“I’ll do it, Mom. I’ll marry the guy you chose for me,” I said.
In the darkness of the living room, my voice sounded stiff and melancholic.
Mom was shocked to hear that I was agreeing to the marriage alliance she previously proposed. “I thought you didn’t want to do it? Why are you agreeing to it now?
“Marriage isn’t a game, Vicky. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to get married. I just want you to be happy. You need to be sure about what you’re doing. Don’t make rash decisions.”
Tearing up at her words, I replied, “I’ve thought things through, Mom. You guys can proceed with the wedding preparations.”
Mom knew I was upset. After a moment of silence, she started comforting me, saying, “Your dad and I have always known that your relationship with Isaac wouldn’t last.
“You’ve been with him for so many years now, but he has refused to make things official between you two or even let the families meet each other.”
This time, her words cut me like a knife. Alas, everyone else could see the situation clearly. I was the only clueless one.
“Your dad and I both agreed that Henry Langford would make an excellent husband for you.
“While we can’t make guarantees about everything, at the very least, we can assure you that he is a fine young man of decent character and comes from a distinguished family, too. You deserve the best, Vicky.”
Taking a deep breath, I replied, “Thanks, Mom. I trust your and Dad’s judgment.”
“Shall I arrange for you and Henry to meet each other sometime soon?” Mom asked.
“It’s fine. You guys can just go ahead and plan the wedding,” I answered.
Once the call ended, Isaac Emerson appeared behind me with a small cake in hand. He asked me curiously, “What wedding? Who’s getting married?”
It was my wedding. I was getting married.
I silently responded to his question as I couldn’t bring myself to say the words out loud. Shaking my head, I replied, “It’s nothing. A friend of mine is getting married.”
Once I said that, I saw the way his expression relaxed noticeably, and that made me feel bitter.
1/2
