My father stared at me. His face was pale. For a moment, I thought he might cry. I thought he might say he was sorry. I thought he might hug me and tell me he loved me.
But I was wrong. I was so stupid.
His shock turned into pure, red-hot anger. His face twisted. The veins in his neck popped out. He didn't see a daughter in pain. He only saw a problem. He only saw a rebellious girl who was ruining his business deal.
"You ungrateful child," he whispered. His voice was shaking with rage. "After everything I gave you? The clothes? The cars? The best schools? You dare to speak to me like that?"
"I don't care about the clothes!" I yelled back. "I care about my life! And I am here to tell you something very important, Dad."
I took a deep breath and stood tall.
"I am not marrying Gary," I
