Chapter 2
The hanger slipped from my mom's hand and fell onto the couch.
"What do you mean, calling it off?" she asked.
My dad poked his head out from the kitchen. "You two had a fight? Come on, couples fight all the time. It's nothing. Both families are already set to meet tomorrow, so don't let your emotions get the best of you."
"It's not out of pique," I said.
I took out my phone and placed the screenshots of their chat right in front of them.
"I don't want to marry him anymore," I said.
Silence fell over the living room.
My mom didn't understand at first.
She pushed up her glasses and moved closer to the screen, reading each message one by one.
Then, little by little, her eyes started to well up with tears.
My dad's face darkened as he read through every single message.
He was usually easygoing and always thought Alex was a good guy.
He always said, "Alex is reliable. Emma's a little shy, but with him taking care of her, we never had to worry."
But right now, he just stared at the screen, silent for a long moment.
Finally, he asked, "Has he really been talking about you like this to other people all these years?"
My mom had had enough. She stood up and grabbed her phone.
"I'm calling Mrs. Carter right now!
"How could he treat you this way?" she said.
My dad held her back. "Let's handle it in person tomorrow."
My mom gritted her teeth. "Why bother having dinner with them? Seriously, what's even left to discuss with a family like that?"
My dad looked at me.
"Emma, do you want to go tomorrow?"
I was silent for a long moment.
"I will.
"The engagement is a matter for both families. If we're calling it off, we need to make it clear in person," I said.
Her face was wet with tears as she wrapped me in a tight hug.
That night, Alex sent me a bunch of messages.
Alex: [Are you home yet?]
I didn't reply, so he messaged again.
Alex: [Baby, are you upset?]
Alex: [What happened this time?]
After about ten minutes, another message popped up.
Alex: [Don't be mad. Our parents will be there tomorrow. Just don't let them see anything's wrong.]
Sophie texted me too.
Sophie: [Emma, why did you slip out without a word?]
Sophie: [Are you nervous about the engagement?]
Sophie: [Don't worry! If Alex ever treats you badly, I'll beat him up for you!]
I didn't reply to any of them.
Early the next morning, Alex texted me.
Alex: [I'm here. Come downstairs.]
I paused for a moment, then headed downstairs.
His black car was parked under the sycamore tree, and Alex was leaning against the hood, waiting for me.
When he saw me, he gave me a gentle smile. "Emma."
I stood there, my voice steady. "Alex, I'm calling off..."
Before I could finish, the passenger door swung open.
Sophie poked her head out.
She had on a cream-colored dress, her hair done up in flawless curls.
I stopped in my tracks.
Alex glanced at her and grinned. "Sophie said she's coming along with you.
"Look at her, all dolled up today, pretending to be all proper for once."