Chapter 10

“Yes, I did. So what?” Sienna said, her voice bored, as if discussing the weather. “You’ve made it this far without an ounce of decency; you’re not even worth my breath.”

“Wha–” Mrs. Quinn clutched her chest, gasping for air, but Sienna ignored her and fixed her cold gaze on Mason.

“You’re Mason, right? It seems my sister’s words from last night didn’t quite penetrate that thick skull of yours,” Sienna sneered. “Let me be clear: she is breaking up with you. The engagement is off. So why are you still clinging to her? Are you that pathetic, or do you just have a death wish?”

Being publicly humiliated by a woman, twice, was more than Mason’s fragile ego could handle. And this woman… Mason didn’t expect she was really Vivian’s sister!

“Fine! Break it off! Did you really think I couldn’t live without you?” he spat.

“Then get out,” Vivian said, her voice flat.

Mason’s anger flared. “You…”

Linda quickly gave Aiden a nudge. Catching her intention, Aiden tried to smooth things over, but a cold glare from Sienna made him shut his mouth.

“Now, now, let’s not be hasty. We’re all friends here. We shouldn’t let things get so ugly,” Linda had to step between them herself. “Even if the children can’t be together, we should still have a peaceful discussion, shouldn’t we?”

Fuming, Mason’s parents turned and stormed out. Mason, however, lingered, his eyes still on Vivian.

For some reason, he found this new, defiant version of her captivating. Before, she had always been so timid, so eager to please. Tonight, she was pure, untouchable elegance.

He was still willing to give her another chance. After all, they’d been together for three years. He was sure she couldn’t just forget him or even let him go. It had to be a game, and she was just playing hard to get.

“Vivian,” he said, trying to soften his voice, “I’ll overlook today. I know Chloe hurt you, but she saved my life. I can’t abandon her. About the engagement, I know you said it in anger. Just take time to think it over.”

Vivian looked at this man, at his practiced, gentle expression, and a chill went through her. It was laughable. Why hadn’t she seen through his hypocrisy sooner?

“Mason,” she said, her voice firm and steady. “You used me as a stand-in. Because you helped me once, I let it slide. But from now on, we’re done. Your drama is none of my business. The engagement is off. I mean it, whether you believe me or not.”

Something in Mason’s gut clenched. It felt like sand slipping through his fingers. He had the unsettling feeling that something precious was gone forever. For the first time, a flicker of genuine panic entered his eyes. He reached for her hand.

“We’ve been together for three years. I know you,” he insisted. “I’ll give you some time to come to your senses. Meet me at our usual spot tomorrow night, and I’ll forgive all of this.”

Vivian recoiled from his touch, taking steps back. Her voice was calm, each word a carefully placed stone. “Not going to happen, Mason. I’m not playing hard to get,” she replied. “Listen carefully, I am dumping you. You’re nothing to me. You’re not worth the effort.”

The last of Mason’s composure shattered. In front of everyone, she had utterly shredded his dignity. His fists clenched.

“Fine!” he seethed. “You want to play it this way? From now on, the Quinn family is done with the Harts!”

“Mason, dear!” Linda cried, rushing to his side. “She’s just angry; she doesn’t mean it! Vivian is usually so obedient; she’s been with you for three years. Let’s just talk this out!"

She then quickly turned to Aiden, “Darling, say something. Talk some sense into her!”

Although she appeared worried, deep down Linda was satisfied. She welcomed the thought of them breaking up—letting Vivian end up alone and unwanted.

Aiden, however, didn’t say a word. He felt that if he so much as opened his mouth, Sienna would kick him across the room again.

“Darling, what are you waiting for?” Linda tugged at his sleeve. “You’re her father! It’s your job to teach her right from wrong.”

Hearing this, Aiden finally puffed out his chest. That’s right, he was their father. Sienna had already been disrespectful enough, so how dare she push it any further?

“Vivian, stop this nonsense,” he chided. “You and Mason have been together for three years. If you break up with him, who else will ever marry…