All the while, Richard said nothing. He sat silently, letting his parents infantilize him without standing up for himself—or for me.
When the bill arrived, Isabella suggested we split it 50/50, even though they had ordered expensive food and wine, while I had a modest pasta dish. Again, Richard didn’t defend me. He avoided my gaze, leaving me to fend for myself.
In that moment, I realized what my future would look like if I married Richard. I wouldn’t just be marrying him; I’d be marrying his overbearing parents too. I needed a partner, not another child to take care of.
So, I paid for my own meal, stood up, and called off the wedding.
Walking out of that restaurant was hard, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I returned my wedding dress the next morning, and as I did, I felt a sense of relief. The bravest thing you can do is walk away from something that isn’t right for you, even when it hurts.
And in the end, I knew I had done the kindest thing for myself.
Would you have done the same?
