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."

Antonio again.

me

close friendship with

her expression softened. "Grace, can

a moment?"

led her to my

the door closed, tears came to

you. You're just like your mom. Once you make up

pause, she added,

ask you to forgive my- son. But if there's anything I can do to help, just say the word. I'll always have

words warmed

for a moment, I said, "Janet, let Antonio

looked surprised, then smiled

it. It' the answer

Antonio

smiled at each other, silently letting the topic

both families, Antonio started

break up with me. His texts came

of love and pleas for

never responded, letting him play the

kept