The Heartbreak of Love and Duty

Saturday evening, the Bennett's and the Thompson's settled down for dinner. The parents had purposefully seated Olivia and Michael together. It had been a few months since she and Michael had last spoken, but they had known each other since they were young.

"Aren't they just the perfect couple?" Michael's mother cooed.

"I agree. Just think of what the children will look like?" Margaret replied. The two women were in complete agreement.

"I think we can have the wedding at the beginning of this summer," commented Michael's father. "Before Michael needs to return to work. What do you think, David?"

"I'll leave it to the women to handle. But early summer should be fine, just before we start our joint project," David winked.

Olivia slowly ate her food, wondering how she was going to get out of this situation. Maybe she could discuss it with Michael?

"So, Michael? Are you looking forward to marrying our Liv?" queried Margaret. "Does early summer work for you?"

"Yes, Mrs. Bennett. If Liv's happy, then I'm happy," said Michael with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Olivia gave him a sideways glance. "Can we please speak outside?"

"Sure. We're just going for a walk."

"Good, good. It's good for the two of you to spend time together," smiled Margaret, while Michael's mother nodded her head.

As they stood on the deck, Olivia looked up at the night sky. She took a deep breath. "I don't want to get married, Michael."

She watched for his reaction. As usual, there was none. Michael had always been like this.

"Why is that?" he asked nonchalantly.

"Because... I'm in love with someone else," Olivia hesitated, "I'm in love with a woman."

"Mmm... okay? What is it you want me to do about it?" Michael asked.

"Support me in rejecting this engagement?" Olivia looked at Michael hopefully.

"Sorry, Liv. I can't do that. This is something my parents have been planning for years now. It's one thing if you manage to convince them to call it off, but I'm afraid I can't help you with it. It would kill my mother if I did that," Michael shook his head. "Sorry, Liv."

He turned and walked back inside. Olivia could only stand there, the urge to cry welling up inside. She looked back towards the sky and thought of Riley. I need to do this for Riley!

Olivia returned back inside. The Thompsons were getting ready to leave. After bidding farewells, the house became silent again.

"Father? I would like a word, please?" Olivia said quietly.

"What is it, Olivia?" the air immediately becoming tense.

"I...I want to call off the engagement. I don't love Michael...and he doesn't love me...Please, father..." Tears were already beginning to fall. Margaret stood off to the side silently, watching her husband to see his reaction.

Speaking through gritted teeth, "Enough, Olivia! I will give you a choice. You can either stop seeing that woman and marry Michael in the summer. Or, you can leave this house with the clothes you're wearing on your back.

"W...what?! What do you mean? You'll disown me?" Olivia could not believe what she was hearing. "But...you... that is unfair!"

"These are the choices I'm giving you, Olivia. It's for your own good. You have until tomorrow to let me know what you decide," said David as he turned to leave.

Olivia watched his retreating back, then looked to her mother for some kind of support. The woman was only looking at her feet, not saying a word.

*****

Olivia wasn't sure how she got there, but she was standing outside Riley's room. She had been hesitating to knock for almost 30 minutes. Her thoughts had been filled with what her father had said. She tried to imagine her life without what she currently had. No money for shopping, college, rent, food. Anything. She hadn't held a job before; she hadn't needed to.

She jumped back when the door suddenly opened. "Liv? What are you doing here?" asked Riley. "Come in."

Olivia explained everything that had been said and the decision she was being forced to make.

"Olivia... my darling. I love you, you know that. Whatever your decision, I'll support it. As long as you believe that you're making the best decision for you. Understand?" Riley pulled her close to hug her as Olivia burst into tears.

"I love you, Riley. I love you more than I've ever loved anyone..." Olivia trailed off.

"But?" pushed Riley.

Oliva closed her eyes, "But... I can't be disowned! I would have nothing! I'm still in college. I don't work. Where would I live? I couldn't become a burden to you.." she cried. "I....I....." she couldn't finish the sentence.

"We need to break up," said Riley matter of factly. "It's what's best for you, right now."

Riley cupped her cheeks gently, and gave her a long, lingering kiss. A tear slowly rolled down her cheek, "Go, my love."

"Go," she whispered.

Olivia fought back the tears that were threatening to come out and stood up. She took a last look at Riley before running out the door and into the night.

Riley finally broke down. She had appeared strong for Olivia, because she knew what needed to be done. It was the only decision that Olivia's upbringing would allow for. There was no point dragging it out, no matter how much it hurt.

*****

Olivia came crashing through the door of her home, her eyes red from crying.

"Liv? Are you ok?" asked her mother.

"No! Mother, I'm not okay! Riley and I have broken up!, Are you happy now?" she screamed. "You've got your fucking way and ruined my life!"

"Olivia!" David shouted. "How dare you speak to your mother like that."

Olivia could only hold in the hate she was currently feeling. Pushing past After her father left, she sprinted into her room and locked the door.

*****

Two Months Later

Knocking on the door quietly, "Liv, darling? It's time to get ready."

The door slowly opened, and Olivia stepped out.

"Oh, you look beautiful, Liv. Aren't you excited?" her mother grinned. The memories from two months ago had already been pushed to the back of her mind.

"Don't push it, Mother," said Olivia flatly as she walked downstairs to the waiting car.

Her mother followed behind her, carrying the train of the dress. Her wedding dress. Sitting down in the car, Olivia could only sigh.

*****

As she walked down the aisle, she was glad that the veil she was wearing could hide her expressionless face. People clapped; relatives gave her a thumbs up.

She looked up at the altar to see her soon-to-be husband. Michael had the same look that he had always had: mild disinterest.

This is going to be my life?

"...Do you, Olivia, take Michael to be your lawfully wedded husband?...."

The crowd leaned in to hear her answer. Olivia was still silent. She looked at her mother, her father, then Michael.

Lowering her head, she said, "I do."

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***