“It’s a deal that can’t possibly go wrong. Your uncle has everything to gain and nothing to lose.”
The cold, calculated nature of her words had chilled me to the bone. None of the relatives around us had objected, either. Instead, they chimed in, offering suggestions on how best to ensure the girl stayed long enough to marry and have Dylan’s child.
Once as a college student myself, I couldn’t stand it. My education had instilled in me the knowledge that this was morally wrong.
I had looked at Teresa, who was about my age, with a growing sense of sympathy and guilt.
Dylan, already thirty-two, was an average-looking man doing manual labor at construction sites, while Teresa was only twenty-three and still a senior in college. She looked so naïve, likely drawn to Dylan’s attention and kindness, eagerly awaiting their wedding.
Eventually, my conscience got the better of me.
I gave in, secretly warning her about the situation, explaining Dylan’s hereditary mental illness and urging her to reconsider the marriage carefully.
It wasn’t that I looked down on people with mental illnesses. If she had known about Dylan’s condition and still chose to marry him, I would have respected and even supported their union. But in this case, Dylan and his family were clearly deceiving her, hoping to trap her into a life of servitude. I couldn’t bear the guilt of letting her fall for such a lie.
“Keep this to yourself. Don’t tell anyone I said anything. And when you break things off, don’t mention his illness. Just use some other excuse. Dylan’s mental state isn’t stable, and if you mention it, he might get violent with you...” I had cautioned her sincerely.
Teresa had promised me she would handle the situation delicately, even feigning gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much. I can’t even imagine what would have happened to me if you hadn’t told me the truth. I’ll make sure to end things properly.”
Yet, that very day, she ran away.
Over the next two months, she faked illness and drained Dylan of his money.
Once she graduated, she cut off all contact with him, disappearing to start a new life elsewhere. Not only that, but she also made sure to tell Dylan exactly who had spilled the beans.
2
“I’ve had enough of you! If it weren’t for the money you spent on me, I would have dumped you ages ago!
“You’re a psycho! You actually think I’d marry you? Keep dreaming! Your whole family is full of nutcases!