Chapter 2: The Truth About the Engagement
Chapter 2: The Truth About the Engagement
Andrew finally stepped closer.
"Clara..."
His voice shook.
"Why didn't you ever tell me?"
She looked at the man she had once believed she would spend the rest of her life with.
"I wanted someone to love me before they knew what I owned."
Andrew swallowed hard.
"I did love you."
She tilted her head.
"Did you?"
"When your mother mocked my clothes..."
"You stayed quiet."
"When she demanded a prenuptial agreement..."
"You agreed."
"When she called my family embarrassing..."
"You changed the subject."
She took another slow breath.
"And today..."
"You asked me to apologize."
Andrew couldn't answer.
Because every word was true.
Patricia stepped forward again.
"This is ridiculous."
"So she's rich."
"She's still marrying into our family."
Clara gave a sad smile.
"No."
"I'm not."
The guests gasped.
Andrew looked horrified.
"What are you saying?"
She slowly removed her engagement ring.
The diamond sparkled beneath the crystal chandeliers.
"I spent two years hoping you'd eventually choose us over your mother's approval."
"You never did."
She placed the ring into his palm.
"So today..."
"I'm choosing myself."
Andrew's eyes filled with panic.
"Please don't do this."
"We can fix everything."
"You mean now that you know who I am?"
"No!"
"I swear that's not why."
Clara's expression remained calm.
"Then tell me."
"If I still lived in that little house..."
"If I still worked twelve hours a day sewing dresses..."
"If I owned nothing..."
"Would you be standing here fighting for me?"
Andrew opened his mouth.
Nothing came out.
That silence answered every question.
Clara nodded once.
"I thought so."
May you like
The officiant quietly closed his ceremony book.
There would be no wedding today.
