Tristan made up his mind. He slipped on the slippers by the bed and headed straight for the door, not caring about the protests behind him. Mr. and Mrs. Rivera looked like they had just bitten into something sour.
Steven’s brow was pulled tight, his voice dropping low. “Tristan, what are you doing? Everyone’s here, watching you. Can you at least try to think about that?”
Tristan stopped at the door, hand on the knob. He didn’t turn around. All anyone could see was his strong, stubborn back, and his voice, low and steady, carried through the room.
“I thought I was already being generous by not blowing up at everyone for keeping things from me and trying to force me into an engagement. I thought I’d shown enough patience.”
No one spoke. Tristan kept going. “Emily is my girlfriend. She not only had to stand there and watch me get engaged to someone else, but after she brought me to the hospital and took care of me, you all kicked her out. Can any of you honestly say you don’t feel even a little bit guilty?”
Cynthia looked lost, her eyes empty. Steven just closed his eyes and let out a long sigh.
“The only reason she kept her cool is because you’re my family and friends. She did it out of respect for me. I should thank her for that,” Tristan said. “Now I’m going to find her and fix this. Got it?”
He didn’t wait for an answer. Tristan opened the door and left, walking out quickly. The room was left in heavy silence, everyone staring at each other, not knowing what to say.
Cynthia stared at the space where the door had been, her eyes blank. Then her nose crinkled as she tried to hold it in, but finally, she covered her face and started to cry.
Mrs. Rivera looked upset but managed to keep her dignified posture. She went over and hugged Cynthia. “Cynthia’s been my baby since day one. She’s never had to go through anything like this.”
She tried to keep her voice calm, but the anger in her words was obvious. Tristan might be wonderful, but she couldn’t stand anyone treating her daughter like this. No one was allowed to step on her daughter’s pride.
Steven seemed to shrink into himself, his shoulders drooping. “This is on me. I didn’t think it through. I’m sorry… Attendant.”
“Yes, sir,” someone answered.


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