The Lies He Told Me (Grace and Antonio)

Word of my failed proposal quickly reached both families.

"The Parrish family's

eldest daughter fails proposal and gets dumped" started trending locally.

Celia put on a fake show of tears, and Melvin, my father, blamed me.

"Celia's very sick. How could you put her through this savage act online? She's your sister. Fix it. Now!"

I shook my head with a sneer and refused. He stormed over and slapped me hard across the face.

It had always been this way. Since Celia was born, Melvin never took my side again.

After her mother's death a few years ago, he poured even more love into Celia.

In the past. Antonio always had my back, but now even he sided with her

too.

Melvin's endless rant filled the air, but I just looked at the rain outside, staying silent.

Finally, Janet, Antonio's mother, showed up to save me, with a bruised and battered Antonio trailing behind her.

"Grace," Antonio said, annoyed at my cold gaze, "don't think my mom can always save you."

and smacked Antonio again.

looked at me and muttered,

close friendship with

her expression softened. "Grace, can we talk

a moment?"

softly and led her to my

closed, tears came

I understand you. You're just like your mom. Once you make up your mind, you never

pause, she added,

son. But if there's anything I can do to help, just say the word. I'll always

warmed my

said, "Janet, let

looked surprised, then

be it. It' the answer to his

for Antonio to

the topic slip off and never mentioning Antonio

from both families, Antonio started preparing for the

break up with me. His

and

letting him play

kept