Seeing her come down, Grayson quickly pulled out a chair for her and handed her a bowl of porridge that had already cooled to room temperature. He watched as she ate in silence, her expression unreadable. A trace of guilt flickered across his face.
“Violet, something urgent came up at the company, and I need to go on a business trip,” he signed. “For the next few days, you can discuss the wedding plans with the planner. I’ll finish my work as soon as possible and come back quickly. After the wedding, I promise to spend a whole week with you. Anywhere you want to go for our honeymoon, I’ll be right there with you.”
Violet had already learned last night that this trip had nothing to do with work. He was leaving to appease Ruby. But his whereabouts no longer concerned her. She merely nodded.
Just before Grayson stepped out the door, she called out to him one last time.
“Grayson.”
He paused for a moment, then turned back with a playful smile, ruffling her hair.
“Violet, are you reluctant to see me go? It’s just a few days. Soon, we’ll be married, and you’ll see me every single day.”
Ruby’s voice rang out from outside. Grayson pressed a quick kiss to her cheek before hurrying away.
Violet watched his departing figure. That was probably the last time she would ever see him.
Not long after Grayson and Ruby left, a message arrived on Violet’s phone. It was from Ruby.
[Miss Hudson, you saw everything last night, didn’t you? I must say, I didn’t expect you to endure it so well.]
[Grayson promised to stay with me for the next few days. You know, your fiancé, spending time with another woman right before the wedding… You’re truly the most pitiful bride in the world.]
[Oh, and we’re buying a new house today. Grayson said it’ll be our home from now on. You’re welcome to come visit anytime.]
Violet didn’t reply. Instead, she instructed the servants to gather all her belongings from the villa, including every photo of her and Grayson. The items were stacked in the backyard.
One of the maids hesitated, holding up a framed wedding photo. “Miss Hudson, should we take this out as well?”
Violet’s gaze drifted to the large wedding portrait hanging in the center of the living room. In the photo, she was looking at the camera, while Grayson’s eyes were fixed on her, overflowing with what seemed like love.
Looking at it now, the scene felt nothing but ironic.
She nodded.
