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
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