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“She… couldn’t make it.” I accept the teacup and stare into its murky water.
“Son, you look… troubled,” my father says.
My heart constricts with guilt. They deserve the truth.
“Sit down, Felix.” My mother gestures towards one of the plush velvet couches. “Tell us what’s on your mind.”
As I sink into the cushioned seat, I take a deep breath and plunge headfirst into the truth. “The engagement is off.”
For a long moment, they just stare at me. It’s like I’ve spoken in a foreign language and they’re trying to even begin a translation.
“Off? But why?” My father’s face contorts with dismay.
“Because the relationship was never real to begin with,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “Lily and I… we agreed to marry because we both were pressured to.”
My mother’s eyes widen, and for a moment, all is silent in the drawing room. I can feel their disappointment, their confusion.
“And why didn’t you tell us?” My father laughs in disbelief. “You know we are not against an arranged marriage. We had women picked out, and?—”
“Because I just wanted you off my back.” I put the tea down and clench my hands together. “And because… I wanted to show you that I could manage the situation on my own. That I could pick my own wife, and I didn’t need you playing matchmaker for me.”
“Felix…” My mother shakes her head, her long, dangling earrings dancing with the force.
“And I didn’t want to get married at all,” I continue. “Not now. Not ever. Lily seemed like the best option, though.”
My father’s eyes narrow. “And yet you still didn’t tell us? You would have had our blessing regardless of the emotional connection you two have.”
I look at my hands. If I explain any further, it will reveal what a jerk I truly am.
I wanted my parents to think that I was in love, that I was finally committed to a woman. That way, they wouldn’t watch me like a hawk, like I was sure they would do if I entered a marriage they knew I didn’t want to be in.
My mother holds up her hand. “It doesn’t matter now. All that matters is that you’ve told us the truth.”
I sigh heavily. I’m not done — there’s one more secret left to reveal.
“We’re expecting a baby,” I tell them, my voice cracking with emotion. “And I don’t know what to do.”
“A baby?” My father blinks rapidly. “You said your relationship with Lily was not real.”
“It wasn’t, but?—”
“So then you used her and impregnated her.” He leans forward, his voice rising. “Is that it?”
“No!” I stand. How dare he talk about it like I don’t care for Lily?
“I love her,” I spit out, before I know the words are even coming.
“You love her,” he says carefully. “And yet the relationship is not real?”
“I… it’s complicated.” I feel like an absolute coward all of a sudden. Like scum.
For a long moment, no one speaks. The air feels heavy with unspoken words and emotions. Then, slowly, my mother reaches out and takes my hand, her gaze filled with sympathy and understanding.
“You call it a fake relationship, Felix, but I have never seen you so taken with someone before.”
I meet those familiar eyes that are filled with years of wisdom and love. She seems to know things about me that I have yet to understand myself. It’s both comforting and unnerving.
“Your father and I might believe in custom and the importance of family, but we also believe in love. We were fortunate enough to be brought together by a deep, heartfelt connection. We have always wanted the same for you.”
