Chapter 2

**Vivian’s POV**

If this were yesterday, a single "be good" from him would have made me swallow any amount of grievance.

But now, it only made me sick.

I pulled my wrist out of his grip. "No, thank you."

Julian frowned, about to snap, but the phone in his pocket began to buzz.

He glanced at the screen, and his cold, harsh expression instantly melted into soft warmth.

I knew who it was. Melanie was back in New York.

Julian answered the call right in front of me, his voice so gentle it could pour like honey. "Hey, don't worry. I’ve suppressed the news. Your father is hosting a welcome-back dinner for you tonight. I’m on my way."

Hanging up, he looked at me, drenched in the rain, his patience finally wearing thin. "How long are you going to keep throwing this tantrum?"

I looked at him and suddenly smiled. "Julian, in what capacity are you attending the Vance family dinner tonight?"

Julian’s face stiffened. He didn't answer.

I didn't give him another glance. I turned and walked straight into the storm.

When I arrived at the Vance mansion, what awaited me wasn’t a dry towel, but a brutal slap across the face from my father.

*Slap!*

The force knocked my head to the side, and blood trickled from the corner of my mouth.

My father threw a printed withdrawal statement at my face. "Do you want to disgrace this family completely? Melanie’s welcome dinner is tonight, and the Sterling family is coming. Sign this. Admit that you used improper means and withdraw from the fellowship. Don’t drag your sister's name into your dirt!"

Eleanor, Melanie’s mother, sat on the sofa, sighing hypocritically. "Vivian, once a girl’s reputation is ruined, she should learn to be sensible. Don't make things difficult for Melanie."

No one asked if I was framed.

In the Vance house, even my breathing was considered a sin.

I wiped the blood from my lip, picked up the statement, and said coldly, "Fine. I’ll attend the dinner tonight."

Back in my cramped attic room, I reached into the deepest drawer and pulled out a manila envelope. Inside was my acceptance letter from the Carmel Art Restoration Studio in California.

My Snapchat was sitting on a message from the program director. They would only hold my spot for three more days.

I took a picture of the acceptance letter and sent it back. "I’ll report in three days."

I was leaving.

I was going to disappear completely from this living hell created by Julian and the Vance family.

But before I left, I was going to tear off their hypocritical masks with my own hands.

Melanie’s welcome party was incredibly grand.

She wore a custom haute couture gown, looking like a delicate white rose, socializing effortlessly among the elite guests.

The moment Julian walked in, Melanie naturally slipped her arm through his, calling out sweetly, "Julian!"

Julian looked down at her, his eyes filled with pure adoration.

Halfway through the party, my father clapped his hands and announced loudly, "Tonight, besides welcoming Melanie home, I have another piece of great news! The Vance and Sterling families have agreed on an alliance. These two are deeply in love, and their engagement party will be held next month!"

Thunderous applause broke out.

All the guests turned their malicious side-glances toward me, standing in the dark corner.

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