C3

My mom suddenly gripped my arm tightly, and told me to cooperate with the engagement. "You can't say anything about this to your dad. I'll tell him myself ". Mom said. I agreed since it was just an engagement. When mom tells dad everything, he'd definitely have the wedding called off.

When I returned to the hall, it seemed everyone had been searching for me. "Oh look my daughter-in-law has returned. She must've gotten shy". Mr Cooper said. I smiled awkwardly, as he gestured for me to come up stage. Dylan was already standing there grinning like an idiot.

He immediately grabbed my hand the moment I walked close to him. I closed my eyes and tried to remain calm. The people and press kept taking pictures as we exchanged rings. I rolled my eyes inwardly as Dylan kept smiling like a kid who was handed candy.

I just wanted to go home. I never imagined I'd get engaged to this playboy who had asked me out a million times. He pulled me closer by the waist, and whispered "Look baby girl, you're mine in the end. Don't worry I'll treat you nicely". I had to keep smiling to deceive the people around us, so they'd think we're madly in love.

He kissed my cheek and I stomped on his foot with a smile. His face tightened from the pain, but he kept smiling. Then he whispered in my ear "This is exactly what draws me to you baby girl. You're so feisty". I rolled my eyes.

After a million hours of taking pictures for twitter and the front page of the newspaper, my cheeks were aching from all the fake smiling. Not to mention, Dylan had been holding my hand the entire time. He finally excused himself to go to the washroom, and I took that as my chance to escape.

I walked up to mom. "Mom I'm sorry but I have a headache and I really need to lie down for a bit. Is it fine if I go home now?". I asked with pleading eyes. Mom immediately agreed. "Sure honey. Ask Dylan to drop you off". She said.

I quickly grab my purse and run out of the building. My Uber was already waiting. I hop in, and ask him to drive off quickly. I smile to myself, knowing what I'd just done. By the time Dylan makes it out of the building to the parking lot, I'd be long gone.

I'm going to Vaughn's place, and my heart is thumping in my chest like I just jumped off freaking Mount Everest. I know he definitely saw the news and he must be hurt right now. I'm just thinking of a bunch of ways to explain to him.

I take a deep breath as the Uber comes to a stop in front of Vaughn's apartment. I ring the door bell repeatedly for a few minutes. And after what seemed like forever, he opens the door. A strong stench of alcohol hits my nose the moment he opens the door.

He's been drinking. He doesn't even look at me, and just walks back inside. He's definitely hurt. "What do you want?". He asks in a rather pissed off tone. I flinch. "Vaughn, about tonight I'm really sorry. I had no idea....". I start explaining, but before I could finish speaking, he shatters the glass in his hand into a million pieces on the floor.

I'm really scared now. I've never seen Vaughn angry before. At least not at me. I walk up to him carefully and hug his waist. "I'm really sorry Vaughn. I swear I didn't want any of this. Please be me". I say to him as my tears stain my cheeks, washing of the little makeup I had on.

He angrily pushes me away from him. I lose my balance and fall to the ground. A shard of glass stabs my palm, and I cry out in pain. Vaughn immediately rushes to my side. He grabbed my hand gently. It was like he had suddenly become sober.