I never thought I'd be the type to call off a wedding. But life has a way of surprising you, doesn't it?

I'm one of those people who prefer making big decisions after talking to my friends and family and knowing what they think about it. But this time, I just knew I had to do this.

I knew I had to cancel the wedding because what happened at the restaurant that day was something I didn't see coming.

Before discussing that day, let me share a bit about my fiancé, Richard. I met him at work when he joined as a junior executive in accounting. I don't know what it was, but something about him attracted me. Something that made me notice him right away.

Richard fit the definition of a handsome man. Tall, stylish hair, a warm smile, and a great sense of humor. He quickly became the office favorite, and soon, we were chatting during coffee breaks.

We started dating around seven weeks after he joined, and I realized he was everything I wanted in a partner. Confident, kind, responsible, and solution-oriented. Just the kind of man a clumsy woman like me needed.

Our relationship moved fast. WAY too fast, now that I think about it. Richard proposed just six months after we started dating, and I was so caught up in the whirlwind romance that I said yes without hesitation.

Everything about him seemed perfect, except for one thing: I hadn't met his parents yet. They lived in another state, and Richard always had an excuse for why we couldn't visit. But once they heard about our engagement, they insisted on meeting me.

"They're going to love you," Richard assured me, squeezing my hand. "I've booked us a table at that fancy new place downtown for Friday night."

I spent the next few days in a panic. What should I wear? What if they didn't like me? What if they tell Richard to leave me?

I swear I tried around a dozen outfits before settling on a classic black dress. I wanted to look sophisticated but not overdressed.

On Friday, I came home early from work and got ready. No-makeup look, cute black heels, a mini bag, and a natural hairstyle. I wanted to keep it simple but perfect for the occasion. Richard picked me up soon after.

"You look gorgeous, babe!" he said, flashing the smile I adored. "Ready?"

I nodded, trying to calm my nerves. "I really hope they like me."

"They will, babe," he held my hand. "After all, you've got everything that a parent would want to see in their child's partner. You're amazing inside out."

I felt a bit relieved at that point, but I still wasn't ready for the drama that was about to unfold.

A few minutes later, we entered the restaurant, and I thought it was stunning. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and soft piano music filled the air. It was the kind of place where even the water glasses looked expensive.

We spotted Richard's parents at a table near the window. His mother, Isabella, a petite woman with perfectly coiffed hair, stood up as we approached. Meanwhile, his father, Daniel, who seemed quite stern, remained seated.