All these years, she'd backed me into corner after corner, and I'd endured every single one. Because she was my mother. The only family I had left in this world.
But the things she'd done to me were not the things a mother does.
"Fine. You'll get your wish. The day I'm discharged, I'll register the marriage with Joel. Just give me some peace until then."
A week later, I was released from the hospital.
The next day, my mother posted the marriage certificate in the group chat like a trophy.
[Congratulations to Irene and Joel Lambert on their union!]
[Their wedding banquet is in three days. Everyone must come and celebrate!]
The group went silent. Not a single reply.
But my private messages blew up.
Aunt Grace: [Irene, is someone forcing your hand? Please don't throw your future away!]
Stella: [Are you out of your mind? You're really marrying that old man?]
[I already know about you and Rhys. Please tell me you're not marrying that guy just to spite him.]
[Don't do something you'll regret. I can give him back to you.]
I'm telling you the truth. I've realized I don't even like him that much.
But I can tell—he really does like you. He can't let you go.