Chapter 3

Just then, the host's voice rang out inside the banquet hall.

I glanced at Vivian. "The banquet's about to start. Let's go."

This banquet was meant for my engagement announcement. I wasn't going to hold it up for Vivian's sake.

On the way back to the banquet hall with her, a smirk tugged at my lips. The show was just getting started.

I stood at the center of the stage as Yvonne Stauffer, the most stunning woman in Seabrook, descended the spiral staircase in a couture gown. She stepped up onto the stage and gently took my arm. I gazed at her with nothing but love in my eyes. That affection was perhaps more than I had ever shown Vivian in the past.

I lightly patted her hand to reassure her, then turned to face the guests. "I'd like to introduce my fiancee to everyone. This is Yvonne Stauffer."

Yvonne smiled shyly as she raised her hand in greeting. "It's nice to meet everyone."

The guests erupted in applause. "She's so much better than Vivian Saddler!"

"Honestly, Vivian had no idea how good she had it. Mr. Griffith could've had anyone he wanted. She really blew it!"

I cleared my throat. "I'll be sending out wedding invitations soon. I hope everyone will be able to attend."

Amid the cheers, my eyes found Vivian in the audience. Her expression had changed drastically. It was as if she had been struck.

Just as I expected, I hadn't even made it home before I received a text message from Vivian. "I didn't think you'd be getting married so soon, Lucian. Congratulations!"

I calmly adjusted my glasses. "I won't be around to look after you anymore. Take care of yourself. Your back acts up when it rains, so remember to apply a hot compress when it happens. You always suffer from migraines too. Don't forget to keep your medication by your bedside…"

I replied with a message I had prepared long ago.

There was no reply from her for a long while. Perhaps she was reminiscing about the kindness I had once shown her.

I didn't think much of it. After getting home and taking a shower, I went straight to bed.

When I checked my phone the next morning, I realized that Vivian had sent me a text in the middle of the night. "I was the one who failed you. If I were given a second chance, I'd marry you. But I guess it's all too late now…"

I stretched. Everything was going exactly as planned. "Let the past stay in the past. After all that time together, we can still be friends even if we can't be lovers."

Vivian seemed to have not slept a wink. Before I could even put away my phone, she replied to my text. "Yeah! We'll always be the best of friends!"

I shook my head. Vivian was too easy to fool. It was no wonder Wyatt had her eating out of his hand. I must've been too sincere with her! She was the kind of woman who followed whoever said the right words to her.

I set my phone aside and looked at Yvonne, who was still asleep beside me. A deep sense of peace settled over me.

In terms of family background and beauty, she far outshone Vivian. Yet, she was somehow more innocent and kinder than Vivian.

We had only known each other for three months. But things between us felt effortless when I was with her.

Perhaps she was the one for me.