“That’s not how it works!”
“If you’ve taken our money, then you must marry her. If not, return every cent!”
Mrs. Miller’s face darkened as she clung to me, refusing to let go.
I looked at the mother-daughter duo acting in perfect sync, and dread crept into my chest.
“Lily, tell the truth. Who did you give the diamond ring to? And what about the wedding funds?”
“If I never received something, I won’t admit to it. And you’d better return the $28,000 I gave you for the jewelry!”
I shook off Mrs. Miller’s grip and glared coldly.
“Mrs. Miller, let me see that receipt again.”
But this time she clutched her purse tightly, refusing to show it.
“What’s there to see? It has your name on it. I wired the money myself.”
“Let everyone here judge—what kind of man takes money and then refuses to marry?”
“I’m a sixty-year-old woman. Do you know how hard it is to earn that much?”
Her words, so emotional and manipulative, riled the crowd once more. Many even raised their phones to record videos.
I tried shielding my face with my hand while attempting to push them aside. But Mrs. Miller, like a puppet gone mad, broke free and cried louder.
“My daughter has been with him for eight years. Every cent she earned went to him!”
“Now he not only refuses to marry her, but he took the ring and the wedding funds too! Everyone, tell me, isn’t this outrageous?”
Standing behind her mother, Lily’s eyes gleamed with smug satisfaction.
Watching Mrs. Miller sit on the floor, wailing, I felt any trace of pity vanish.
The truth was clear: the woman who once treated me like her own son was now wearing the mask of a vampire.
“Lily, did you really give me all the money you earned over the years?”
“Do you want me to pull up the records of how much I’ve spent on you instead?”
Her face paled, realizing the situation was spiraling.
“I know you’re angry about Jason, but there’s nothing between us!”
“My mom doesn’t mean any harm. She just wants us to get married. Can’t you just nod and agree?”
She reached for my hand, but I pulled away.
Now I understood—the mother and daughter were trying to trap me.
The $28,000 I gave had bought Jason a diamond ring, and the two extra payments Mrs. Miller claimed were already spent by Lily and Jason.
Now, seeing her daughter couldn’t marry, Mrs. Miller feared I would demand repayment. So they came to make a scene.
“You really think you’re sorry?”
I tested her, leaning closer.
Seeing my hesitation, Lily quickly nodded. “Yes, if you forgive me, I’ll make it right.”
Mrs. Miller instantly jumped up from the floor, calm as ever. The speed of her change was shocking.
“But Mrs. Miller said the wedding funds were wired into my account, and I never received them. We can continue with the wedding, but the money has to be accounted for.”
“I have to call the police.”
I reached for my phone, but before I could unlock it, Lily snatched it away.
Mrs. Miller reached too, as if ready to grab it.
“This little matter doesn’t need the police. Don’t waste their time.”
