Chapter 18%
Irish’s POVE
That night was supposed to be warm. A family dinner to discuss my engagement with Harry. But from the very moment I stepped into the room, I knew… I wasn’t going to let things go smoothly.%
I sat at the end of the long table, filled with delicious food and dimly lit scented candles. Across from me, Harry sat with a tense expression, while the Mitchells and Anya’s family forced smiles, pretending everything was fine.”
But it wasn’t.
I ignored all the small talk and immediately opened the folder of decoration samples from the wedding organizer they had hired. The images… they were too plain. Too simple. Too cheap for an event that was supposed to be a moment of triumph for me.
“What is this?” I hissed coldly, glaring at the wedding planner seated beside me. “This isn’t what I asked for. I said I wanted something luxurious, elegant, and high–class. This… this looks like a kid’s birthday party!”
The wedding planner looked confused, her hands trembling as she tried to explain. “We… we followed the core family theme requested by Mrs. Carolline. We also considered-“}
“Your consideration means nothing if this is the result!” I cut her off sharply.
Harry coughed quietly. Aunt Caroline, Harry’s mother, squeezed Anya’s hand under the table, trying to stay calm. But I could see the disappointment in all their eyes. I didn’t care. I wasn’t here to please them.
Aunt Caroline finally stood and walked over to me, her voice gentle. “Bella… you don’t need to be so harsh. If this isn’t what you want, you can just say so nicely. We can find another wedding service, no need to insult them like this.”
I looked up. My smile was faint, filled with disdain.
“For the engagement, I want everyone to be amazed. I want my ex–husband to see how happy I am without him. I want him to know that I can have someone better than him.”
Silence.2
The room instantly turned cold. No one spoke. Harry lowered his head, embarrassed and unsure of what to say. Mrs. Caroline took a deep breath. Her face turned red, clearly holding back words she wanted to shout.2
“It’s only a private family event, Bella,” Uncle Mitchell–Harry’s father–said gently, trying to ease the tension. “The wedding itself can be grander.“2
I looked at each of them. “If you can’t meet my expectations, then I’d rather call off this engagement.“/
I knew it sounded like a threat. But I didn’t care. I wanted control over my life–over everything.”
Aunt Caroline looked like she was about to lash out. But before she could, Anya stood and stopped her.
“I’ll take Bella to another wedding service,” she said calmly. “Come on, Bella. I know a place that might match your taste.”}
I turned to her. Anya’s smile was too perfect. Too calm. But I stood up and let her take my arm. We walked out of the house, got into her car, and headed downtown.
We arrived at a place called Love’s Symphony, a wedding gallery. Everything looked luxurious. Elegant interiors, striking yet tasteful gold accents, and incredibly professional service.”
Anya pointed to a classic–modern wedding concept. White, gold, with touches of navy. Beautiful. But… no.
“I don’t like it,” I said shortly.”
Anya blinked, a bit surprised. “Bella, this is the most exclusive concept here. It’s… it’s beautiful, luxurious, and fits your image. Why–“> “I don’t like it,” I repeated, colder this time.
Anya took a deep breath, looking at me intently. “Why have you changed, Bella? You weren’t like this before. Why have you suddenly become so sarcastic?”
I chuckled–a small, bitter laugh. “Sarcastic? You’re the one being sarcastic, Anya. You’ve planned so many things in my life, as if they were the best for me. And now, when I want to choose what I want, you call me sarcastic? What am I to you–some pet?“}
Anya froze. Her face lost all color. Her breathing quickened. “I was just trying to help…”
“By forcing me,” I cut her off.”
She fell silent.
I turned my face away. The window beside me reflected my own image. Tired eyes, but filled with vengeance. A bitter smile, but unwilling to surrender.
Silence.
Only the sound of the air conditioner and the ticking clock could be heard.}
Anya finally spoke again, her voice hoarse. “I thought we were friends, Bella…”
“I don’t need a friend who always wants to control my life.“}
Anya swallowed hard.}
