Now or Never
I'M SORRY TO DO THIS.
But I have to.
I'm twenty, not two.
I'm a full-fledged adult with a fully functioning brain, and I respectfully decline to marry just because you want me to.
The words sounded good in Summerine's mind, but the moment she faced the mirror and allowed herself to imagine saying the exact same words—-
I can't.
Her courage dwindled into nothing in a nanosecond.
"I'm t-twenty, n-not t-two."
And it had her stammering like she often did when confronting her parents.
You have to say this,she reminded herself forcefully.
Because if you don't...
Bile rose from her stomach as she tried to envision the future her parents had cold-bloodedly arranged for her.
Their arranged marriage might have worked for them, but...
You need to make a stand!
It's now or never!
So speak up!
Summerine she took a deep breath—-
KNOCK, KNOCK.
But it was too late.
"I need you out." Her mother's tone was imperious.
Summerine contemplatedneveropening the door.
"I'll drag you by the hair if need be."
And since Annie had never been the type to make idle threats, Summerine reluctantly stepped out of the powder room and was immediately subjected to a frosty glare.
"Why must you always be so slow?"
Because you scare me to death.
The older woman's gaze raked over her from head to toe. "You'll do." Her mother swung away with a decisive snap of her Louboutins, and Summerine followed behind her mother even as a voice inside of her head started taunting her.
(Coward!)
Oh shut up,she mentally snapped back even though she knew talking to herself would only make things worse.
