Chapter 19
Sebastian had never seen Vivian like this before–her words were sharp and biting. The Vivian he remembered was always compliant, then later distantly aloof, but never this aggressively confrontational.
He laughed at himself, suspecting her change was likely due to Alistair.
“Is he really that wonderful? Worth changing who you are, staying beside someone who doesn’t love you, and pretending for years?”
Though the name was unspoken, they both knew exactly who was being referred to.
Silence enveloped the room. Sebastian had brought up the topic like a petulant child, yet now he feared her departure or, perhaps worse, her answer.
No matter her response, he couldn’t bear it. If affirmative, how could he ever replace the memory of Lucian, the one who had sacrificed himself to protect her? If negative, as someone who had lost to Lucian, what chance would he have against someone who succeeded where Lucian could not?
Sebastian’s mind reeled with the possibilities. But it was too late–the question had been asked, and she would
answer.
Vivian downed her drink in one swift motion, meeting his gaze with eyes glistening with unshed tears. “He is worth it, he absolutely is.”
Lucian was the best person in the world, the one who loved Vivian more than anyone else. Unlike everyone else, including her parents, Lucian loved her simply because she was Vivian.
To her, no one could ever compare to him.
So close to forever, they had almost transitioned from childhood sweethearts to husband and wife.
Tears flowed uncontrollably as Vivian broke down, her sobs echoing through the room. Sebastian had never expected his bitter question to unravel her so completely.
In the four years they were together, she had only lost control once before, on the day her necklace was destroyed.
Tentatively, he reached out to wipe her tears, relieved when she didn’t pull away. An internal battle raged within him, but his emotions won out.
With one swift motion, he enveloped her in his arms.
Perhaps vulnerability invites intrusion, and in that moment, Vivian didn’t understand why she didn’t resist.
She buried her face in his shoulder, her tears staining his suit. His breath was soft and careful, as if afraid to disturb her.
When she finally pulled away, she fought back another wave of tears, ignoring her swollen eyes as she gathered her dress and hurried downstairs without a word.
Sebastian didn’t try to stop her; he merely watched her retreating figure.
Her form–fitting gown accentuated her graceful curves, and the open back revealed flawless skin, shimmering with every step.
Unbeknownst to them, a security camera recorded their entire exchange.
In the ballroom, Alistair’s assistant received a message alert on his phone. After a quick glance, he leaned over and whispered to Alistair, who nodded, acknowledging the information without a change in expression.
Alistair swirled his glass, the tangy orange juice a familiar comfort. Typically, he abstained from alcohol, preferring juice. Yet tonight, even the juice felt lacking.
The assistant was briefly distracted, and when he turned back, Alistair was already by the cham~~
1/2
Chapter 19
holding a glass of wine.
The drinks at the party were generally mild, but Alistair, with his congenital heart condition, had never drunk alcohol. Even a low–alcohol champagne was enough to make him cough.
The assistant was panicked, unable to comprehend why Alistair suddenly decided to drink.
Seeing Alistair’s apparent curiosity, the assistant rushed to intervene but was too far away.
Just then, a delicate hand snatched the glass from Alistair. Before he could react, she locked eyes with him and downed the remaining wine from where he had sipped.
2/2
