That $1.88 million had cost my family more favors than I could count.
Today was supposed to be a happy occasion, but there wasn't an ounce of joy in my heart.
I looked at Aunt Judith again. Her expression hadn't softened one bit. "Two million. Not a cent less."
My mother hurried toward another car to negotiate with Natalie's parents. But those two never made a single decision on their own—just one refrain: "Whatever Judith says."
I forced myself to stay calm as I stepped out of the car. I opened the rear door. "Natalie, today is our wedding day. Can you please get out of the car?"
Aunt Judith glared at me. "Get out? Have you got the money ready?"
My father jumped in quickly. "We really can't scrape together that $120,000 on such short notice, but I give you my word—once the receivables come in, I'll make it up to Natalie."
"I'll add an extra $200,000. She absolutely won't be shortchanged."
"If you don't trust me, I'll write an IOU."
Aunt Judith's face remained cold. "The moment Natalie's left here with you, she's too soft-hearted. You'll sweet-talk her for two minutes and the whole thing will be swept under the rug."
"I need to see the money today. I already said—not one cent less."
Patricia stepped forward. "Judith, how about this—you all stay a few extra days, enjoy yourselves, and once we've made up the difference for Natalie and you're satisfied, you can head home."
"You think everyone's got that kind of free time?" Aunt Judith's eyes bulged. "We all carved time out of our schedules to be here. We don't have the luxury of hanging around. Money. Now."
"Auntie, let me handle this."
I stepped forward and locked my eyes on Natalie. "Natalie, it's $120,000 short. Are you really not getting out of the car?"
My tone had already shifted. Natalie kept her head down, fidgeting with her fingers, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do whatever Aunt Judith says."
"If you won't get out—"
"Bruno, don't." My mother rushed over and grabbed my arm. "Natalie, sweetheart, don't worry. We'll figure something out. We'll make sure you're satisfied."
Watching my parents grovel like this, the fire inside me burned hotter and hotter. I knew our relatives and friends were all biting their tongues too.
Then I watched my mother dial yet another number, lowering her voice, begging someone for help—asking them to pitch in.
I couldn't take it anymore.
Thud.
I dropped to my knees in front of my parents.
