Chapter 10
“ Yes I did . So what ? ” Sienna said , her voice bored , as if discussing the weather . “ You’ve made it to your golden years without an ounce of decency – honestly , 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 ! ”
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7:37 pm
Chapter 10
“ 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 you ? ”