ManyWriters

Her boyfriend of three years said he would take her to the beach for New Year's Eve.
But on New Year's Eve night, her boyfriend was nowhere to be found.
She went outside to look for him.
Instead, she saw him on the beach, tenderly embracing his childhood sweetheart.
"This is the last New Year's Eve I'll spend with you. Tomorrow, I'm going to propose to her. You can get married without worry. I won't bother you anymore."
On the first day of Christmas, she accepted his proposal, but on the eve of their wedding, she held another man's hand and said to him:
"You can keep being a lovesick puppy without worry. I have someone to marry now. I won't bother you anymore."

She's Only Meant for Marriage

Then there was a photo of Harlow in a wedding dress, standing next to Xavion who was smiling brilliantly.


I could almost hear Harlow's malicious voice saying, "He's helping me try on wedding dresses."


My body, warmed by the sun just moments ago, suddenly froze. In the photo, Xavion's smile was one I had never seen before.


I gripped my phone tightly, masochistically staring at that photo until I felt tears welling up. Before they could fall, I said goodbye to Mom and Dad and left.


Even though Mom and Dad couldn't see me anymore, I didn't want them to see my tears. It would break their hearts.


I stumbled home in a daze. At the doorstep, I saw two people. I walked up and started to ask, "Hello? May I..."


The moment the middle-aged woman in the black coat turned around, the words caught in my throat. It was my Aunt Freesia.


My mom's younger sister, who had gone abroad when I was twelve. Mom lost her phone once, and then lost touch with Aunt Freesia.


More than a decade had passed, and Mom never managed to contact Aunt Freesia before she passed away. Aunt Freesia and I stood at the door, sobbing for a long time, unable to speak.Then she was coaxed inside by the young man beside her. Aunt Freesia introduced him to me as her adopted son, Garrison.


Aunt Freesia and Garrison stayed at my place. I talked with Aunt Freesia for a long time, and then we both cried for a while, but I felt truly happy inside.


I had family again. I wasn't alone anymore. The next day I called in sick again, as my eyes were too swollen to go out.


When Xavion called to check on me, I just gave him a few perfunctory responses. That photo had severely shaken my resolve to marry him.


The weekend came around quickly. I told Aunt Freesia about the dinner with Xavion's parents. Aunt Freesia had already decided to stay in the country.


She had some paperwork to take care of that day and couldn't go with me, but she still asked for the address, saying she'd come later.


I nervously entered the private dining room and saw Harlow sitting next to Xavion's mother. I couldn't help but frown.


Xavion's mother's displeased voice rang out, "You don't even know to greet your elders when you see them. I really don't know how your parents raised you."Harlow continued with a sarcastic tone,


"Oh, Auntie, don't you know that Delia's parents are no longer with us?"


I was shaking with anger. Xavion grabbed my arm and shot a reproachful glance at his mother. I barely said a word for the rest of the meal.


As I listened to Xavion's mother listing her outrageous demands, Aunt Freesia called. I left the private room to take the call.


When I returned, I overheard Xavion's mother at the door saying,


"What a shame. Our Xavion doesn't have the luck to marry someone like Harlow. I really can't stand that Delia girl."


Xavion's next words made my already wavering heart finally hit rock bottom.


"Well, since I can't marry Harlow, it doesn't matter who I marry. Delia has no parents, she's low-maintenance and obedient. She's perfect for marriage."


My hand hesitated on the doorknob, unable to press it down. Suddenly, Garrison called my name from behind. I turned to look at him.


Garrison seemed confused but nodded anyway. I grabbed his hand and pushed open the door to the private room.Amidst the surprised expressions of everyone around us, I tightly gripped Garrison's hand and flashed a smile at Xavion.


Chapter 4