests gasped. The wedding was called off, and Dana was exposed.

Weeks later, my dad left her, telling me, “I saw her for who she really was—because of you.” Sometimes, being the villain in someone’s story means you’re the hero in your own.