Chapter 5

"Cecilia, it's so good to see you! Come on, sit down," Brylee greeted me with a warm smile, taking my hand and pulling me toward her. I quickly pulled my hand back, and Brylee noticed, her brow furrowing slightly, but she didn't press it. Instead, she handed me the menu.

"So, Cecilia, what do you think of the hotel?" she asked casually.

I nodded, forcing a smile. "It's nice."

"I agree. Rodney, we've put this off long enough. Let's make it official, meet Cecilia's parents tomorrow and get engaged," Brylee said, her tone so matter-of-fact it took me by surprise.

I blinked, stunned. Brylee placed a diamond bracelet in my hand, like it was just another thing on the agenda.

"It's been delayed because of Macey, and I'm sorry for that," she added, her sincerity coming through loud and clear. I could tell she meant it, but the truth was, the relationship between Rodney and I had already ended. There was no point in pretending otherwise.

Macey, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly spoke up, her voice defensive. "Mom, I was hurt, and Cecilia took me in, but she got mad and left. How can you blame me for that?"

Tears welled up in Macey's eyes, and I noticed a scar on her forehead, likely a reminder of her ex-boyfriend and the mess they'd made of things. Brylee slammed her hand down on the table, her patience snapping.

"You should've come to me, Macey! You could've told me what happened," she said sharply.

It was clear Brylee didn't want to dig up the past, and I was grateful for that. But Macey wasn't finished.

"Does she really deserve all your kindness?" Macey muttered under her breath, her words laced with jealousy.

I looked at Rodney, hoping he would say something.

"Brylee, Cecilia wouldn't take the bracelet. She's not materialistic," Rodney said flatly, almost like he was defending me.

I almost laughed. So, if I accepted the bracelet, that would make me a gold-digger? Interesting logic.

"Mom, Rodney's right. Cecilia wouldn't want it. You should just give it to me, though. After all, I'm your daughter," Macey said, stepping forward as if she was entitled to it.

Before I could react, Brylee slapped Macey hard across the face.

"Enough, Macey!" she snapped. "If you want one, I'll buy you one later. Today, we're discussing Rodney and Cecilia's engagement."

Macey was spoiled, always causing trouble, and it made my skin crawl. But Rodney always took her side, and that had always been part of the problem.

"Brylee, Cecilia shouldn't take it. We're not even married yet," Rodney chimed in, sounding more distant than usual.

That was when it hit me, something had changed. Rodney wasn't the same guy I knew. We'd been together since high school, worked hard to get into the same college, and I still remembered when he told me he loved me for the first time. It was Christmas, and though he didn't have much, he bought me expensive skincare products. Over the years, he gave me countless gifts. But when I left that day, I left everything behind. When did I become unworthy of it all?

"Rodney, we should be formal about this," I said, keeping my voice steady, but my frustration was bubbling under the surface.

There was a flicker of worry in Brylee's eyes, and I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "Mrs. Cook, forget it."

Brylee got the message loud and clear. I wasn't just turning down the bracelet.

"Cecilia's right. She doesn't need this," Rodney said, but the words felt strangely empty.

I took a deep breath and looked at them both. "Mrs. Cook, Mr. Cook, I'm here today to tell you that Rodney and I are done."