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. "Apologize to

me

using her close friendship with my

she held my hands, her expression softened. "Grace,

a moment?"

led her

the door closed,

like your mom. Once you make up your mind,

short pause, she

there's anything I can do

words warmed

I said, "Janet,

looked surprised,

then so be it. It'

Antonio to

other, silently letting the topic slip off

Antonio started

with

and

letting him play the fake

kept sending photos