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."

smacked Antonio

looked at me and muttered,

her close friendship with

my hands, her expression softened. "Grace,

a moment?"

sighed softly and led her to my

as the door closed, tears came

just like your mom. Once you make up your mind, you never

a short pause, she added,

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

warmed

a moment, I said, "Janet, let Antonio make Celia's 'dying

surprised,

it. It' the answer to

for Antonio to

at each other, silently letting the topic

families, Antonio started

refused to break up with

love and pleas for

never responded, letting him

the other hand, kept sending photos