- 6.
I ran into Ethan at a business gala. It was inevitable. We were in the same circles. He joined me on the balcony, making small talk. I responded vaguely until, finally, staring out at the city lights, he asked, “Viv, how have you been all these years?”
I turned to him, a smile playing on my lips. “Ethan, you’re married. This setting, this conversation… is this really appropriate?”
He chuckled, unfazed. “Just catching up with an
old friend. You’re being too sensitive.”
“Sorry, but you have a history, don’t you?” I said sweetly.
He paused, then sighed, looking back at the
<
view. “I’m just… tired.”
Tired of what? It was an open secret. His
marriage was a joke. The Stone family had become a laughingstock.
I didn’t respond. I took a sip of my champagne, preparing to leave. “But she was your choice, Ethan,” I reminded him gently.
The next time we met was at his mother’s birthday party. Mrs. Stone had been calling me constantly since I got back. Despite the strained relationship between our families, there were
still business ties. And Mrs. Stone had always been fond of me. I could be cold to Ethan, but not to her.
She’d personally invited me. “Vivian, dear, it’s my birthday next Wednesday. Will you come? Seven years, child, not even a phone call.”
I couldn’t refuse. I picked out a gift and went.
<
Something felt off when I arrived. It was a small
gathering, just family. My presence seemed
odd. Mrs. Stone, however, was delighted. She
was surrounded by female relatives. She waved
me over and insisted I sit beside her.
I didn’t see Lily.
Mrs. Stone held my hand, studying me. Her
eyes glistened. “You’ve grown into such a
beautiful, accomplished young woman.” The
other relatives chimed in, showering me with compliments.
Mrs. Stone smiled, reminiscing. “The first time I saw her, she was five. Her family had just moved in next door. She was wearing a pink
dress, holding her mother’s hand, so sweet. I wished I’d had a daughter.”
I just smiled politely, as expected.
Ethan and Lily arrived during dinner. Ethan,
<
perhaps expecting me, just nodded. Lily,
however, paled at the sight of me. She
managed a weak smile. “Mom, happy birthday.”
Mrs. Stone barely glanced at her. She kept
holding my hand, leading me to the dining
room. “Come, dear, sit with me.”
Even I could see the awkwardness now. It
escalated during dinner. All my favorite dishes were laid out before me. Mrs. Stone fussed over
- me. “You must have had a hard time abroad. You look thinner.” She gestured to a dish. “This bird’s nest soup was your favorite. Whenever Ethan upset you, this is what we used to make you feel better.” The chef, she told me, had started preparing it days in advance, just for
- me.
Suddenly, a crash. Lily had dropped her plate. A maid rushed forward, but Lily, flustered, waved her away, grabbing napkins and crouching
down to clean the mess herself. “I’m so sorry,”
<
she stammered.
Ethan stopped her before she could crawl under
the table. He looked at her coldly. “Enough.
Look at yourself.” He turned to the maid.
“Linda, please clean this up.”
Mrs. Stone was furious. “So embarrassing! It’s a good thing this is just family.” She turned to
- me. “Vivian, look at this. If only Ethan had
married you…” She clutched her chest,
seemingly overwhelmed. “Vivian, you used to be so fond of Ethan. He was foolish, he hurt you,
but… can you forgive him? For my sake, can you forgive him?”
The room was silent. Everyone stared at me,
even Ethan. He had no reaction to his mother’s
outrageous request. He just looked at me
calmly, waiting for my answer.
Lily, sobbing, ran out of the room. No one
followed.
I placed my chopsticks on the table, smiled, and turned to Mrs. Stone. “I was so happy you
invited me. I’ve always cherished your kindness, even after… everything. It’s your birthday. I should be making you happy. But this… this is difficult.” I paused, offering a polite smile to everyone. “Mrs. Stone, I’m sorry. I’m back to introduce my fiancé to my family.”
The room gasped. Mrs. Stone stared at me, speechless. “Your… fiancé?” she finally managed. “Who is this lucky young man?”
I lowered my eyes. “Alex Sutton. The eldest Sutton son.”
More gasps. Mrs. Stone was stunned. Ethan’s aunt broke the silence, chuckling. “A perfect match! Vivian, you’re a lucky girl.”
I just smiled.
Ethan looked at me, his expression unreadable.
((
<
Finally, he offered a wry smile.
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” I said, inclining my head
gracefully.
