I told myself Claire loved me, told myself that whatever happened, it was our life together on the line.
Claire had always pleaded with me.
"Ethan, I know my mom can be unreasonable, but she just cares about me."
"Do it for me. Be patient with her, meet her demands. Please."
Because of that, I had run myself ragged. When Mrs. Dawson was hospitalized, I took care of everything. When Mr. Dawson got sick, I was there, personally looking after him—Claire never even showed up.
She told me she was on a business trip with Ryan. Looking back, I bet the two of them were off enjoying their little honeymoon.
"I’m not apologizing," I said flatly. "Honestly, I didn’t even want to go through with this wedding. And if you want a reason, why don’t you ask your daughter?"
I turned to Claire, met her panicked gaze, and said coldly,
"You don’t even love me. Why force yourself? If Ryan is the one you want, then go be with him. I’ll do you the favor of stepping aside."
Every eye in the room swung toward Claire. She looked like a deer caught in headlights.
Her relatives and friends started whispering among themselves.
"Haven’t they always been so close? The Dawsons should be lucky to have a son-in-law like him."
"He’s been nothing but devoted, and now suddenly he doesn’t want to get married? Something must have happened."
"I always said Claire wasn’t as innocent as she looked. I’ve seen her out with other men plenty of times."
"No man would put up with that kind of betrayal."
The whispers turned into a chorus of suspicion, jealousy, and speculation, and Claire’s face grew paler by the second.
Mrs. Dawson snapped back, furious.
"Don’t you dare slander my daughter! If you’re going to accuse her, show me proof. Or I’ll sue you for defamation!"
Then she turned on me again.
"I see what this is. You played the obedient son-in-law just long enough to win us over, and now you humiliate us on purpose!"
"You think you can hold my daughter hostage with this drama? Forget it!"
"Either explain yourself right now, get down on your knees and apologize, or there’s no wedding at all!"
"Mom!" Claire rushed forward and grabbed her mother’s arm.
"Mom, it’s all a misunderstanding. Ethan’s been with me for so long, I know he truly loves me. He probably just misunderstood my friendship with Ryan."
She lowered her head, tears in her eyes, playing the part of the heartbroken bride.
She looked at me pleadingly.