apter 3
I stood frozen in place.[]
Anne was equally stunned.[]
Julian looked at Anne, his voice calm and serious.[]
“Mom, you’ve always worried about my marriage. Now I’ve made my decision. Aren’t you happy for me?“]
Anne stammered:[]
“Well–happy, of course… but Vivian is your…“[]
“Mother,” Julian cut her off.[]
“Henry has made his choice. He wants someone else. Do you really want to trap them in a miserable marriage?“[]
Then Julian looked at me, his gaze unwavering.
“Vivian, the marriage alliance between the Carter and Blake families was your grandfather’s dying wish. Do you want to disappoint him?“]]
“I can give you my word–if you agree, I’ll be faithful to you for life. I’ll never betray you.“[
I looked up at Julian, slowly regaining my composure.[]
My mind began racing.
My sister has no interest in the family business–she’s fragile and romantic, spending most of her time jet–setting around the world with her boyfriend.[]
I need to shoulder the responsibility for Blake family enterprises.
Maybe marrying a capable man wouldn’t be so bad.]
Though Julian is cold, he’s not a liar.
He’s nearly thirty and has never had any romantic scandals. He doesn’t even like women getting close to
Some circles in New York high society even whisper that he’s… impotent.[]
But only I know he’s perfectly normal.[]
him.
Anne snapped out of her shock.
For years, she’d been worried about Julian’s
ture.
Finally, she saw hope.[]
Within minutes, she was already picking names for
our future
children.[]
“Vivian,” Anne said softly, “Julian has always cared about you. Why not give it a try?”
“If you marry him, your marriage would still ensure the alliance between the Carter and Blake families.”
“I’ll do it.”
I made my decision.
Anne froze, then broke into an excited smile.[]
“Wonderful! I’ll start planning your engagement ceremony right away.“]
Julian reached for the sapphire bracelet on the coffee table and smiled as he took my hand.
8290
ཉེ་བའི་
“Vivian, let’s use this as our promise token for today. Tomorrow I’ll get you new jewelry.“[]
His expression grew serious as he gently fastened the bracelet around my wrist.[]
“Wearing this means you’re mine. If you try to back out now… no matter where you run, I’ll find
Then, without warning, he kissed my cheek.]]
When he pulled away, I noticed Julian’s ears had turned red.]
My mischievous side kicked in–this was the perfect chance to get back at him for all those cold stares he’d given me as a child.]
I grabbed his collar, stood on my tiptoes, and bit his lip.[]
Julian’s eyes widened.]]
His face gradually turned crimson.]]
I let go and said with feigned composure;
“Julian, that’s my token. Now it’s your turn to take responsibility.“[]
Julian still looked dazed, touching his lips as if he couldn’t believe what had just happened.]
Then his face broke into a brilliant smile.
“Vivian, wait here–I’ll be right back!”
With that, he bolted out the door.
Anne was laughing excitedly when a harsh voice cut through the air.
“Vivian, don’t think dragging my mother into this will change anything. I told you–I’m marrying Sekar.“]
Anne was about to scold him, but Henry had already stridden into the hall, holding Sekar’s hand.]
“Mom, I was too young before. I mistook my feelings for Vivian, but then I met Sekar and learned what real love is.”
“Sekar is passionate, honest, and full of life.”
“Mom, I want to cancel the engagement with the Blake family.”
“I’m going to marry Sekar. That’s my promise to her.”
I let out a cold laugh.
“Henry, I had no idea you valued promises so highly.“[]
“You’re free to pursue happiness–but not by humiliating others.”
“Why were you in bed with someone else before breaking off our engagement?”
Henry looked embarrassed. When he couldn’t figure out how to respond, Sekar lifted her chin proudly and defiantly.[]
“If there’s no love, why force Henry?”
“Breaking an engagement is just words. In my homeland, we value honesty. Unlike you people–hypocrites, always scheming behind the scenes.“[]
This comment didn’t just put me down–it judged Anne and every woman in New York high society. In an instant, the room’s temperature seemed to drop ten degrees.
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