I Broke Off My Engagement With My Fiancé to Dedicate Myself to National Research

“To my knowledge, this dress is made from the finest fabric from Prague and the most fashionable dress out here,” Amanda announced. “Isn’t it the perfect style for a wedding?”

Her tone dripped with pride as she searched my face for a reaction.

I just answered her calmly, indifferently. "It's lovely and it suits you well."

My lack of emotion made George a bit unsettled. "Kelly!" he said sharply. "What were you talking to my father? My mind is fixed. I'll marry Amanda. All the paperwork has been done. If you went to him to plead, it's useless."

Though George had a refined, scholarly appearance, years in the military had instilled a commanding presence in him. So, when he was serious, his presence would be overwhelming. Today, he turned that pressure on me, making me feel suffocated.

Yet I looked at him straight in the eyes and said evenly, "I only asked Uncle Rick, if he needed anything to buy for New Year."

After saying that, I turned around and walked back to my room.

Behind me, the sound of measured footsteps followed. Then I heard George say softly behind me, "Kelly, I've spoken too harshly before. I'm sorry."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a vibrant red ribbon. “Look, I brought you a gift this time too.”

I turned around and saw the bright red ribbon in George's hand.

“You mentioned you liked red ribbons before,” he said, then thrust it to me. “Try it on.”

What he had just said was true. I had once said that I liked red ribbons. Yet when George first bought one, it was Amanda. Amanda thought it was too old-fashioned and threw it away.

Now, George gave me the thing that Amanda did not want.

My nose turned red as I looked away to hide my sadness. "I don't want it anymore. Take it back."

George misunderstood my refusal as a childish tantrum, one he thought he had to soothe. His frustration flared, "Why are you making things difficult again?"

Amanda quickly stepped in to stop George. "It's okay, George. Kelly's just a little girl. Don't scare her."

Amanda gave an overly apologetic smile. "Are you upset we didn’t invite you to the movies? Next time, you can come with us.”

Her tone was so magnanimous that it made me seem petty in comparison. As she spoke, she put her hand on my arm and secretly pinched me hard, when no one was looking.

“Everyone knows your brother dotes on you the most,” Amanda added with a sugary smile. “Don’t be jealous.”

The sharp pain made me flinch. I yanked her arm away and shouted, “What are you doing?”

Amanda immediately stumbled backward and fell to the floor in a dramatic manner. Tears welled up in her eyes and streamed down her face. "Kelly," she sobbed. "What did I do wrong?" 

“Kelly, what are you trying to do?” George demanded and rushed over to help Amanda up.

Amanda, still sniffling, murmured, “I’m fine. It’s my fault, I must have tripped. Don’t blame Kelly.”

I took a deep breath to steady myself. “Amanda,” I said, my voice trembling with controlled anger, “You pinched my arm. I didn’t push you. … ”

Before I could finish my sentence, George cut me off, "Enough! Amanda is a kind and gentle person. Why would she hurt you? Stop making up ridiculous lies!”

At that moment, Amanda whimpered, “George, my ankle hurts.”

Without sparing me another glance, George scooped Amanda into his arms and carried her outside. “She’s this way because I’ve spoiled her too much,” he explained.

“George, don't act like this. Kelly must have felt that I snatched you away, that's why she's acting like this …."

When George did not see, Amanda glanced back at me, a smug smile curling on her lips.

I stood rooted to the ground. This absurdity felt so ironic to me.