I proposed at the concert, the same band playing a love song we adored in the background, and she said yes without hesitation! I thought I was the luckiest man alive!
But I should’ve known better than to rush into things so quickly.
Because things moved so fast between us, we hadn’t met each other’s families yet. But Olivia always spoke highly of her parents, describing them as “fun and old-school.” She mentioned they were excited about the engagement and wanted to meet me.
They planned a trip to visit us, and Olivia suggested celebrating our engagement with them at an upscale restaurant. I was nervous but eager to make a great impression.
The plan was that Olivia would meet my parents soon afterward.
I spent the day preparing for the big day by getting my best suit pressed. I even rehearsed polite conversation and Googled ways to connect with potential in-laws.
When we finally arrived at the restaurant, my nerves started kicking in, but I brushed them off, knowing I’d come prepared. As we entered, Olivia helped ease my tension by squeezing my hand and whispering, “Relax, they’re going to love you just like I do.”
But from the moment her parents arrived, I knew this dinner wouldn’t be normal.
As soon as we sat down and I was introduced to her parents, they made me regret ever coming.
Her father, Richard, was a broad-shouldered man with a commanding presence and a serious air about him. He barely acknowledged me as he took his seat. Her mother, Diane, adorned in enough jewelry to blind the waiter, gave me a quick once-over before turning to Olivia with a tight-lipped smile.
“So, Tommy, right?” Richard began.
Without giving me a chance to respond, he said, “Let’s talk about your future roles now that you’re marrying our daughter.”
I smiled, thinking he was referring to becoming part of the family or shared traditions. Instead, he leaned back and said, “Olivia’s been dreaming of quitting her job to be a full-time homemaker. You’ll need to cover all the household expenses so she can focus on that.”
I blinked, unsure if I’d heard him correctly.
Diane chuckled, swirling her wine.
“Oh, and don’t forget a little financial help for us wouldn’t hurt. Just a small monthly amount for your new in-laws—it’s the least a loving son-in-law can do, right?”
I froze in place, my smile faltering before I managed to squeak, “I’m sorry—what?”
Richard’s face remained stone-cold as he nodded as if the conversation was normal. “You want to marry into the family, right?
So, you have to provide. Your wife shouldn’t have to work. And we’ll appreciate a modest amount for our pension from you as well.”
I glanced at Olivia, expecting her to laugh it off!
But she only smiled sweetly and said, “It’s not a big deal, baby. Really. It’s how we’ve always done things in our family.”
The waiter conveniently appeared with our drinks, giving me a moment to process this insanity!
I felt like I’d been sucker-punched and was struggling to catch my breath. But looking back, there were small things I ignored.
Olivia tended to brush off any serious conversations I wanted to have. Once, when we talked about finances, she laughed and said, “Oh, my parents have always told me I’d marry someone who’d take care of me.” I thought it was a joke, until now.
While everyone placed their food orders, I sat there in awe, mulling over what I’d just heard.
When the waiter turned to me, I ordered the first thing I saw on the menu, completely dazed and consumed by what Olivia and her parents had told me.
After the waiter left, Richard continued as if he were negotiating a business merger. “It’s not just about you providing money, of course. My daughter deserves the lifestyle she’s grown accustomed to—vacations, fine dining, spa days, and such.
You’ll need to buy her apartment from us too. We raised her with high standards, after all.”
Diane leaned in. “And eventually, you’ll need a bigger place.
This apartment is fine for now, but our grandchildren will need more space. And when we visit, we expect to have a bedroom dedicated to us.”
My appetite completely vanished as the food was served. Every word out of their mouths felt surreal, and so did the whole evening!
I glanced at Olivia again, but she just sipped her wine, perfectly comfortable.
I don’t remember what they spoke about for the rest of the dinner. I occasionally smiled, and I think I chipped in with some comments, but I wasn’t there mentally. When the check arrived, Richard didn’t even glance at it.
He made intense eye contact as he slid it toward me without a word.
I paid, my hands trembling. The drive home was suffocatingly silent. Olivia fiddled with her engagement ring before finally breaking the silence.
“So?
What did you think of them?”
I gripped the steering wheel, choosing to handle the matter at hand once and for all. “Honestly? I think I can’t marry you.”
Her head snapped toward me.
“What? Are you serious?”
I nodded. “Because this isn’t love, Olivia.
It’s a business arrangement. Your parents want me to be their retirement plan, and you’re okay with that. That’s not the kind of life I want.”
Her face twisted in disbelief.
“You’re overreacting! It’s just how my family works! You said you loved me!”
“I do—or I did.
But love doesn’t come with conditions like this,” I replied.
We argued all the way home. Olivia accused me of being cold, selfish, and unwilling to compromise. But in my mind, the decision was made.
As soon as we got home, I packed my things. The same apartment that once felt so alive now felt like a cage.
I moved in with my brother, Nate, for a while. He didn’t ask questions, just handed me a beer and let me sit in silence.
A week later, I bumped into one of Olivia’s friends, who told me her parents were livid, not because I’d broken their daughter’s heart, but because their financial plan had crumbled.
That was all the confirmation I needed.
Olivia texted me a few times, saying I was throwing away something amazing. But I knew better. Love shouldn’t feel like a contract.
Months passed, and I slowly started rebuilding my life.
I joined a local hiking group, reconnected with old friends, and focused on myself. I learned that love isn’t just about how someone makes you feel, it’s about how they support you, challenge you, and grow with you.
Looking back, I realized that walking away was the best decision I ever made. Sometimes, the “perfect” person turns out to be perfect for all the wrong reasons.
And I’m okay with that.
Source: amomama
