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."

frowned and smacked Antonio again. "Apologize

me

her close friendship

her expression softened. "Grace, can we

a moment?"

softly and led

soon as the door closed, tears came to

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

a short pause, she added,

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

warmed my

moment, I said, "Janet, let Antonio make

surprised,

that's what you want, Grace, then so be it. It' the answer to

for Antonio

smiled at each other, silently letting the topic slip

families, Antonio started preparing

to break up with me. His

and pleas

letting him play the fake

kept sending photos to provoke