Chapter 3
But the phone line kept buzzing with a busy signal, and after several minutes, no one answered.
My heart sank, and I felt a little anxious. After all, we had only met once.
Arnold watched me with a mocking tone.
“Sara, I used to think you were just a little shameless, but now I think you’re really good at fooling yourself.”
Peter sneered. “Sara, you should really stop with these pointless efforts.”
Esther looked at me with a false air of understanding and turned to Arnold. “Arnold, it seems like Sara really wants to get married.
“Why don’t you just pretend to go along with her for the sake of completing this charade? I think she looks pretty pitiful.”
Arnold didn’t hesitate to refuse, saying decisively, “I’m just trying to make you laugh. I have no intention of marrying Sara.”
He took a step back, distancing himself from me as if making it clear that he wanted no part in this and was afraid I might cling to him.
Esther then turned to Tyler.
Tyler also quickly declined, “This is way too embarrassing. I’m not doing it!”
Watching them both hurriedly refuse, pledging their loyalty to Esther, I vaguely recalled the time when they were eighteen.
They’d both fought to invite me as their partner for their coming–of–age dance.
They’d competed to plant roses for me, just to win my favor.
Now, my heart had grown numb.
10:47 PM S
<
I didn’t want to watch Esther’s hypocritical act anymore.
I said coldly, “Don’t worry. I won’t marry either of you scumbags. I’ve had enough of you. My groom is someone else.”
My father seemed to have had enough.
He yelled at me.
“Sara! What are you playing at? Are you trying to ruin my reputation?
“Why can’t you be more like Esther? Do you really want everyone to know you’re a desperate, unmarriageable loser?”
I was stuck on stage, unable to leave, while all he cared about was his face.
D
But my grandmother held my hand and stood firmly by my side. She gave me a comforting smile. “Sara never lies! Please, everyone, just wait a little longer.”
At that moment, my phone suddenly rang.
I picked it up.
The voice on the other end was urgent but had a soothing, reassuring tone.
“Sorry, honey, there’s some traffic, but I’m on my way.”
I reminded him to be careful on the road.
Tyler sneered and stared at me, “You’re really good at pretending. Did you hire an actor on the fly or something?
“Sara, you’ll do anything to preserve your pathetic little pride, won’t you?
“You’re so desperate to get married. Why don’t you just pick a man from the guests and get married right here?”
Arnold pretended to be kind and suggested, but I knew he was doing it on purpose, trying to force me into a corner.
The next second, he grabbed the microphone and spoke to the audience.
“We’re having a live wedding here for Sara! Any man can sign up to participate. If someone catches her eye, we’ll just hold the wedding right here.”
He continued with a sneer, “Anyone willing to try? Sara is loyal and devoted, and she’s been chasing after me for years.”
