I thought meeting my fiancé’s parents would be another step toward our future, but one awful evening revealed Richard’s world. After that night, I had to cancel the wedding.
I never thought I’d cancel a wedding. Life surprises you, right?
I prefer to consult friends and family before making important decisions. But this time, I knew I had to.
I had to cancel the wedding since what happened at the restaurant that day was unexpected.
Before detailing that day, let me introduce Richard, my fiancé. I met him as a junior accounting executive at work. Something about him drew me. Something about him caught my attention.
Richard was gorgeous. Tall, fashionable hair, a friendly smile, and hilarious humor. He rapidly became the workplace favorite, and we started talking during coffee breaks.
I realized he was everything I wanted in a partner seven weeks after he joined and we started dating. Positive, kind, responsible, and solution-focused. A clumsy woman like me needed such a man.
Our relationship accelerated. Too fast, now that I think about it. Richard proposed six months after we started dating, and I immediately accepted because I was so enraptured.
Everything about him was ideal except that I hadn’t met his parents. Richard always made an excuse for us not to visit them in another state. After hearing about our engagement, they demanded to meet.
Richard squeezed my hand and said, “They’ll love you.” “I’ve booked us a table at that fancy new place downtown for Friday night.”
Several days of panic followed. What to wear? What if they disliked me? Suppose they tell Richard to leave me.
I seriously tried 12 outfits before choosing a black dress. I wanted to look classy without overdressing.
Prepared Friday after arriving home early from work. No makeup, black heels, tiny bag, and natural hair. I wanted something basic but appropriate. Richard picked me up soon after.
“You look gorgeous, babe!” he said with my favorite smile. “Ready?”
I nodded to calm myself. “I really hope they like me.”
“They will, babe,” he gripped my hand. “You have everything a parent wants in a child’s companion. Your insides are magnificent.”
I felt a bit relieved at that point, but I still wasn’t ready for the drama that was about to unfold.
A few minutes later, we entered the restaurant, and I thought it was wonderful. Crystal chandeliers dangled from the ceiling, and soothing piano music filled the air. It was the kind of place where even the water glasses looked fancy.
We observed Richard’s parents at a table near the window. His mother, Isabella, a small woman with nicely coiffed hair, stood up as we approached. Meanwhile, his father, Daniel, who seemed fairly harsh, stayed seated.
“Oh, Richard!” his mother cooed as we neared her, entirely disregarding me. She hugged Richard tightly and kept him at arm’s length. “You seem weak. Do you weigh less? You eating enough?”
I waited awkwardly till Richard recalled me.
“Mom, Dad, this is Clara, my fiancée.”
His mother examined me thoroughly.
“Oh yes, hello dear,” she smiled halfway to her eyes.
His father grunted.
I tried to chat after we sat down.
Finally meeting you both is great. Richard has told me much about you.”
Before they could react, a waiter brought menus. As we examined them, I saw Richard’s mother reaching toward him.
“Oh, baby,” she said, “do you want Mommy to order for you? I understand how too many options overwhelm you.”
What? I thought.
Richard was thirty, yet Isabella treated him like eight. I was surprised when he nodded. He didn’t tell her to quit treating him like a baby, as I expected.
“Thanks, Mom,” he said. “You know what I like.”
Richard was staring at his mother as I tried to get his attention. She ordered the most expensive dishes for them both. Lobster, prime rib, and $200 wine.
My turn came, and I ordered basic pasta. I couldn’t eat much after being shocked.
Daniel eventually spoke to me while we waited for our food.
“So, Clara,” he grumbled. “What are your intentions with our son?”
I almost choked on water. “I’m sorry?”
“You’re marrying him, right? How will you care for him? He can’t sleep without his own pillow and wants his clothes done perfectly.”
I expected Richard to intervene to warn his father this was inappropriate. But he sat silently.
“I… uhh…” Stammered. “We haven’t really discussed those details yet.”
“Oh, dear, you’ll need to learn quickly,” Isabella said. “Our Richie is picky. Dinner must be served by 6 p.m. every day, and vegetables are off limits. He won’t touch.”
I didn’t sign up for this, I thought. What was up? Why did Richard not tell his parents? He let them treat him like a baby—why?
The server brought the dinner, saving me from responding. Richard’s parents fussed over him as we ate.
I was amazed when Isabella cut the meat for him as Daniel reminded him to use his napkin. Shocked.
I sat there eating pasta since my appetite had disappeared. I wondered why I didn’t see this coming. Why wouldn’t Richard let me see his parents when we were dating?
I understood all his justifications now.
I breathed a sigh of relief as the supper ended, thinking the worst was over. Not yet. The nightmare dinner had peaked.
Isabella grabbed the bill before anyone else saw it from the waiter. I believed she did that out of courtesy since she didn’t want me to pay, but what she said next made me gasp.
“Well, dear, I think it’s only fair we split this 50/50, don’t you?” Smiled at me. “After all, we’re family now.”
They ordered hundreds of dollars in food and alcohol, while I had $20 pasta. I was expected to pay half? No way!
I gazed at Richard, stunned, and begged him to speak. I expected him to defend me and call his mother ridiculous. That man just sat there, ignoring me.
That moment clarified everything. This went beyond a fancy supper. If I married Richard, this was my future. I’d marry his parents too.
I breathed deeply and stood up.
“Actually,” I said steadily, “I think I’ll just pay for my own meal.”
I took out my wallet and placed enough money on the table for spaghetti and a nice tip as Richard and his parents watched.
“But…” Isabella resisted. “We’re family!”
“No, we’re not,” I responded, staring at her. “And we’re not going to be.”
I turned to Richard, who finally looked at me. He looked perplexed, like he didn’t understand.
“Richard,” I whispered, “I care. I don’t want this future. Not seeking for a kid. Want a relationship. I doubt you’re ready.”
I took off my engagement ring and set it on the table.
“I’m sorry, but the wedding is off.”
I turned and left the restaurant, leaving three astonished faces.
As I entered the cool night air, I felt lighter. Indeed, it ached. It would be awkward at work. But I knew I’d chosen well.
The next morning, I returned my wedding dress.
As she processed my refund, the store clerk asked whether everything was okay.
I smiled, lighter than in months. “What? Will be.”
I discovered that leaving something you don’t like is the boldest thing you can do. Though it hurts now, it’s the kindest thing you can do for yourself.
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