Her tone dripped with pride as she searched my face for a reaction.
I just answered her calmly, indifferently. "It's lovely and it suits you well."
My lack of emotion made George a bit unsettled. "Kelly!" he said sharply. "What were you talking to my father? My mind is fixed. I'll marry Amanda. All the paperwork has been done. If you went to him to plead, it's useless."
Though George had a refined, scholarly appearance, years in the military had instilled a commanding presence in him. So, when he was serious, his presence would be overwhelming. Today, he turned that pressure on me, making me feel suffocated.
Yet I looked at him straight in the eyes and said evenly, "I only asked Uncle Rick, if he needed anything to buy for New Year."
After saying that, I turned around and walked back to my room.
Behind me, the sound of measured footsteps followed. Then I heard George say softly behind me, "Kelly, I've spoken too harshly before. I'm sorry."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a vibrant red ribbon. “Look, I brought you a gift this time too.”
I turned around and saw the bright red ribbon in George's hand.