Cain, who openly showed his affection for Shelly since the day we met him, insisted on staying with them for obvious reasons. But mother ordered him to stay with us.
“Serena, is about to turn sixteen and make her debut in society. Are you suggesting that I let a stranger accompany her?” she asked.
Unable to contradict her words, Cain stayed with mother and I; Shelly stayed with father.
On my sixteenth birthday, mother didn’t simply introduce me to society, she also announced my engagement with Cain!
“Let’s toast to the engagement of my daughter, Serena, and Cain!” she announced.
Cain was none too happy with it. He left that night and stayed at our father’s place.
After the party, mom told me the truth.
Not too long ago, she was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was given less than a year to live. She didn’t want to leave me all alone.
“Cain seemed to be enraged with your decision, though.” I forlornly said.
“My dear daughter, does his opinion even matter?” She asked me.
“But mother, we all knew Cain was smitten with Shelly!” I protested.
“And you’re in love with him.” She told me.
“He wouldn’t even look my way…” I sobbed.