---- Chapter 9 When I finally reached my home in Botolph City, I saw my mother waiting on the porch with a warm smile. Seeing Royce and me arrive side by side, she beamed. "Royce said he happened to be near the airport for work today and could pick you up, so I didn't become a third wheel for you two!" "Mom..." I started. Royce was gracious as ever. "Hello, Mrs. Ellena. I have something to take care of today, so I won't be coming in. Please, enjoy your time with Bianca." When I turned around, Royce was already gone, disappearing into the distance. He had waited for me at the airport for two hours in the stormy morning, and never said a word about it. Had it been Lars, he would have mentioned it at least ten times. He'd make sure I knew how much trouble he had gone through. All those so-called acts of consideration had eventually become excuses for my indecisiveness. ---- After our meal, my mother finally asked, ''So, what's going on with you and Lars?" "We broke up. He...found someone else. This time, I don't plan on looking back," I replied. To my surprise, the person who understood me best was my mother. "You've always been the type to see things through to the end. If he hadn't found someone else, would you have been able to let go?" pressed my mother. I couldn't answer. ''So... It was my mistake to choose him." My mother put a piece of steak onto my plate, her tone firm. "There's no right answer in life. Today's mistake is tomorrow's new beginning. No matter which path you choose, your dad and I will always protect you and love you." The tears I had held back for so long finally spilled over. For the first time, I didn't feel alone in the fight. "As for your wedding with Royce...'' my mother added, "The invitations have already been sent. Remember to check if your friends received them." ---- "Okay." Sunlight streamed through the windows and curtains as the sun fully rose. I lay down for a nap, but my phone rang. It was Candice. "Where did you get your wedding invitations printed? The packaging is like something from a royal wedding! But... Did you put the wrong groom's name? " Candice asked. Ismiled. "Nope, it's correct. The groom is Royce Farrell." "What?!" "T broke up with Lars. The groom for my wedding next week is Royce." There was a long silence on the other end. "That Royce Farrell?" Candice's voice was shaking. "Yes, that Royce," I confirmed. Candice still couldn't believe it. "You and Lars... Is it really over for you two?" Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!