#Chapter 102: Now You Have To Get Married

“You don’t have to say it like that,” Neil says. “Like hell, I don’t. He’s asking you to throw your life away!” Beau insists. I’m standing just outside the kitchen door, by feet rooted in place. I know I shouldn’t eavesdrop. I should back away, give them privacy. This conversation isn’t meant for me. But I just can’t get my legs to work. “Getting married isn’t throwing my life away,” Neil says, though with how flat his voice is, he doesn’t sound all that convincing. “Dad has ordered that I propose to Angela at our dinner event, so that’s what I’m going to do.” Ordered? Gods. Just when I thought my hatred of his father could not get worse. “Ever the fucking martyr,” Beau says. “Maybe you should say no to Dad this time. It might be good for you.” Thinking back on his bruised body, I wonder now if Neil’s punishment had less to do with his dalliance with me, and everything to do with him trying to stand up for himself. If Neil showed even the slightest resistance, his father would l