Chapter 1Mother Dearest

On the eve of my engagement to my boyfriend, my mom suddenly called me.

"I have something to do on the day of your engagement party. I probably can't make it."

After she spoke, she waited for my reply. I was silent for a moment.

"That's fine. You're not needed for the wedding either. I'm the main character; that's enough."

I knew she wanted me to panic. She wanted me to beg her.

What parent wouldn't show up for their child's biggest life event?

Wouldn't that make her a laughingstock?

But I didn't want to play her game. I hung up the phone decisively.

She wouldn't be able to sit still.

* * *

Not long after I hung up, she called again.

"Are you still holding a grudge because I secretly tried to call off your engagement?"

I pulled the corners of my mouth. She knew the answer.

My boyfriend, Liam, and I met earlier this year and hit it off.

He has a Master's degree, his parents work for the city, and he owns a house and a car. He’s handsome and kind.

He was the best catch I'd ever dated.

But my mom did everything she could to oppose us.

"You're average looking and you didn't go to a top university. Anyone with eyes can see you're not good enough for his family."

She forced me to break up with Liam. I refused.

So she went behind my back, found the matchmaker—our busybody neighbor, Mrs. Higgins—and rejected the proposal on my behalf.

When I found out, I was furious. I moved out that same day.

"I'm doing this for your own good! Look at how many marriages fail because the families aren't equal!"

"I'm afraid you'll get bullied. I'm afraid you'll regret it and won't be able to divorce. Am I wrong?"

She argued vehemently. At first glance, it almost sounded reasonable.

"But, do you really believe that in your heart?"

Purely for my own good? With no selfish motives?

Mom paused. "What do you mean? Would I harm you?"

I sneered. "Only you know the answer to that."

She exploded like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"Fine, Lily! I never knew you had such a dark heart, throwing dirt on your own mother!"

"I'm telling you today, you and Liam won't make it! My mouth is cursed; whatever I say comes true!"

She cursed me through gritted teeth. I could feel the malice through the phone.

I closed my eyes and blocked her number.

On my wall hung a deep purple velvet dress. It was the dress I had custom-made for her for the engagement party.

I'll never forget when I happily gave it to her. She threw it on the floor like a rag.

My best friend told me to return it. It wasn't cheap.

But I couldn't bear to. I kept fantasizing that she might change her mind and wear it happily.

I waited and waited, and finally, I got her curse.

In the afternoon, my Uncle Bob called. He told me to come to his house to "chat" about the engagement.

I knew immediately. Mom had gone to complain.

Liam knew and tried to stop me. "You can't handle a whole room of them alone. I'm worried you'll get sick from anger."

I shook my head. I had to go.

If I didn't, who knew what stories Mom would spin?

I had to let everyone know the truth and end this farce completely.

Uncle Bob's living room was full. Besides his family, my Aunt Karen and her husband were there.

My younger sister was there too. Mom was leaning on her shoulder, wiping tears.

Everyone looked at me with blame. It was an intervention.

"Wow, Lily. You really impress me. You won't let your own mother attend your engagement party? You're probably the only person in this whole town who would do that. You really bring honor to the family."

Uncle Bob started with sarcasm.

I glanced at my mom expressionlessly. Just as I expected.

She was the one who called and said she wouldn't come. Now, it had turned into me banning her.

Aunt Karen chimed in immediately. "I really didn't expect you to be so heartless. You have a man and forget your mother? Sure, you resent her for the secret rejection, but is a mother's concern wrong? Why can't you see it from her perspective?"

My aunt-in-law cleared her throat. "Technically I shouldn't interfere, but I have to remind you, Lily. No marriage is smooth sailing. If something happens in the future, you need your maiden family to back you up. Is this smart?"