“I’m saying Amelia may receive attention she isn’t prepared for.”
Amelia lowered her fork.
“I’ve dealt with people staring at me since I was fourteen, Mrs. Bennett. I can handle attention.”
My mother smiled, but there was no warmth in it.
“I’m sure you can.”
I ended dinner early.
As we drove away, Amelia remained silent.
“I’m sorry,” I said.
“You don’t need to apologize for them.”
“Yes, I do.”
“No, Daniel. You’re not responsible for every cruel thing another person says.”
Her voice was steady, but tears were sliding down her face.
That made me angrier than if she had shouted.
The following morning, my parents asked me to come over alone.
My mother didn’t waste time.
“What will people think when you present Amelia as your wife?”
I felt something inside me go cold.
“Is that what matters to you?”
“We’re concerned about your future,” my father said.
“Look around,” my mother added. “There are countless beautiful women from excellent families. Wealthy women too. Women who could help you build a life instead of arriving with burdens.”
I stood.
“Amelia is not a burden.”
“You’re emotional,” my father said. “Give this time.”
“I’ve given it enough time to understand exactly who she is—and exactly who you are becoming.”
My mother’s face hardened.
“You will regret throwing away your opportunities.”
“The only thing I would regret is losing Amelia because I was too weak to stand beside her.”
I left their house and didn’t return.
The Wedding They Tried to Stop
Six months later, I proposed to Amelia beside the same river where she had told me about the explosion.
She cried before I even opened the ring box.
“Yes,” she said. “Yes, of course.”
NEXT PAGE
