Chapter 11
In the end, Winston and I decided to leave Seattle and head to Los Angeles to seek new opportunities. Here, past people and events were bound to haunt us, and I felt that those. who part ways should remain that way, never to intersect again. I wanted a clean slate, free from such disruptions.
The day before we left, Alex’s family butler came to see me. My heart skipped a beat as I nervously asked, “Is something wrong with Grandfather?”
He shook his head gently.
“No, but the old master would like to invite you over for a meal.”
Recalling how kind Grandfather had always been to me, I felt a pang of regret that I hadn’t visited him since my return. Winston noticed my hesitation, giving my hand a reassuring
squeeze.
“Go ahead,” he encouraged.
“Alright.” I tiptoed to give him a hug. “I’ll go see him and be back soon.”
When I arrived at Alex’s family home, the table was already set with all my favorite dishes. Grandfather waved me over with a warm smile.
“Vivian, come keep this old man company for a meal.*
I playfully protested, “What are you talking about? You’re not old at all! You’ll live to be a hundred!”
He laughed heartily.
“You’re as sweet as ever, just trying to make me happy. You’ve grown up, and you’re even more beautiful.“
We chatted comfortably, reminiscing about my early, uncertain days abroad and discussing the challenges and progress of running a company.
When it was time to leave, I held Grandfather’s hand tightly, feeling reluctant as my eyes
turned misty.
“Please take good care of yourself, Grandfather.”
He hesitated before letting out a deep sigh.
“It’s Alex who let you down. He failed you.”
He then instructed the butler to bring a document.
“This is three percent of the company’s shares, a gift from me to you. Consider it a dowry for the future. And remember, if you’re ever mistreated, you’ll always have family here.”
He walked me to the door with a gentle smile.
“Vivian, dear, make sure to visit this old man whenever you have the chance.”
Holding back my tears, my throat tightened painfully, but I managed a small smile.
“I will, I promise.”
In our third year in Los Angeles, the company had’established itself firmly. Winston had become one of the city’s young entrepreneurial icons. And, we had our wedding.
Grandfather attended, giving me a warm smile as he handed me a gift, “Congratulations on your marriage, my dear. This is a present from me.” But Alex didn’t come. I’d heard he’d taken over his family’s company, showing a real talent for management, and had even written a new book–though I hadn’t read it.
Now, Grandfather fills his free time playing chess with old friends. Alex sent me a bracelet as a wedding gift through someone else, along with a black, unlimited credit card and a note that read, “Wishing you happiness, now and always.” It was a small, insignificant moment in my wedding day.
As for the past, I had long since let it go. Whether Alex was doing well or not no longer mattered to me.
The officiant’s strong voice echoed through the hall, “Do you take Mr. Winston as your husband, to share your life together?”
Chapter 11
I looked at the man across from me, his eyes filled with nothing but me, and a smile crept
onto my lips.
“I do!”
Winston had taken care of this withered flower and helped it bloom beautifully.
