Done Competing for Her
On the eve of Valentine's Day, the entire Ravenport is waiting for Vivian Grayson's scores to be released. They're all watching to see if my score is high enough to attend her family banquet this year.
The Grayson family has made it clear that their future son-in-law will be chosen at that banquet. Yet, after seven years of dating Vivian, I come in second every single time. This had made me the biggest joke in the city.
This year is no exception.
Vivian throws herself into the arms of the male model, Jason Carter, who ranks first.
She says matter-of-factly, "I really like the way he smells. You understand, right, Noah? Next year, I'll definitely make you number one."
The lively atmosphere in the banquet hall drops to freezing point. Everyone is waiting for me to tear that smug look off Jason's face.
But I don't lose my temper like before.
I simply say calmly, "Congratulations."
A victorious smile appears on Vivian's face. "You've finally learned to control your temper, Noah. You're not far from becoming the Graysons' son-in-law."
I nod indifferently.
I am about to become someone else's son-in-law, but not the Grayson family's.
I have disagreed and argued with my family for the past seven years. Now, it's time to follow their arrangement and go abroad to honor the marriage they set up for me.