ManyWriters

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."

Boyfriend Fired By Me

"Isn't it exactly what you wanted, for our relationship to be ruined?" I challenged.


"Um... how could you think that of me? I want nothing more than for you and Damien to be happy together. I'm just trying to help you two. Have you misunderstood something?"


I took two steps back, avoiding her attempt to grab my sleeve, and brushed off non-existent dust from my clothes with a look of disgust.


"Misunderstand? Trying to help us? I think I'll pass. One of you is playing dumb while knowing full well what's going on, and the other is a fragile two-faced bitch. You two are perfect for each other. I've thrown away the key to that mess."


"Aria, can't you speak without being so prickly?"


Damien shielded the hurt-looking Melody behind him, glaring at me with anger.


"To think Melody's been trying to convince me to make up with you these past few days, asking me to forgive your childishness. I see now that I've spoiled you rotten!"


I couldn't be bothered to say much more to them. I nodded perfunctorily and turned to leave.


But Melody, on the verge of tears, rushed forward and grabbed my arm.


"Em, please don't fight because of me. I know my presence here is a nuisance to you both. I'll leave right now. Even if I end up sleeping on the streets or digging through trash, I won't contact Damien again. I won't do anything to affect your relationship."Em, Damien really likes you. He genuinely wants to marry you. After I leave, why don't you break it off with all these men you've been seeing lately? Don't do anything that would hurt Damien, okay?"


I was standing in a heavily trafficked area, and with Melody's voice being far from quiet, we now had rings upon rings of spectators gathering around us to watch the drama unfold.


"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Looking at this fair and delicate girl, who would've thought she'd be capable of juggling so many men at once."


"You know what, I've seen this chick eating and chatting with different guys around here every day for the past week. There was even one time when they drove off to a hotel together!"


"What? That poor guy. All his genuine feelings wasted on her. It really goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover."


"Aria, now I understand why you always thought Melody had ulterior motives. It's because you're the one with a dirty mind, seeing filth everywhere! And to think I went through all the trouble of preparing gifts for your parents, hoping they'd feel comfortable entrusting you to me. Is this how you repay me?"


Damien glared at me, his eyes blazing red. His hand, raised high, finally dropped in defeat.Melody, seeing the situation, didn't bother holding onto me anymore. Instead, she walked over to try and persuade Damien, while also putting in a few 'kind words' about me.


There's a saying that goes, when you've reached the limit of your patience, there's no need to endure any longer.


I stormed right up to them and delivered a slap to each of their faces:


"Damien, how many times do I have to tell you? We broke up ages ago. I'll date as many people as I damn well please, and it's none of your business!"


Chapter 5