Page 101 of Doctor I Do

I’m going to fix this.

With new determination, I grab my keys and get in my car.

Arriving at the house without Tahlia doesn’t feel right. But I push it aside. Both of her parents wear thin lips and angry expressions, but they still act polite, asking if I need a drink or anything.

The nice act reminds me of her. She’s always so kind and puts others first.

And here I am, putting her first. I like that I’m fighting for her. I’ve never done that for any woman. I’ve never been compelled to, but Tahlia is different.

Sitting down at a table opposite my girlfriend's parents should be good, but it’s intense.

I clear my throat and start.

The quicker I do this, the quicker I can go to her.

“I want to know what happened. And why she can’t get her stake in the family business?”

“Because your engagement and upcoming wedding was a sham,” Hector spits angrily.

“But the business was on a hard-to-get clause. She was single and didn’t have a boyfriend, so what did you expect her to do?” I ask.

“We had a husband she could have married,” Sonya adds.

“She doesn’t want him,” I argue, my words cold, hating the idea of another man with her.

Fuck no, she’s my girlfriend and my future wife.

“And what? She wants you?” Hector all but laughs.

I grind my teeth together, taking a moment to let the anger wash over me.

“Yes,” I answer, my voice controlled.

“The relationship was fake,” Hector scoffs.

I shake my head vigorously. “You’re wrong. We’ve always been attracted to each other. This opportunity—”

Her dad snorts, and I crack my neck.

I remind myself this is her dad, and I need to be here for her today.

“Set-up, you mean,” he argues.

Her mom stays silent. She’s watching me. Listening.

“Yes, I told her to marry me. But the way she spoke about hating her current life, this fashion business was going to give her the direction she desperately craves.”

Her mom moves. I bet she didn’t know that.

I need to win them over. The next words that leave my mouth remind me of the little talks and moments we shared. I miss them already. I want her back.

“She was so excited to take the business on. We often spoke about the wedding. We were actually happy, and we started dating for real.”

“It doesn’t change the fact you two lied,” Hector adds, as if my words don’t affect him.

My body goes tense at the mention of lying.

“I admit that was wrong. My own parents would be disappointed, but Tahlia is worth it.”

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