Turning My Back on Love

George Sunther doesn't show up on the day we're supposed to get engaged. His family is nowhere to be seen either.

Mom's and Dad's faces become increasingly darker as our relatives whisper disapprovingly. I'm about to contact George when I see a social media update from Winona Sunther, the Sunther family's adopted daughter.

"From today onward, we're siblings and also spouses."

A photo of her and George decked out in wedding attire while holding each other close is attached.

Later, I find George, and he says guiltily, "Winnie is pregnant out of wedlock, and her boyfriend has made a run for it. I have to marry her first so that her reputation remains untainted. It's all so she can have the baby without any hitches."

I'm stunned. The invitations for our wedding have already been sent out!

George wraps an arm around my waist, his tone as gentle as always. "I'll marry you once the baby is born, okay? You're the only woman I'll call my wife, Mary. You have to trust me."

I look into his eyes, which I had once loved with all my heart. My heart twists painfully.

He's always like this. He always tells me I have to be more tolerant and magnanimous when it comes to Winona because she's his sister.

I watch as he leaves in a hurry after answering a call from Winona. Then, I stop hesitating and call my parents. "Mom, is the Zowski family still up for a wedding?"

"Mary, are you really sure about this?" my mother worriedly asked me.

I stared at the plaza where George Sunther had proposed to me. As I recalled the confident promises he had made to me, poised on one knee, all I felt was cold disappointment.

Tightening my grip on my phone, I bit my lip and nodded. However, upon remembering that she couldn't see me, I hurriedly said, "Mom, I'm sure. Please help me arrange things with the Zowski family."

My mother's voice was gentle on the other end of the line. "No matter who you choose, you have to be happy, okay, Mary?"

I blinked, allowing the tears to fall as I nodded seriously. "Don't worry, Mom."

I would stay away from those who were unworthy of my time.

It was all over between me and George.

After hanging up the phone, I rushed back home to pack my things.

Only one thought was on my mind right now—I had to leave this house.

The quicker the better, and as far away as I could go.

Just as I headed to the living room to grab the vacuum bags, George returned. Like he usually did, he hugged me from behind before lowering his head to murmur in my ear, "Mary, I know this must be tough on you. Once we get married, I'll throw you the grandest wedding possible and make you the most beautiful bride in the world!"

Then, he dug out a brochure for wedding locations and flipped to