Frost stood up, flashing a faint smile, and explained that she and Soren were just childhood friends with an arranged marriage, but both had feelings for other people.
She urged me to think it over for three days, then left with a dejected look.
I was left alone at home, completely at a loss.
Escaping marriage, confessing love, proposing... These bombshells hit one after another, leaving me dazed and confused.
I began to wonder if Frost was having some kind of mental breakdown.
For the next three days, Frost didn't show up at the office.
I buried myself in work as usual, but couldn't calm my mind no matter what.
Finally, I made up my mind. After tidying up my current projects, I submitted my resignation to HR, planning to use up my vacation days and then bid farewell to this troublesome place.
As for that ring, I put it back in Frost's desk drawer untouched, leaving her a note:
"Teacher Frost, thank you for your affection, but it seems we're not meant to be."
"I'm returning your ring as is. I hope you find your soulmate soon and grow old together."
However, even after I got home and had a good night's sleep, there was still no word from Frost.
I was puzzled, but early the next morning, an unfamiliar phone call interrupted my thoughts.
"Hello, who is this?"
I answered the phone with a hint of grumpiness from just waking up.The microphone transmitted an authoritative female voice: "Is this Zeke? I'm Felicity, Frost's mother. Bring your ID and come downstairs to meet me right now."
"Huh? Meet you... for what?"
I wasn't fully awake yet.
The other party snapped coldly, saying impatiently:
"This is unacceptable. Aren't you supposed to go to the courthouse with Frost today to get your marriage license? What are you dawdling for? Come down immediately!"
I jolted awake, all traces of sleepiness vanishing.
What was going on?
Just yesterday, Frost had proposed to me with such tenderness, and now we're suddenly getting our marriage license?
I hastily got dressed and as soon as I opened the door, I saw Frost standing outside in a black trench coat.
Her expression was solemn as she got straight to the point: "Zeke, to be honest, my mother suffers from paranoid personality disorder, usually controlled by medication.
But a few days ago, because of the wedding, her condition suddenly worsened."
"With no other choice, I had to tell her about running away from the wedding and proposing to you."
"Unexpectedly, she strongly approved and insisted we get married quickly."
"Zeke, I know this is unfair to you, but I beg you to help me one more time. Play along with this act until my mother's condition stabilizes, then you can do whatever you want."Frost's autumn-water eyes were filled with pleading and helplessness.
My heart was a jumble of emotions, yet I couldn't bring myself to refuse.
I knew nothing of Mrs. Frost's medical history, but she seemed perfectly normal during her last marriage...
"So... if I play along with this charade, will you leave me alone afterwards?" I asked cautiously.