Chapter 1

My boyfriend meticulously prepared gifts for six visits to my family, yet not once did he actually make it there.

The first time, his childhood sweetheart fainted at home due to low blood sugar.

In the dead of winter, he left me alone at an unfamiliar toll booth, disappearing without a trace.

The second time, his childhood sweetheart attempted suicide at home over a man, slitting her wrists.

He had already reached my doorstep, but thrust the gifts into my hands and turned away.

I've argued with him, thrown tantrums, but to no avail.

"Can't you stop being unreasonable? We can visit your parents anytime, but can human life wait?"

Today marks his sixth time at my doorstep, and the sixth time he's abandoned me after receiving a call.

My parents' reactions have evolved from initial anger and confusion to resignation and exhaustion.

"Do you still want to go through with this marriage?"

Looking at my parents, their hair half-grayed from worrying about my marriage, I threw out all the gifts my boyfriend had brought.

"Of course I'm getting married, and it'll be a grand affair. But I have someone else in mind for the groom."

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1

Hearing my words, my parents exchanged glances and both let out a sigh.

My dad sat down on the couch and lit up a cigarette.

My mom looked at me with a complicated expression, wanting to persuade me but not knowing where to begin.

"Em, I know you're trying to comfort us by saying that. We're not trying to scold you, we just can't bear to see you compromise yourself for a man. You don't need to deceive us, it's your life to live after all. As long as you don't regret it, that's what matters."

My mom let out a soft sigh, her calloused hand gently stroking my head:

"As long as you're happy, we'll always have your back."

Tears welled up in my eyes.

I couldn't blame my parents for not believing me. After all, this had happened five times already, and without fail, I had always forgiven Damien each time before.

Now, when they had resigned themselves to the fact that I would once again forgive Damien unconditionally like before, they suddenly discovered that I had come to my senses and wanted to marry someone else. It's no wonder anyone would find that hard to believe.I look at the weary eyes of my parents, who have been busy all morning, and at the food on the table that's gradually losing its heat. My love for Damien seems to be fading away just like that steam.

I blink back the tears in my eyes and rest my head on my mom's shoulder:

"Dad, Mom, I'm being honest this time. I've really thought it through, and I don't want to marry Damien anymore."

My parents exchange a glance, their expressions suddenly animated:

"Em, are you really not kidding us? Have you truly realized you shouldn't waste any more time on that Huntington boy?"

Seeing me nod, my dad lets out three hearty laughs, then wipes the tears from his eyes:

"Good, that's great! You've finally come to your senses. Let's go out for lunch today to celebrate your newfound clarity!"

My mom, also wiping tears from the corners of her eyes, says "good" three times in a row.

I smile too.

It's been a long time since I've seen my parents this happy, ever since Damien and I decided to get married.

Damien and I met in college.

We were introduced by mutual friends and quickly became a couple.

Damien was good to me.He sends me thoughtful gifts and flowers on every holiday.

He drops everything to be by my side whenever I need him.

He risks getting fired to shield me from workplace challenges.

He wakes up early every day to cook meals for me to take to work, just because I mentioned not liking restaurant food.

Naturally, I wanted to take our relationship to the next level.

But I forgot how fickle the human heart can be.

Ever since Damien reconnected with his childhood sweetheart Melody, he's gradually grown distant towards me.