I turned to Shawn, hoping, praying, that he would defend me. But he didn’t spare me a single glance. Instead, he agreed with his mother.
"Ayra, you really did dress a bit inappropriately today. You should listen to what my mom is saying."
I couldn’t believe the words that had just come out of his mouth.
I had spent half the day digging through my wardrobe, searching online for the most proper outfit to make a good impression on his parents.
A long coat on the outside, a white sweater underneath—how could that be considered inappropriate?
The only reason my figure looked a little fuller was simply because of my natural curves.
I bit my lip, unable to say a word.
His mother’s voice kept ringing in my ears—
"If you want to marry into our family, your wardrobe needs to change. A girl who dresses like this has no place in our home."
"You—”
The harsh words made me lose my appetite. I wanted to argue back, but Shawn pressed me down with a firm grip.
"Enough. My mom is right—just listen to her."
I forced myself to finish the meal, all because of his comforting words: "Once we’re married, it’ll just be the two of us. You won’t have to worry about my mom."
I believed him. And now?
My phone kept flashing—not with messages from Shawn, but from my mom.
[My sweet girl, how have you been lately? Are you happy? When are you coming home?]
Tears instantly welled up in my eyes.
These past days, I had been so caught up in the mess with Shawn that I had fought with my family more times than I could count.
They never trusted him. To them, a man who had been in a five-year relationship yet never mentioned marriage clearly didn’t love me.
But I had blindly believed in him, standing by his side, arguing with my parents time and time again.
Turns out, not every word from your parents must be obeyed, but some words must never be ignored.
I sat up, thanked the nurse, and immediately called my mom back.
"Mom, I’m coming home today. Let’s have dinner together."
"Alright, alright! I’ll make your favorite sweet and sour pork."
Without hesitation, I blocked Shawn’s number. Five years of love—might as well have been fed to a dog.
—
With the New Year approaching, the village was bustling with energy.
Everyone greeted me warmly as I passed by.
"Ayra, you’re back so early this year! We thought you wouldn’t make it home for New Year's Eve again!"
The old lady at the village entrance chuckled.
Her words made my heart ache.