I never thought I’d cancel a wedding. Life surprises you, right?
I prefer to make important decisions after consulting my friends and family. 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, trendy hair, pleasant smile, and hilarious sense of humor. He rapidly became the workplace favorite, and we started talking during coffee breaks.
I understood he was everything I wanted in a companion 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. I realize it was too fast. Richard proposed six months after we started dating, and I immediately accepted because I was so enraptured.
I had never met his parents, but everything else about him was great. Richard always made an excuse for us not to visit them in another state. After hearing about our engagement, they demanded to meet.
“They’re going to love you,” Richard said, holding my hand. “I booked us a table at that fancy new downtown restaurant for Friday night.”
Several days of fear followed. What to wear? If they disliked me? Suppose they tell Richard to leave me.
I seriously tried 12 outfits before choosing a black dress. I wanted to seem 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’re gorgeous, babe!” He said with my favorite smile. “Ready?”
I nodded to calm myself. “I hope they like me.”
“They will, babe,” he gripped my hand. “You have everything a parent wants in a child’s partner. Your insides are amazing.”
Though relieved, I wasn’t ready for the drama that was about to unfold.
I was amazed when we entered the restaurant a few minutes later. The ceiling was adorned with crystal chandeliers and soothing piano music. Even water cups seemed costly there.
Richard’s parents were at a window table. Isabella, his small mother with neatly coiffed hair, stood up as we approached. Daniel, his stern father, remained seated.
“Oh, Richard!” His mother ignored me and cooed as we neared. She hugged Richard tightly and kept him at arm’s length. “You look weak. Do you weigh less? Do you eat enough?
I waited awkwardly till Richard recalled me.
Mom, Dad, here is Clara, my fiancée.”
His mother examined me thoroughly.
“Oh yes, hello dear,” she smiled without opening 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.
She said, “Oh, sweetie, 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. I expected he’d tell her to stop babying him, but he didn’t.
He said, “Thanks, Mom.” “You know my tastes.”
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 plans for our son?
I almost choked on water. I’m sorry?
You plan to marry him, right? How will you care for him? You know he wants his things done perfectly and can’t sleep without his pillow.”
I expected Richard to intervene to warn his father this was inappropriate. But he sat silently.
“I… uhh…” Stammered. “We haven’t discussed those details yet.”
Isabella interposed, “Oh, you’ll need to learn quickly, dear.” “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. Why I didn’t see this coming kept coming to me. Why was Richard reluctant to take me to his parents’ house when we were dating?
I understood all his justifications now.
As the supper ended, I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the worst was over. Not yet. The nightmare dinner had peaked.
Isabella grabbed the bill before anyone else saw it from the waiter. Honestly, I thought she didn’t want me to pay out of courtesy, but what she said next made me wide-eyed.
“Well, dear, I think it’s only fair we split this 50/50, don’t you?” Smiled at me. “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 was more than 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 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!
I looked straight into her eyes and responded, “No, we’re not.” “And we won’t.”
I turned to Richard, who finally looked at me. It seemed he didn’t grasp what was happening.
I whispered, “Richard, I care about you. However, this is not my desired future. Childcare is not my goal. Want a relationship. I don’t think you’re ready.”
I took off my engagement ring and set it on the table.
“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. “You know? It’ll be.”
I discovered that leaving something you don’t like is the boldest thing you can do. It may hurt now, but it’s the kindest thing you can do for yourself.
You concur?
