Chapter 1 - The Invitation That Was Never a Peace Offering
Six weeks earlier, Vivienne had believed Chloe’s wedding invitation might be a sign that the Vale family was finally willing to accept her.
She should have known better.
The cream-colored invitation arrived in a box covered with white roses. Her name had been added beneath Dominic’s in smaller letters, almost as an afterthought.
Dominic found her examining it in their kitchen.
“You’re invited,” he said cheerfully. “That’s progress.”
Vivienne looked at the card.
“Your sister has invited me to family events before.”
“Not important ones.”
“That is not as reassuring as you think.”
Dominic kissed her forehead and placed his hand on her pregnant stomach.
“Chloe wants everything to be perfect. Please try not to take anything personally.”
Vivienne almost laughed.
For the past three years, Dominic had used that sentence whenever his family insulted her.
When Eleanor excluded Vivienne from family photographs, Dominic told her not to take it personally.
When Chloe introduced Vivienne as “Dominic’s temporary wife,” he claimed it was only a joke.
When Eleanor said Vivienne’s pregnancy was inconvenient because it would distract attention from Chloe’s wedding, Dominic insisted that his mother was under stress.
Vivienne had spent years swallowing disrespect because she loved him.
That afternoon, Chloe called.
“I heard your father controls the Aurelia Grand Ballroom,” she said without greeting.
“He manages the property.”
“I want my reception there.”
Vivienne paused.
Aurelia Grand was one of the most exclusive event venues in the city. It had once belonged entirely to Gabriel Hart’s company. However, when Vivienne turned twenty-five, the majority ownership had been transferred to her through a family trust.
Very few people knew.
Vivienne preferred it that way.
“I can ask about the date,” she said.
“I already checked. It’s available.”
“Then why are you calling me?”
“Because the rental price is ridiculous.”
“It includes security, catering coordination, cleaning and the full event staff.”
Chloe sighed impatiently.
“I’m going to be your sister for the rest of your life. Surely your family can offer it as a wedding gift.”
Vivienne wanted to refuse.
Then Dominic entered the room and overheard the final sentence.
“That would be incredibly generous,” he said.
His hopeful expression made the decision more difficult.
Vivienne contacted her father.
Gabriel did not immediately agree.
“That family has never shown you respect,” he said.
“This might help.”
“People who love you do not require expensive gifts before offering basic kindness.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
Vivienne remained silent.
Gabriel finally agreed on one condition.
The venue would remain under Hart management. All security systems would stay active, and Chloe would have no authority to dismiss the regular staff.
Vivienne accepted.
When Chloe learned the ballroom would be provided without charge, she did not thank her.
She simply said, “At least you’ve finally contributed something useful to this family.”
Dominic heard the comment.
He laughed awkwardly.
Vivienne waited for him to object.
He did not.
That was the first warning she ignored.
The second came during the dress fitting.
Chloe insisted that every woman in the family wear silver.
“I’ve already chosen your gown,” she told Vivienne. “It will hide most of the pregnancy weight.”
Vivienne stared at her.
“I’m pregnant, Chloe. I’m not trying to hide it.”
“There will be photographers everywhere. I’m only protecting the appearance of the wedding.”
Eleanor nodded.
“The day should be about Chloe. A large pregnant stomach can become visually distracting.”
Vivienne looked toward Dominic.
He adjusted his cuff links.
“It’s only one dress,” he said.
Once again, he chose silence disguised as compromise.
May you like
Vivienne agreed to wear the gown.
She did not yet understand that Chloe had chosen it for a reason.
