I never thought I’d be the type to call off a wedding. But life has a way of surprising you, doesn’t it?
I’m one of those people who prefer making big decisions after talking to my friends and family and knowing what they think about it. But this time, I just knew I had to do this.
I knew I had to cancel the wedding because what happened at the restaurant that day was something I didn’t see coming.
Before discussing that day, let me share a bit about my fiancé, Richard. I met him at work when he joined as a junior executive in accounting. I don’t know what it was, but something about him attracted me. Something that made me notice him right away.
Richard fit the definition of a handsome man. Tall, with stylish hair, a warm smile, and a great sense of humor. He quickly became the office favorite, and soon, we were chatting during coffee breaks.
We started dating around seven weeks after he joined, and I realized he was everything I wanted in a partner. Confident, kind, responsible, and solution-oriented. Just the kind of man a clumsy woman like me needed.
Our relationship moved fast. It was way too fast, now that I think about it. Richard proposed just six months after we started dating, and I was so caught up in the whirlwind romance that I said yes without hesitation.
Everything about him seemed perfect, except for one thing: I hadn’t met his parents yet. They lived in another state, and Richard always had an excuse for why we couldn’t visit. But once they heard about our engagement, they insisted on meeting me.
“They’re going to love you,” Richard assured me, squeezing my hand. “I’ve booked us a table at that fancy new place downtown for Friday night.”
I spent the next few days in a panic. What should I wear? What if they didn’t like me? What if they tell Richard to leave me?
I swear I tried around a dozen outfits before settling on a classic black dress. I wanted to look sophisticated but not overdressed.
On Friday, I came home early from work and got ready. No-makeup look, cute black heels, a mini bag, and a natural hairstyle. I wanted to keep it simple but perfect for the occasion. Richard picked me up soon after.
“You look gorgeous, babe!” he said, flashing the smile I adored. “Ready?”
I nodded, trying to calm my nerves. “I hope they like me.”
“They will, babe,” he held my hand. “After all, you’ve got everything that a parent would want to see in their child’s partner. You’re amazing inside out.”
I felt a bit relieved at that point, but I still wasn’t ready for the drama that was about to unfold.
A few minutes later, we entered the restaurant, and I thought it was stunning. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and soft piano music filled the air. It was the kind of place where even the water glasses looked expensive.
We spotted Richard’s parents at a table near the window. His mother, Isabella, a petite woman with perfectly coiffed hair, stood up as we approached. Meanwhile, his father, Daniel, who seemed quite stern, remained seated.
“Oh, Richard!” his mother cooed as we approached her, completely ignoring me. She wrapped Richard in a tight hug, then held him at arm’s length. “You look so weak. Have you lost weight? Are you eating enough?”
I stood there awkwardly until Richard finally remembered me.
“Mom, Dad, this is Clara, my fiancée.”
His mother looked at me from head to toe.
“Oh yes, hello dear,” she gave a smile that did not quite reach her eyes.
His father just grunted.
As we sat down, I tried to start a conversation.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you both. Richard has told me so much about you.”
Before either of them could respond, a waiter appeared with menus. As we looked them over, I noticed Richard’s mother leaning towards him.
“Oh, sweetie,” she said in a loud whisper, “do you want Mommy to order for you? I know how you get overwhelmed with too many choices.”
What the… I thought.
Richard was thirty years old, and Isabella was treating him like he was eight. But to my surprise, he just nodded. I thought he’d tell her to stop treating him like a baby, but I was wrong.
“Thanks, Mom,” he said. “You know what I like.”
I tried to catch Richard’s eye, but he was focused on his mother. She proceeded to order the most expensive items on the menu for both of them. Lobster, prime rib, and a $200 bottle of wine.
When it was my turn, I ordered a simple pasta dish. I was too stunned to have much of an appetite.
As we waited for our food, Daniel finally addressed me directly.
“So, Clara,” he said, his voice gruff. “What are your intentions with our son?”
I almost choked on my water. “I’m sorry?”
“Well, you’re planning to marry him, aren’t you? How do you plan to take care of him? You know he needs his clothes ironed just so, and he can’t sleep without his special pillow.”
I looked at Richard, expecting him to jump in...
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