Chapter 1

It happened suddenly, leaving everyone stunned. My parents and Charles Lisbon rushed over to wipe the sticky orange juice off my clothes while I looked at the angry child quietly, still in shock. He was only five years old, but he looked like his mother. He was an adorable child, but at that moment, his eyes were full of anger. He was like a knight fighting for justice.Selene Hecks, Charles' cousin, came over while pulling him along and said lightly, "Georgie, this isn't your dad; he's your uncle." She dragged him away without even a word of criticism or blame.Mom was furious and shouted at her, "Stop! Apologize to my daughter! Is this how you discipline your child?!"Selene was indifferent, and a frown married her face. She acted as if we were making trouble for no reason."He's still a child. What does he know?""Are you the same, then?" I asked back in a deep voice, my anger ignited as well.My boyfriend's parents had also started with their chiding. They were not trying t

Chapter 2

This was the first time our two families were meeting, and it was a disaster.My parents were still angry when we got home, but I couldn't end a decade-long relationship just like that. We were all adults now, and there were more things to consider and more worries in our hearts."Talk to Charles and figure out what exactly happened today.""He's such a good child, but why does he have such a weird family?"Dad nodded in agreement. "And that cousin of his—she's pregnant but still out there causing trouble. I was afraid she might try to cause a scene and frame someone even as I was standing right in front of her."I could not help but laugh out loud. Mom poked me on the head. "You're still laughing? I think his cousin is strange. Why does she need to stay at his house after her divorce? And I get the feeling that she dislikes you. She's behaving as if you took something away from her."This part was true. I did not know much about Selene. All I knew was that Charles' mother was ve

Chapter 3

I looked at Selene in surprise, unable to believe she was teaching her child. No wonder Georgie had started to dislike me. It seemed that this whole family was planning to drain Charles dry, like a bunch of vampires.Before I could say anything, Charles' mother called me over. "Celia, Selene, come eat!"At the dinner table, Charles' mother kept serving me food and apologizing profusely.Finally, she said, "You two have been together for so many years, and everyone supports your relationship. Don't let something so small affect your feelings for each other."That was the final blow. I had no choice but to smile and say, "Don't worry, Charles and I have always had a good relationship."Beside us, Georgie nudged Charles and mumbled, "Uncle, I want the toy from the TV.""Okay, okay, I'll buy it for you," Charles said gently."Uncle, once you get married to Aunt Celia, will you not want me and my mom anymore?"The entire table went silent. I said nothing and just stared at Charles.

Chapter 4

I suddenly started to doubt myself, wondering if I had been too indulgent. After all, love was an experience that included facing trivial matters, so why was I making such a big deal out of this?The frustration in my heart seemed to dissipate at once.The house was huge, with four bedrooms and a living room with great natural light. It was like the house of my dreams.The master bedroom even had my favorite bedding set, giving it a wedding vibe.We toured each room one by one. When we reached the second bedroom, Charles' mother casually said, "You can give this room to Selene. We'll add a crib for her so that she can take care of the baby, and the opposite room can be for Georgie. The master bedroom and the small bedroom can be for you and your future children. It's perfect!" She spoke as if she were imagining a bright future ahead, her tone filled with excitement.Only our family was left stunned. Her mind still processing the words that were just said, Mom asked in confusion,

Chapter 5

After walking out of that house, I still had to continue living my life.From that day onward, Charles would message me almost every day. His messages were all about how he could not let go of this relationship and how he hoped I would reconsider. Sometimes, after working late, he would even drive to the neighborhood and wait downstairs for me. I never softened.Whenever people asked me about the progress of our wedding preparations, I would casually say, "We've broken up."Everyone was surprised, but no one expressed their pity. Instead, they wished me the best in starting a new life. It turned out that the reality I once thought was too difficult to face was not as scary when I actually confronted it.One weekend, Charles asked to meet again. This time, instead of pretending to have missed his message, I agreed to meet him. Some things needed to be said face-to-face.As soon as he saw me, he hurriedly embraced me as he repeatedly apologized. I believed his tears to be sincere at

Chapter 6

"Then there's you, Charles, and your whole family."I could not stop the tears from falling, but I did not know why I was crying. Maybe it was from all the recent frustrations, or maybe it was the fact that a decade-long relationship had finally come to an end. I could not stay as calm as I wanted to be."Charles, your family is the biggest problem. To have you, your parents gave up on your sister. I'm an only child and can't imagine what life would be like if I married into a family that valued sons over daughters."We've been together since high school. It's been a whole decade, but I see no resistance in you. Otherwise, I don't even think your family would be a problem because you'd take me and leave. But you don't have any of that. "Staying with you would only pull me deeper into this pit, and I wouldn't have a good ending."When we were 16, we secretly liked each other. When you finally worked up the courage to ask me out, I thought you were the bravest boy in the world. Cha