My father grabbed my wrist and forcefully dragged me back toward the stage.”
I struggled and yanked my arm free. “I’m not being unreasonable! Onie doesn’t agree with me marrying her–so ! won’t!“}
“Shut up! You un grateful brat. Who spoiled you so much that you’ve lost all sense of propriety? You will marry her whether you like it or not!“!
With a kick, he sent Onie tumbling down the steps and yanked me by the arm, pulling me back toward the platform.
Onie rolled down, then scrambled back to its feet and, undeterred, once again raised its rear in protest.”
My nose stung as a wave of emotion hit me. I shoved my father away and rushed toward Onie, crouching down to hug it.)
“Good boy,” I whispered. “If you don’t want me to marry her, I won’t. Don’t worry.”
My father trembled with fury, pointing a shaking finger at me. But then something flickered across his face, and he softened his tone.
“Martin, I remember… Onie was a stray you and Casey picked up together. It was so tiny back then, and you raised it all by yourself. You’ve cared so deeply even for a dog. I don’t believe you could be this heartless toward Casey. Something must’ve happened, right?” His eyes were full of hope. But all he got in return was my cold, unwavering answer.
“No. Nothing happened. I just don’t want to marry her.“>
With that, I turned and continued walking toward the exit.
My father chased after me, still refusing to give up.”
Suddenly, I grabbed a fruit knife from the banquet table and pointed it at my chest, meeting his gaze with an icy resolve.§
“Dad, if I say I won’t marry her–then no one can force me to.“>
“If you insist on pushing me… I’ll die right here.“}
Everyone was stunned into silence. The guests froze, horrified by my determination.
Shocked murmurs rippled through the crowd:}
“Has Martin lost his mind? Refusing to marry because a golden retriever raised its butt? This is absurd!“}
“Maybe he’s under a spell or something–how else could he act this ridiculously? It’s shameful!“}
“Or maybe the Ortega family orchestrated this. Could it be they’re looking down on the Garza family and did this on purpose to humiliate them?”
The Garza family elders stood up, their faces were dark with rage. They looked coldly at my parents.
“Our families have been close for generations. You must give us an explanation today. If you can’t, then there’s no need for our families to associate any further.“@
They turned to Casey.
“Sweetheart, let’s go. If they don’t value us, there’s no point staying. The Garza family isn’t some pitiful clan desperate to cling to others.“” I couldn’t care less about any of it. Holding Onie tightly, I rushed out of the venue.§
I couldn’t afford to waste another second–some things couldn’t wait.
After making a few calls and settling the necessary arrangements, I returned to the private villa I had bought with my own money. There was no trace of Casey here. Only my things.
Onie happily pranced around, rubbing itself against my leg.”
I stroked its head gently and reassured it once more, “Don’t worry. I’ll never leave you.”
Just then, the group chat together with our family friends exploded.
Mentions began pouring in.
[@Martin Casey got drunk after the wedding was canceled and ended up in a car crash. Aren’t you going to the hospital?]}
[Yeah! You two grew up together. She always puts you first and treats you like family. Even if you’re not her groom, you’re still her friend- you should go see her.]
[She’s in Platinum Hospital. They said right after the surgery, she kept calling your name. She’s still waiting for you.]
I scrolled through the messages and picked a few to respond to.
(I’m not going. I’m busy.]
That’s when Casey’s closest friend, Sabrina, directly confronted me.
