As they sat sipping their drinks, engaging in light-hearted banter, Eloise felt a knot in her stomach. Gathering her courage, she finally took a deep breath and broached the topic. “Mom, I need to tell you something important. Please understand that I have the utmost respect for you and dad, and it was never my intention to cause any hurt,” she began tentatively. Her mother’s expression shifted to one of concern, her eyes searching Eloise’s for clues. She could sense that her daughter was about to reveal something significant.
“Mom,” Eloise started, her voice trembling slightly, “when I began university, dad made it clear that dating was off-limits. But then, I met someone.” She paused, her words rushing out in a torrent as she continued, “I didn’t know how to tell you both, so I kept it a secret. I’ve fallen deeply in love with him, and he proposed to me last night.” Eloise spilled her secret in one breathless go. With the truth finally out, she anxiously awaited her mother’s response, holding her breath.