âWhatâs the difference? You could accept Bobby even without love. Why not give us a chance to see where our relationship could go?â
Before Fannie could reply, her father interjected sharply, âFannie, this isnât the time to be naive.â
Fannie rose from her seat.
âDad, Jett has always been just a friend to me!â
Her fatherâs response was curt and final.
âThen consider this the end of that friendship. Today, you agree to marry him.â
Dulce interjected timidly, âMr. Cooper, donât you think this is rushing things?â
The room turned cold as her parents and brother glared at her, shutting down further objections.
Dulce could only offer Fannie a sympathetic glance.
Fannieâs expression chilled to a frosty calm.
âI have the right to make my own decisions.â
âAnd look where your decisions got you last time. Why are you resisting a match as suitable as Jett?â Kaya couldnât understand why her daughter was dissatisfied with Jett, who seemed like such a good match.
She didnât care if Fannie felt embarrassed by her words. She voiced her concerns plainly.
âWho do you think we worry about every day? Isnât everything we do aimed at ensuring your happiness? You insisted on Bobby before, influenced by his romantic notions, and rushed into an engagement. What was the result? A disaster that left us all humiliated just days later!â
Fannie sat motionless, tears cascading silently down her cheeks.
Her parents had always held high expectations, often overlooking her emotional needs, which led her to become withdrawn and frequently the target of bullies throughout her schooling. It was Bobby who helped her find the strength to face lifeâs harsher realities.
Now, confronted with yet another attempt to control her life, Fannieâs resolve hardened.
âI will decide whom I marry. No one elseâs opinions will influence my choice!â Then she left the dining table and exited the house.
As she stormed out, her parents followed in a furious burst, voices raised. But Dulce stood in their path, pleading, âPlease let me talk to her. Donât worry, Iâll try to calm her down.â Though she said so, the moment she was outside, Dulce urged Fannie, âRun faster!â
Ten minutes later, Dulce returned, looking defeated.
âI couldnât convince her. But honestly, you went too far this time. How could you try to decide her life without even talking to her first?â
Her parents gave her a wink, and Dulce went upstairs with her head down.
Jett sat back down, his hope dimming.
âJett, donât worry.â Fannieâs father tried to reassure him. âHer mother and I support this. Sheâs just shocked right now. Sheâll understand in time.â
âOkay,â Jett responded, resigned to waiting. That was all he could do for now, having at least shared his feelings with Fannie.
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