Every eye in the room swung toward Claire. She looked like a deer caught in headlights.
Her relatives and friends started whispering among themselves.
"Haven’t they always been so close? The Dawsons should be lucky to have a son-in-law like him."
"He’s been nothing but devoted, and now suddenly he doesn’t want to get married? Something must have happened."
"I always said Claire wasn’t as innocent as she looked. I’ve seen her out with other men plenty of times."
"No man would put up with that kind of betrayal."
The whispers turned into a chorus of suspicion, jealousy, and speculation, and Claire’s face grew paler by the second.
Mrs. Dawson snapped back, furious.
"Don’t you dare slander my daughter! If you’re going to accuse her, show me proof. Or I’ll sue you for defamation!"
Then she turned on me again.
"I see what this is. You played the obedient son-in-law just long enough to win us over, and now you humiliate us on purpose!"
"You think you can hold my daughter hostage with this drama? Forget it!"
"Either explain yourself right now, get down on your knees and apologize, or there’s no wedding at all!"
"Mom!" Claire rushed forward and grabbed her mother’s arm.