Chapter 6
She lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes, and her tone was as casual as if she were saying she wasn’t hungry and didn’t want to eat. He stood by the sofa, looking down at her dark hair, a whirlpool of emotions churning inside him.
Vivian had indeed changed. In the past, if he so much as had a headache, she would be more concerned than anyone. She would never have been this indifferent, as if he were just a stranger.
Could she still be upset about him standing her up at sunrise?
Frustration bubbled up within him. He rubbed his temples, forcing himself to let it go and change the subject.
“Why don’t you freshen up and change into something nice? We have a family dinner to attend later.”
Hearing this, she finally looked up at him. But instead of the surprise he had expected, there was only astonishment in her eyes.
After all, they had been married for three years, and besides a hasty wedding, Sebastian had given her nothing. No ceremony, no meeting his family. He had never taken her to the Balfour family’s monthly dinners.
As for the reason, she had discovered it by accident.
She remembered it was their first wedding anniversary. She had wanted to ask him if they should celebrate together, but instead overheard his conversation with Charles and Margaret Balfour.
“Sebastian, it’s been a year since you got married. When are you planning to introduce your wife to us? We’ve got the family heirloom ready for her. Even though the Lanes are a small family, if she helps you forget Vanessa, it’s worth it.”
Through the phone and the door, the voices of Charles and Margaret Balfour weren’t clear. But Sebastian’s cold response was unmistakable, “A marriage of convenience; no need for introductions.”
Those few words clearly revealed Sebastian’s attitude towards her.
Inside the room, Margaret Balfour’s voice continued, “You haven’t forgotten Vanessa? I thought getting married would…”
“I tried, but I can’t forget.”
The call ended with Margaret Balfour’s sigh. Vivian quietly closed the door and left, pretending she had never been there.
She had accepted long ago that she wouldn’t set foot in the Balfour family estate. Now that she had realized she had mistaken the person and was ready to leave, he suddenly wanted to introduce her to his family?
“No, thank you.” Vivian shook her head, softly declining his offer.
This time, Sebastian couldn’t hold back any longer. Frowning, he spoke, “What’s wrong with you lately? You refuse everything I suggest. You didn’t used to be like this!”
His voice rose with emotion, and she suddenly remembered how she used to comply with everything he said. After a silent moment, fearing she might reveal her feelings, she agreed to accompany Sebastian to the family estate.
The estate wasn’t far from their villa. The drive there was brief, and as soon as they entered, she saw someone through the glass doors.
It was Vanessa.
She was chatting happily with Charles and Margaret Balfour. Margaret was lovingly slipping a jade bracelet onto Vanessa’s wrist. Upon seeing this, Sebastian’s expression shifted, and he explained in a low voice, “Vanessa is an old family friend, so she’s invited to our dinners…”
He spoke while glancing at Vivian, but she was calmly changing her shoes, her expression serene, even with a
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Chapter 6
hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth.
“You don’t need to explain to me.”
Sebastian paused, surprised by her reaction. As the disbelief was still evident in his eyes, Vanessa approached them. “Sebastian, your parents want you in the study. They have something to discuss with you.”
His words were cut short, and he nodded, ready to bring Vivian along, but Vanessa stopped him. “They want to see you alone.”
As soon as Sebastian’s figure disappeared around the corner, Vanessa waved her hand in front of Vivian’s face, her eyes filled with smugness and pride.
“Do you know what this is? It’s the Balfour family heirloom. Margaret just gave it to me, saying that with my return, Sebastian is complete. You know, all these years, I never realized Sebastian has always loved me.”
Vanessa’s gaze was fixed on Vivian, searching for any sign of pain or disappointment. But to her surprise, Vivian’s expression didn’t change. Her eyes didn’t linger on the bracelet even for a moment.
Vivian simply listened until Vanessa finished, then looked at her with a faint smile, her voice calm, “Are you really unaware?”
“What?” Vanessa was taken aback by Vivian’s sudden question, and Vivian continued, “You and Sebastian grew up together, and anyone could see the love in his eyes when he looked at you. You really didn’t know?”
