Chapter 3

Silence stretched for three seconds.

"What did you say?"

"The wedding is canceled. We're not getting married."

My voice was flat.

"Tell everyone not to come. I'll go to the venue tomorrow to cancel the deposit."

"What happened? Did you two have a fight? It's normal for couples to bicker before the big day, but tomorrow—"

"Mom, please don't ask."

I hung up, then sent a quick text to my dad:

"Dad, the wedding is off. Please apologize to the relatives for me."

My dad texted back instantly: "Understood."

I sank into the sofa. The crystal chandelier overhead cast a blinding glare.

She had chosen that light. She insisted on crystal, spending thousands more than standard fixtures.

She said a wedding home deserved nothing but the best.

The front door clicked open.

Jessica stood in the entryway. Her hair was a mess, her eyes red and puffy, as though she had been crying her heart out.

She was wearing a white knit sweater—one I had bought for her just last week.

"Ryan."

She slipped off her shoes and walked in, her voice hoarse.

"When my parents saw you weren't going to pay, they realized keeping me was useless. They kicked me out."

She sat on the sofa, leaving the space of a person between us.

"They disowned me."

She hung her head, her voice trailing off.

"They said raising me was a waste of time and money."

I stared at her in silence.

"Ryan, you're the only one I have left now."

She looked up, fresh tears welling in her eyes.

"My parents threw me away. If you abandon me too, I don't know what I'll do."

"You're right. I'm abandoning you too," I said.

Tears clung to her cheeks as she froze completely.

"I already canceled the wedding."

I pointed at the gift envelopes on the table.

"All of this will be returned tomorrow."

"Why?"

Her voice suddenly turned sharp.

"Haven't you always wanted to marry me? We don't need that five hundred thousand anymore! My parents aren't asking for money! Why can't we get married?"

"Are you sure they don't want it?"

"They swore they don't want a single penny!"

Jessica scooted closer to me.

"Ryan, let's just get married tomorrow, okay? Just like we planned. Everything is ready."

"And what about after?" I asked.

"After what?"

"What happens when your brother needs a new car? When your parents want to remodel their house? When your brother needs money for his own wedding?"

I counted them off on my fingers.

"Are you telling me they won't come running to you for cash?"

Jessica bit her lip. "I won't give them anything."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive!"

Her tone sounded unwavering.

"They've already thrown me away. Why would I give them another dime?"

"Then what about this afternoon?"

I turned my head to look her dead in the eye.

"You asked me for another five hundred thousand."

"They forced me to do that!"

Panic flared across her face.

"Do you know how terrifying it was in that house? They threatened to show up and ruin our wedding if you didn't pay! I was just terrified!"

"Do you take me for a complete idiot?"

My words stopped her dead.

"Ryan, what are you talking about?"

"What am I talking about?"

I stood up, looking down at her coldly.

"Jessica, your parents don't even know which hotel the reception is at. How were they going to crash it?"

Her face drained of color.

"Did you tell them?" I pressed.

"No!" She shook her head frantically.

"They didn't even know where the wedding was. Were they going to throw a tantrum on the street?"

Jessica's lips began to quiver.

"Ryan, why won't you believe me?"

She jumped up and grabbed my arm.

"I'm not lying to you! My parents are terrible people—they break their promises, so what could I do? I'm the victim here too!"

"Then how did you get into their house today?"

"What?"

"Only you and I have keys to this apartment."

I pulled my arm free from her grip.

"How did your parents manage to haul you back there? Did they kick the door down? Or do they have superpowers?"

"The only way you ended up there... is because you walked back yourself."