I don’t care if someone is filming me. I need to say this—now. “I’m not being dramatic. I’m just tired of Rachel being your golden child. You always take her side, even when my boyfriend cheated on me with her. My feelings have never mattered to anyone in this family except Grandpa. That’s why I’m finished pretending that treatment is okay.”
“You can’t be serious. We’ve treated you the same as your sister,” Mom says.
Seriously? I almost hope someone is taping us. “Name one time you’ve put my needs before Rachel’s. One time you’ve stood up for me instead of her. One time you spent more than ten dollars on one of my birthday or Christmas gifts.”
Deafening silence follows. Rachel stares at the ground. Mom’s mouth opens and closes. The dress consultant slowly backs away.
“That’s what I thought.” I keep my head up. “Until you both can treat me as an equal member of this family, I’m going no contact.”
“What does no contact mean?” Mom’s voice trembles, and I don’t care. She’s facing the consequences of her own actions.
“It means I need some space. Time to focus on myself and my own happiness for once, so please don’t contact me.” A weight lifts off my shoulders. “I love you both, but it’s time to put myself first and set some boundaries.”
Rachel snorts. “Oh, please. You’ll crawl back in a week when you realize how pathetic your life is without us.”
I shake my head. “You’re wrong. John’s family treats me better than any of you, except for Grandpa. They’ve shown me what being valued and respected feels like. I deserve that and won’t settle for less any longer.”
As I leave the bridal shop, they call my name. I ignore them, and though my heart aches, I also feel good about what I said.
The drive back to my apartment is a blur. My mind replays the confrontation. It should have happened on Christmas Day when I left, but I don’t know if I was ready to go no contact then. Today, I am.
As I park, I notice John’s car. A smile tugs at my lips despite everything that just happened.
When I get to my apartment, he’s standing by the door. “I texted and got worried when you didn’t reply. Are you okay?”
I’m about to nod but shrug instead. “Can I have a hug?”
“Always.”
As he wraps his arms around me, I press myself against his chest. He smells so good and familiar like home, and that comforts me. So does the beating of his heart—so steady. I glance up at him. “I stood up to my mom and Rachel and told them I’m going no contact.”
“That’s big. How do you feel?”
“Free but sad at the same time.”
I unlock the door, and John leads me inside, closing the door behind us. We settle on the couch, and I spill the whole story—the impromptu bridal appointment, thinking they wanted to apologize to me, Rachel’s cruel words, and my decision to go no contact.
John listens attentively until I finish. “I’m proud of you, Abby. That couldn’t have been easy.”
I lean into him. “It wasn’t. But it felt right. Still feels right. Like I’m finally being true to myself.”
“What do you need from me?”
I stare at him and my pulse skitters. “You being here is all I need.”
A small smile plays on his lips. “Good. Now I have something to ask you.”
“What?”
He slides off the couch and drops onto one knee.
My breath catches in my throat. He isn’t going to…
“Abby.” Emotion fills his voice, and I have to force myself to breathe. “From the first time I saw you at work, I fell hard. When I pretended to be your boyfriend at Christmastime, I knew there was something special between us. Our fake relationship quickly became the most real thing in my life. I love you and want you in my life forever.”
Through my tears, I see him remove a small velvet box from his pocket, and my heart beats in triple time. I can’t believethis is really happening, but then he opens the lid to reveal a stunning diamond ring, simple yet elegant. I love it.
“I had an elaborate proposal planned.” John half laughs. “But then I realized this is where our story started. I wasn’t here the night the power went out, but that was the catalyst to everything happening on Christmas Eve when I called you into my office and later found you stranded in the parking lot.”
