Francisca's home was abuzz with excitement as she welcomed friends and family to celebrate two momentous occasions: her grandson's successful hotel openinng and the other announcement which she would later revile to the guest. The aroma of freshly baked cookies and the soft hum of chatter filled the air.
Nelly's heart raced with excitement as she arrived at party with her mother, Susan. They were greeted by Francisca. Timothy's Auntie beamed with joy. "Welcome, dear Nelly, you look stunning". Francisca said, embracing Nelly warmly. Nelly blushed, feeling a mix of emotions. She had always dreamed of this moment. She had been crushing on Timothy for what felt like an eternity, and now that she was here she couldn't wait to see him, let alone be his talk to him. "Thank you, Auntie Francisca," Nelly said, trying to sound calm.
As they entered the living room, Nelly's eyes met Timothy's.
Timothy was engaged in conversation with a guest, his tall, lean frame clad in a tailored navy blue suit that highlighted his broad shoulders. His curly dark hair was perfectly groomed, and his well-groomed mustache added a touch of class to his chiseled features. A small, dark mole sat above the curve of his lip, on the right side, adding a hint of uniqueness to his already handsome face. However, his usual bright smile was absent, replaced by a look of unease that furrowed his brow and clouded his bright blue eyes. He nodded politely as the guest spoke, but his gaze kept drifting away, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for an escape. His words were courteous, but his tone was distracted, and his responses lacked their usual warmth.
"Yes, the catering is excellent, isn't it?" Timothy said, his voice carrying a hint of forced enthusiasm. " I am glad you're enjoying the music. The band is really quite talented. As he spoke, his eyes met Nelly's across the room, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the noise and laughter of the party fading into the background.
As the guests took their seats, Auntie Francisca rose from hers, her eyes sparkling with excitement. With a gentle tap of her glass, she commanded the room's attention. The hum of conversation subsided, and all eyes turned to her. "Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends and family, I have two wonderful announcements to make," Francisca began, her voice trembling with joy. Firstly, my grandson's hotel is now open for business, and I couldn't be prouder! And secondly, I am thrilled to announce the engagement of Nelly Adams and my precious son Timothy Laim. The room fell silent, the only sound heard was the soft clinking of glasses and the quiet rustle of clothes. The guests exchanged surprised glances, their faces a mix of confusion and curiosity. They had gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the luxurious Hotel, not to witness an engagement announcement. The unexpected news hung in the air like a whispered secret, leaving everyone wondering what this unexpected union might mean. The silence was broken by a scattering of applause, polite but subdued, as the guests struggled to reconcile their surprise with their good manners.
The room fell silent. Timothy's gaze wandered, his eyes clouded with a mix of emotions, as if the announcement had stirred up a whirlwind within him. His face turned beet red as he shot up from his seat, his eyes blazing with fury. " What is this, Auntie? I never agreed to this, he thundered, his voice echoing through the room.
Francisca's turned defensive. I was just trying to help dear, I thought it would be a lovely surprise. Timothy's face contoured in anguish as he slammed his fist on the table, making the silverware jump.
"A surprise?" Timothy's voice rose. You know I have no intention of getting engaged, let alone to her. Pointing toward Nelly.
Nelly's face crumpled as Timothy's words cut through the air like a knife. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her breath knocked out of her. "Timothy, please..." she stuttered, trying to find her voice.
But Timothy's glare at her, anger and hate, had already consumed him. He didn't even look at her as he stormed out of the room.
Nelly's eyes welled up with tears as she realized the truth: Timothy didn't want her. He didn't want to marry her.
She felt a wave of shame wash over her. How could she have been so blind? She thought Timothy cared for her the way she would have imagined. She rose from her seat, her legs trembling beneath her. "I need some air," she stammered, fleeing the room in tears.
As Nelly turned to leave, Francisca's voice stopped her. " Nelly, wait, I am so sorry. I had no idea Timothy felt that way. I'm deeply sorry for putting you through this. " Nelly turned back, her eyes brimming with tears. Francisca's face was full of regret and apology, her eyes pleading for forgiveness.
Susan's eyes flashed with anger and hurt as she turned to Francisca. " You knew, didn't you? You knew Nelly had feelings for Timothy, but you also knew he didn't feel the same way. And yet, you still pushed for this engagement, despite knowing it would hurt my daughter. "
Francisca's face crumpled, feeling guilty for not introducing them properly. " I thought it would work out. I thought Timothy would come to care for her.
Susan's voice was laced with venom. " You thought?. The fact that they were childhood friends when they were little doesn't mean he has feelings for her. Besides, it's been a long time and judging by the way he spoke, I don't think he still remembers my daughter. You gambled with my daughter's heart, Francisca. You knew she loved him, but you also knew he didn't love her. And now, you've humiliated her in front of everyone. "
Francisca shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. " I didn't mean to hurt her, Susan. I swear."
Susan's expression was unforgiving. " You should have thought of that before you pushed for this engagement. You should have thought of Nelly's feelings before you tried to force her into a loveless marriage. "
" It's okay mom, Auntie Francisca didn't know all this would happen, so it's not her fault. Nelly said, not wanting to stress the conversation between her mother and auntie Francisca.
" I feel like I've failed you, Nelly. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I was blind to Timothy's true feelings. Can you ever forgive me?
Nelly's expression softened slightly, seeing the genuine remorse on Francisca's face. She nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. " I forgive you, Auntie Francisca. It's not your fault. You didn't know. "Francisca's face crumpled, relief washing over her. " Thank you, Nelly. I promise to make it up to you, and dear Susan, I am so sorry. I'll talk to him. I guess he is just having a bad day.
Nelly smiled weakly and nodded before turning to leave, her mom by her side. Francisca watched them go, her heart heavy with regret and sorrow.
"Are you okay dear"? Susan said, with concern on her face for her daughter. But Nelly just shook her head, unable to speak. She couldn't face anyone right now.
The engagement celebration, which was meant to be a joyful and celebratory occasion, had turned into a tragedy. The joy and laughter had been replaced with tears and recriminations. The gathering, which was meant to be a time of happiness and celebration, had turned into a scene of heartbreak and humiliation.
Meanwhile, Nelly and her mom walked in, still reeling from the disastrous engagement party. Her mom asked if she was okay, but Nelly just shook her head and went upstairs. She didn't want to talk about it. In her room, Nelly's mind replayed the painful memories: Miss Francisca's words, Timothy's rejection, and the shocked faces of their friends and family. Tears streamed down her face as her heart felt like it was breaking all over again.
Her thoughts drifted back to the day Auntie Francisca came to their house, full of excitement and conviction, proposing the engagement.
Flashback. Nelly was lounging on the couch, chatting with her best friend, Emma, about their plans for the summer. They were laughing and joking when the doorbell rang. Nelly's mom, Susan, got up to answer it, revealing Miss Francisca standing in the doorway with a warm smile. Hello, dear! "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," "Miss Francisca said," her eyes twinkling with excitement.
Nelly's mom invited her in, and Miss Francisca sat down, getting straight to the point. "Nelly, dear, I've been thinking a lot about you and my grandson, Timothy". "I know you've had feelings for him for a while now, and I have to say, I think you two would make a wonderful couple."
Nelly's heart skipped a beat as she exchanged a surprised glance with Emma. She had confided in Miss Francisca about her feelings for Timothy just a few days ago, but she hadn't expected this.
Miss Francisca continued, "Timothy can be a bit reserved," "but I truly believe he cares for you deeply." And I think an engagement would be just the thing to bring you two closer together. "
Nelly's mom looked hesitant, but Miss Francisca's enthusiasm was infectious. She convinced Susan that this was a great opportunity for Nelly, and that Timothy would come to love her in time. Nelly, still in shock, didn't know what to say. She looked at Emma, who shrugged and whispered, "Go with it, Nelly." It might work out.
Miss Francisca, sensing Nelly's uncertainty, took her hand. " Trust me, dear. I know what I'm doing. This would be a wonderful surprise for Timothy, and I just knew he'd be thrilled. "And with that, the plans for the engagement ceremony were set in motion". Nelly was swept up in a whirlwind of preparations, with Miss Francisca guiding every step of the way.
Little did Nelly know this would turn out to be a cruel joke.
Timothy's point of view.
Timothy stormed into the house, slamming the door behind him. He was still fuming at the shocking revelation of his engagement with someone he barely knew. How could Auntie Francisca do this to him? He didn't love Nelly, and he certainly didn't want to marry her. He marched into the kitchen, yanking open the fridge door to grab a bottle of wine. He needed something to calm his nerves. As he poured himself a glass, he heard the sound of footsteps behind him.
"Timothy, we need to talk," Auntie Francisca said, her voice firm but concerned.
Timothy took a sip of his wine, not turning around. "What's there to talk about", Auntie? "There's no need because I will never agree to this engagement."
Auntie Francisca sighed, "Timothy, please listen to me". "I did this for your own good". "Nelly is a good girl, and she'll make you happy."
Timothy spun around, his anger boiling over. "Happy?" "You call this happy?" "You're suffocating me, Auntie". "I don't love her, and I won't marry her."
"Timothy, dear, I know you're angry, but hear me out". I sent you pictures of Nelly, and I told you to consider her. "I didn't expect you to fall in love with her instantly, but I thought you'd at least be open to getting to know her." I am not asking you to marry her tomorrow. Just get engaged and know each other better.
"Get engaged her? You want me to get engaged to someone I've never met before? Someone I don't even know? That's not how relationships work, Auntie. And now you're expecting me to agree to this engagement and make it work? It's absurd.
Auntie Francisca grasped Timothy's hands, her eyes pleading. "Timothy, please, for me, just consider it". I'm not getting any younger, and I want to see you settle down with a good woman. "Nelly is perfect for you, and I know you'll make great-grandchildren for me."
Timothy pulled his hands away, feeling suffocated. "Auntie, I've told you before, I don't love that girl, only God knows where you brought her from". "I can't this Auntie."
Auntie Francisca's face crumpled, and she began to sob. "But Timothy, I'm begging you". I want to see you happy, and I want to hold my grandchildren in my arms before I die. "Please, Timothy, don't deny me this."
Timothy felt a pang of guilt and annoyance, but he knew he couldn't give in. "Auntie, I'm sorry, but I can't do it."
Auntie Francisca's sobs grew louder, and Timothy couldn't take it anymore. He stormed out of the house, grabbing his bag and keys on the way. He didn't tell her where he was going or when he'd be back. He just needed to get away. As he drove back to the city, Timothy felt a mix of emotions: guilt, anger, and frustration. He knew he'd hurt his auntie, but he couldn't marry someone he didn't love, no matter how much she begged.
Days turned into weeks, and Timothy settled back into his routine in the city. He couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt for hurting his auntie, but he knew he had to stand up for himself.
One day, he received a call from Auntie Francisca. She sounded weak and tired, but her voice still held a hint of determination. "Timothy, I know you're still upset, but I want you to consider something". Instead of the engagement, why don't you just give Nelly a chance? Get to know her, spend time with her, and see if there's a connection. No pressure, no expectations. "Just give it a try."
Timothy hesitated, but a part of him felt bad for hurting his auntie. He agreed, "Okay, Auntie". "I'll give it a try". But no engagement, no promises. "Just getting to know her."
Auntie Francisca's voice lit up with hope. "That's all I can ask for, Timothy". "Thank you, dear."
Timothy hung up the phone, feeling a mix of emotions. He wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing, but he wanted to make his auntie happy. He agreed to give Nelly a chance, but he had no intention of making it work. In fact, he had a plan to frustrate her so much that she would give up on him and their engagement.
"I'll make her life miserable," he thought to himself. "I'll be late, I'll be rude, I'll be distant". "I'll make her feel like she's not good enough for me".
With a sly smile, Timothy felt confident that his plan would work. He would make Nelly realize that she was better off without him, and she would eventually give up on their engagement.
And so, with a sense of determination, Timothy set his plan in motion. He would make Nelly's life so frustrating, so unbearable, that she would have no choice but to walk away.
The game had begun. And Timothy was ready to play.