ly

meone I've never even met," I exclaimed,

uel joke. My mom's request came as a complete shock. Not only was I still grieving the end o

t's Ethan Smith we're talking about." My m

ne," I stated firmly. I could feel the pitch of my voice rising, too. "Mom, I don't

she acted as if they were not, which made me feel like an outsider in my family. She had expensive tastes and loved living a luxurious lifestyle. I

an in building relationships. I'm surpris

a is e

something wasn't right. I had a nagg

hat didn't work out. This could be

hard because I kn

than Smith." I couldn't believe I'd blurted out those words. I wasn't sure if i

by the idea, but I c

een in many failed relationships. I wasn't unattractive. I was certain that I was at

********

convince him we were meant to be together. I knew it might make me seem foolish, but I

o talk things through with him. As I arrived at W

me off guard, and I couldn't help but plea

ed him to reconsider. "Please tell me what I did wrong. I love you,

t good enough?" I implored, hoping he wo

cold. "I wouldn't want her to meet

uttered, i

he replied with

ld back the tears. I felt like I was sinki

y mind was racing with thoughts, and I couldn't escape the feeling that my mother had bee

ng and suffocating. With each step, I tried to shake off

***********

mom stated as she barged into my ro

door, her hands on her hips. "Is there

disappointment. "No," I whispered

sticking to y

et, but I had made a promise, and I had to follow through. Even if it meant marrying Ethan Smith, a man I hardly knew. There was a part o

ed for you and Ethan," her eye

nfusion and surprise. "But that was s

th a dismissive flick of her wrist. "He's a lovely

h her time. I felt a surge of anger, but I forced myself to remain calm.

eling that my stepfather's company was somehow involved. I couldn't help but wond

being pushed into this marriage. I had a nagging feeling that something was am