Chapter 5

The beginning of my relationship with Celeste wasn't what my dad described.

It wasn't about me climbing the social ladder, and she just happened to be an unassertive rich girl.

We'd been together for ten years.

We fell in love during the most frantic period of my life, when my dad was trying to control me the most.

In our tenth year, through my own hard work, I managed to buy a house and a car in her city.

I teased her, "The house and car are paid off, the dowry's ready, and I've even bought the diamond ring you love most. How long do we have to date before you'll marry me?"

She cupped my face and kissed me, her affection overflowing.

After we pulled apart, her eyes sparkled as she looked at me.

"This year, let's get married."

"Leo, do you still want to marry me?"

I don't.

I should have said no earlier.

Celeste, you said that now, and in the future, only I would have your love.

That I was the one who smoothed over your past.

That I was the one who brought peace to your life.

That I was the one you would walk down the aisle with.

So why, when I was closest to happiness, did you cling to your ex-boyfriend?

My dad badgered me, alternating between threats and pleas.

All of them were about getting me to reconcile with Celeste.