CHAPTER 14
369 Words
HAYDEN'S POV
Seeing Mom’s name flash on the screen reminded me of that fateful day, and instantly, resentment for my supposed bride bubbled up inside me.
Knowing that the phone might explode from the excessive vibration and how long it had been ringing, I finally picked it up.
Mom's cheerful voice echoed through the speaker, "Hayden darling! How are you?"
The tone was ... strange as Mom wasn't always this compassionate - or maybe I'd failed to notice it.
"I'm fine mom, how are you and dad?" I responded after a strained silence.
"We’re good, dear,” she answered in that same bright tone. “Are you home yet?”
“No, Mom,” I said simply.
“That’s great, dear. Then don’t go home yet. Pay us a visit — we have some wonderful news.” good dear."
Before I could respond, the phone beeped- the line went dead and I was once again left hanging on edge never being able to express my opinions on what mattered.
Leaving me with no choice, I asked the driver to turn the car around. As the city lights blurred past the window, a single tear slipped down my cheek before I could stop it.
A few minutes later, I was home- walking down the dreaded path towards my unknown destiny.
Inside,mom and dad already seated. Their posture too formal for comfort. The air was heavy.
I greeted them and took a seat opposite.
Mom didn’t waste time. “Hayden,” she began, “in accordance with your father’s plan for your marriage, we’ve selected four families suitable for you — women of your class and status. We just wanted to inform you and give you the opportunity to choose among them.”
Before she could continue, I interrupted, my voice calm but cold. “No need, Mom. I trust your judgment.”
Their surprise was visible, but I didn’t care. Standing up, I turned to leave.
“Won’t you stay for dinner?” Mom’s panicked voice followed me as I walked out.
I didn’t respond. The door shut behind me with a quiet finality.
From inside, I could still hear her broken whisper — “We’ve lost our son."
- Writer
