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As time passed, Rick busied himself with what he could. He only had less than two hours until dinner with his buddy, but it was clear Charlotte was staying put. He could leave her here, but from how emotionally unstable she was, he didn’t want to risk that chance.
She didn’t seem like the destructive type, but he also didn’t know her that well. Besides, if anything were to happen to her inhishouse, he was ultimately responsible. He wasn’t risking that, either.
Alex would be his best bet. Charlotte didn’t want to bother him, but Rick was his brother, which meant Alex was obligated by blood to step in. Rick could be subtle about it. He could text Alex that Charlotte was here, or pretend Alex and Sarah were stopping by, andboom—they see her, whisk her away, and he’sfree.
Maybe in another hour or two, he thought to himself at the sight of her in such a pitiful state.
A beep buzzed from his phone, and he saw a text from his long-time friend, Nick, whom he was supposed to meet for dinner later.
Sorry, buddy. Probably not tonight.
He sent the text, shoved his phone inside his pocket, and reluctantly walked to sit next to the bride. If he hadn’t witnessed it himself, and wasn’t considering the situation, then he would joke about how she looked. Maybe a K-Drama actress, or even a Tim Burton character.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“No,” she whimpered. He reached for the tissue box by the coffee table and handed her one.
She took it and unceremoniously blew her nose into it. “Everything is a mess. I don’t know how I’m going to face them. My mother is going to be furious. But I am just so, so tired.”
“Have you told her this?”
She always seemed fixated on her mother and not herself, who was supposed to be the one getting married. It wasn’t new to him she had an overbearing Asian tiger mom who sought to control every aspect of her daughter’s life. Rich Asian families had that dynamic. More money, more problems. No choices, no autonomy. He didn’t envy them one bit.
He spent most of his life taking care of Alex and their ailing father after their mother left them when they were young. In that scenario, they had to think for themselves.
“No, I didn’t. She won’t listen, so I don’t bother,” she fretted sadly.
“What about your dad?”
He heard her scoff, then laugh. “My stepfather is too afraid of her, and my father wants nothing to do with her. I’m on my own.”
“For what it’s worth,” Rick said. “I think you’re off to a good start.”
She spun her head to look at him, surprise apparent in her shimmering eyes. It was the first time he got a proper look at her up close, and despite being in a mess, she could still pull off glamorous.
“W-What do you mean?” she asked, blowing her nose again.
“This is a good way to get her to listen. You’re not happy with your fiancé, I’m guessing. Or the relationship?” He clarified. “Whatever it is, you’re unhappy, and by leaving, you’re standing up for yourself. I’m not saying it was the best method, but it definitely got her attention. So don’t feel so bad. You’re doing right by yourself.”
Taken aback, Charlie stared at him. It was the first time he’d ever offered anything thisprofound. Even he was shocked at himself.
Three
For months,Charlie was a walking zombie. If her head wasn’t occupied with work, then it was on how to get her mother off her back, which entailed saying ‘yes’ to everything the woman wanted.
This style of dress is good for your figure. It hides your wide hips and distracts from your broad shoulders.
Thanks, mother.
The dress-fitting experience wasn’t pleasant, and she barely remembered that day. Grace had too many opinions on Charlie’s figure. Despite being on a disciplined diet and exercise regimen, there was always something Charlie needed to improve.
She went on autopilot for the rest of the wedding planning, half listening, half living, that she’d forgotten most of it. Was there a cake tasting? Catering? The wedding was about pleasing her mother and her friends. None of them cared about whatshewanted.
Now, living in the aftermath, she could only think of the repercussions. The looks she’ll get, the nagging, the judgments. Bile churned in her belly, and she wanted to bolt for the bathroom if not for Richard.
She didn’t know what possessed her to jump into a random car, but in her frantic haze, she ran on instinct. The moment she saw the familiar face of Richard Min, her best friend’s brother, it felt like a good move. He wasn’t a complete stranger, and he wasn’t in her social circle, so it seemed like the right way to go.
Since meeting him all those years ago through Alex, she had the impression that he was selective with his friends. He was always polite and well-mannered, but he kept his distance.
