At our engagement banquet, my golden retriever did something unusual–it raised its rear toward my fiancée.” Without hesitation, I threw down the engagement ring and demanded to call off the wedding.”
My parents, friends, and relatives were all in shock. My fiancée, Casey, exploded in fury.”
“Are you kidding me? You’re canceling our engagement because your dog lifted its butt?!“}
“Yes,” I replied calmly. “Because of that.”
“Martin, say that again–why are you calling off our engagement?“}
Casey stared at me, unable to believe her ears.
“Because Onie lifted its butt,” I said it clearly, without a hint of sarcasm. Then I tossed aside the ring, took off my suit jacket, and turned to
leave.
“You’ve lost your mind!” she shouted. “You’re ending our engagement over a dog’s rear–end gesture? Is marriage just a game to you?”
“If that’s what you want to believe, then sure,” I replied, not even sparing her another glance. I carried Onie and prepared to walk away.”
The guests below murmured in confusion. The host on stage stood frozen, awkwardly trying to salvage the event.”
“I’m sure the groom is just joking… Probably he’s nervous! Let’s all give him a moment to collect himself—“}
He wiped the sweat from his brow, but when he saw I wasn’t stopping, he could no longer continue the charade.
Casey’s eyes turned red with rage and panic. She ran up and grabbed my hand.}
“We grew up together. We’ve known each other for over twenty years. We promised to grow old together, Martin. So why? Why won’t you
marry me all of a sudden?“}
Suddenly, as if something had occurred to her, she threw her arms around me, and pleaded.
“Did something happen? Martin, tell me. Whatever it is, we can face it together. I can’t live without you. If I lose you… I’ll die.“}
Her tears slid down her cheeks and onto my neck. Her voice trembled with desperation.
The guests below were moved, touched by her devotion. One after another began speaking up on her behalf.”
“She’s right, Martin. We’ve all watched you and Casey grow up together. If there’s something you can’t handle, we’ll help.“”
“That’s right. Don’t be afraid. We’re all here for you today. No one’s going to let you face anything alone.”
Even my parents and Garza’s family spoke up, offering unwavering support.
But my reaction could only be described as cold.
Facing their concerned expressions, I simply shook my head.
“No. There’s no hidden reason. No one’s forcing me, and no one’s bullying me.”
“I just don’t want to get married.“}
With that, I pulled Onie closer to my chest and strode off the stage.}
My parents panicked. My mother rushed forward and grabbed the hem of my shirt.
“Son, have you gone mad? I’ve watched you love Casey since you were a boy. You always gave her the best of everything. You studied until 1 a.m. every night just to get into the same schools as her.”
She wiped her tears and pointed to Casey’s wedding gown.”
“You spent two months finding the best designer in the world just for that dress. Last night, you were still talking to me about taking her to France for your honeymoon. How can someone like that suddenly not want to get married? I don’t believe it. Don’t lie to me!“}
“Please, don’t make me
worry.
vorry. What’s really going on?”
I gently removed her hand from my clothes and repeated myself firmly.§
“Mom, stop. I already told you. Onie raised its butt–it doesn’t want me to marry Casey. So I can’t marry her.”
“That’s bullshit!”
“Absolutely ridiculous!“{
My father raised his hand and slapped me across the face, his eyes full of disappointment.
“How did our Ortega family raise such a selfish, reckless son? Marriage isn’t just about the two of you–it connects two families, two lineages. All the guests here today are from elite circles. If you had to throw a tantrum, could you not have waited? Come with me, now.”
