Chapter 3

Half a month later, Harry's wedding took place at the most luxurious resort in our hometown.

The extravagance was staggering. The wedding procession was all Rolls-Royces, and the bride's gown, custom-made in Yiferia, was reportedly worth a million dollars.

Some "well-meaning" relatives kept sending me the wedding photos and videos.

"Vivian, look how magnificent Harry is. Your parents must be so proud."

"Vivian, why didn't you attend the wedding? The whole family is here—you're the only one missing."

I looked at the photos. My parents were seated at the head table, their faces flowing with pride as they soaked up all the compliments from friends and relatives.

Next to them sat Harry, looking insufferably pleased with himself, as well as his gorgeous bride.

I deleted every single message expressionlessly.

The day after the wedding, my grandmother, Johanna Hancock, called me.

"Vivian, are you still angry at your parents?"

Grandma was the most reasonable person in the family.

"Hey, Grandma," I said, my tone softening a little.

"You not coming to Harry's wedding yesterday really made your parents look bad," Grandma said with a sigh. "All the relatives kept asking about you, and all your parents could say was that you were too busy with work."

"I really am busy."

"I know. I heard Charles broke up with you?"

"Yeah."

"What a shame. You two were such a good match." Grandma sighed again. "Vivian, I know you've been wronged. What your parents did was foolish. Instead of doting on you, they went and fawned over a nephew."

Grandma's words brought tears to my eyes. It was the first time since everything happened that a family member had spoken up for me.

"Grandma, I'm fine."

"Don't lie to me," Grandma retorted. "I know your father better than anyone. He's obsessed with how others perceive him. To him, carrying on the family name is everything.

"He thinks throwing Harry a lavish wedding means he's done right by the ancestors and can hold his head high in front of all the relatives."

"So, for the sake of his image, he can just sacrifice my happiness?" I retorted.

"He didn't think things would turn out like this. He's always been stubborn. But I think your mother and Dora were the ones stirring things up behind the scenes."

"It doesn't matter. What's done is done," I stated flatly.

"After having too much to drink at the wedding, your parents bragged to everyone about how the whole family envied them for buying Harry such a great villa."

Grandma's tone turned dismissive. "I scolded them. I said, 'Are you stupid? Why are you taking care of someone else's son instead of your own daughter?'"

I listened quietly.

"Your father's expression immediately darkened, and he said I wouldn't understand. Vivian, don't stoop to their level. Money comes and goes, but family is forever."

"Grandma, I'm doing this out of spite. I've just finally woken up."

"Woken up to what?"

"To the fact that I can't depend on anyone but myself," I answered. "I'll build my own career and live my own life. As for them… Well, they have their precious nephew, the one they're so proud of, to take care of them in their old age."

"Vivian…"

"Don't worry, Grandma. I'm doing well. Once my business is stable, I'll bring you to Summercaster to live with me."

"Alright, alright."

After hanging up, I looked out the window. Dawn had just broken over the horizon, the light bathing the skyscrapers in a shimmering golden glow.

I knew that from today onward, this was a path I would have to walk alone.

I turned on my laptop and sent outreach emails to several potential clients.

"Hello, I'm Vivian Sullivan, former Head of Design at Gomez Group. I have now started my own independent practice, specializing in high-end design projects, and I look forward to working with you."