I invited Amelia and her mother to my parents’ home for dinner.
Susan was unable to come because she wasn’t feeling well, so Amelia arrived alone.
She wore a simple navy dress and had pinned her hair back instead of hiding her scars. I knew how much courage that took.
“You look incredible,” I whispered before we entered.
She gave me a nervous smile.
My parents greeted us politely, but I noticed my mother’s expression the moment she saw Amelia’s face.
It lasted less than a second—a slight tightening of her lips, a flicker of discomfort—but Amelia noticed it too.
Dinner was painful.
My father asked Amelia whether she planned to “work in food service forever.”
My mother questioned how much responsibility Amelia had for her mother’s care.
They asked about her education, her income, and her family history as if she were applying for a position in their company.
Amelia answered every question calmly.
Then my mother said, “Daniel attends many public events with us. Charity dinners, business openings, community gatherings. You understand that people in those circles can be… unkind.”
I stared at her.
“What exactly are you saying?”
“I’m saying Amelia may receive attention she isn’t prepared for.”
Amelia lowered her fork.
“I’ve dealt with people staring at me since I was fourteen, Mrs. Bennett. I can handle attention.”
My mother smiled, but there was no warmth in it.
“I’m sure you can.”
I ended dinner early.
As we drove away, Amelia remained silent.
“I’m sorry,” I said.
“You don’t need to apologize for them.”
“Yes, I do.”
“No, Daniel. You’re not responsible for every cruel thing another person says.”
Her voice was steady, but tears were sliding down her face.
That made me angrier than if she had shouted.
The following morning, my parents asked me to come over alone.
My mother didn’t waste time.
“What will people think when you present Amelia as your wife?”
I felt something inside me go cold.
“Is that what matters to you?”
“We’re concerned about your future,” my father said.
“Look around,” my mother added. “There are countless beautiful women from excellent families. Wealthy women too. Women who could help you build a life instead of arriving with burdens.”
I stood.
“Amelia is not a burden.”
“You’re emotional,” my father said. “Give this time.”
“I’ve given it enough time to understand exactly who she is—and exactly who you are becoming.”
My mother’s face hardened.
“You will regret throwing away your opportunities.”
“The only thing I would regret is losing Amelia because I was too weak to stand beside her.”
I left their house and didn’t return.
