Author: Zane Lee Seconds after, I received a call from Natalie. "Cole, are you out of your mind? Matthew's your brother! I know he said something stupid. But did you really have to block him? Do you have any idea how hurt he is? You will come over to my place and apologize to him right now!" Her shrill, furious voice practically exploded in my ear. I sneered. "Okay, I'm coming over." I would not be there to apologize to anyone. I was going there to announce my engagement to Yvonne. My parents arrived at the Shaw family's place ahead of me. I took my time organizing the gifts I had prepared for Yvonne before heading over. Natalie and Matthew were standing at the entrance. When Natalie saw me, she scowled in disdain. "Cole Franklin, I thought you were getting better at playing it cool. All Matthew did was send a text, and you not only blocked him, but also dragged your parents here to pressure me into marrying you?" Before I could react, she suddenly kicked me hard in the knee. Caught off guard, I dropped to the ground with both knees hitting the floor. "Kneel and apologize to Matthew now! Or I swear I'll humiliate you in front of everyone later!" Matthew leaned down slightly and stared at me with a fake look of guilt. "Cole, don't blame Natalie. She's just standing up for me." I gritted my teeth and glared at him. He immediately put on his usual pitiful puppy-dog face. Seeing that, Natalie was even angrier. She took a few steps forward and slapped me hard across the face. Her handprint bloomed across my smarting cheek. My eyes burned in anger. I shot to my feet and shouted, "Natalie, Matthew, what the heck is wrong with you two?! I told you, I'm not marrying you!" Natalie looked at me with thinly veiled contempt and snorted. "Spare me the theatrics, Cole. Our parents are announcing our engagement today. So, do yourself a favor and apologize while you still can. Otherwise, don't bother trying to set foot in this house again." My chest heaved with rage.