Who’s the Dog Now? novel Chapter 11

“What?”

If Zebulon's resistance had seemed to the adults like a young boy's shyness or a moment of rebellion, then Naomi's words were a landmine that blew the day's cheerful, relaxed atmosphere to smithereens.

The mood in the dining room grew serious.

Mr. and Mrs. Gonzalez, forgetting their manners, spoke before the Hugheses. “Naomi, don't be so rude! And don't say things you don't mean! We've all seen how much you like Zebulon. Our families are discussing your future. You can't joke about something so serious. A moment of impulse will only lead to regret.”

The others quickly chimed in with their own advice.

“That's right, this is no laughing matter. And you, Zebulon, after all these years, how could you say something like that? I know you young people have your own ideas and dislike arranged matches, always wanting to be unconventional. But you and Naomi have known each other for so long. How could you embarrass a young lady like this on a day like today? That's not what a gentleman does.”

Everyone was trying to give Zebulon a way out, but only he knew that from the moment Naomi said, “Same here,” his heart had been filled with nothing but erupting rage. If it weren't for the adults, he would have stormed over and strangled her.

How dare she speak to him like that! He had to teach her a lesson!

There's a limit to throwing tantrums! He wouldn't tolerate her fits of pique any longer!

He clenched his fists on his lap, using the motion to remind himself to hold back his anger. But his words offered no compromise. “I never liked her in the first place! You're the ones who sentimentally insisted on this marriage. My position is clear: I will not marry Naomi. You can't force love, so stop trying to set us up.”

At his words, the adults exchanged uneasy glances.

She had been able to disregard her own dignity before because the two families had intended the marriage. She was just fighting for love. But now that she was tired and no longer wanted to chase after him, why should she drag her parents down with her?

“I'm sorry, I should have said something sooner. When I was younger and more naive, I thought a childhood bond could turn into love, but I've realized that's not the case.”

Naomi took a deep breath and looked at the adults before her. “Mom, Dad, Zebulon and I are really not suited for each other. I'm sorry to disappoint you.”

Everyone had seen how much Naomi liked Zebulon; for years, she had been like his little shadow.

But today, she had said such things in front of everyone.