Chapter 78

Bella

As we got into the car, the weight of the conversation with Daniel back inside was still vivid in my mind. Even though he had shown understanding and some comfort for what happened in my previous relationship, I still hadn't told him about my strained relationship with my parents.

Daniel sensed the lingering sadness in my eyes while he was driving. He inquired, his worry clear, "Bella, is there something else on your mind?"

I thought for a second before deciding to tell him more of my truth. "It's about my parents," I said, my voice a little shaky.

"When I broke off my engagement, they didn't support my decision, or try to console me in any way. Instead, they judged me and made me feel like I had embarrassed the family by leaving him, just because it happened a day before the wedding. To make things worse, they also disowned me for choosing to be an artist and not going along with their plans for me."

A