Done Competing for Her

On the eve of Valentine's Day, the entire Ravenport is waiting for Vivian Grayson's scores to be released. They're all watching to see if my score is high enough to attend her family banquet this year.

The Grayson family has made it clear that their future son-in-law will be chosen at that banquet. Yet, after seven years of dating Vivian, I come in second every single time. This had made me the biggest joke in the city.

This year is no exception.

Vivian throws herself into the arms of the male model, Jason Carter, who ranks first.

She says matter-of-factly, "I really like the way he smells. You understand, right, Noah? Next year, I'll definitely make you number one."

The lively atmosphere in the banquet hall drops to freezing point. Everyone is waiting for me to tear that smug look off Jason's face.

But I don't lose my temper like before.

I simply say calmly, "Congratulations."

A victorious smile appears on Vivian's face. "You've finally learned to control your temper, Noah. You're not far from becoming the Graysons' son-in-law."

I nod indifferently.

I am about to become someone else's son-in-law, but not the Grayson family's.

I have disagreed and argued with my family for the past seven years. Now, it's time to follow their arrangement and go abroad to honor the marriage they set up for me.

Jason Carter walked up to me with his arm around Vivian Grayson's waist, smirking.

He said with a mocking tone, "Sorry about that, Noah. I just got lucky and won this year. But Viv said you've been getting better and better lately. She even said you could take first place next year. Even though she's said that at least three times already, I believe it'll actually happen in a few years."

I nodded. "Congratulations."

The amusement in Jason's eyes deepened. He raised his glass. "So, for the time being, Viv's mine. Don't worry, though. I'll put in a good word for you at the family dinner."

He pulled Vivian closer, his left hand drifting lazily along her waist.

I let out a self-deprecating laugh. There was a time when I actually believed in that so-called score.

I raised my glass toward Jason's. Just as they were about to meet, Jason suddenly shoved hard, and both glasses shattered instantly. Deep red wine and shards splashed across my forearm.

Jason immediately looked horrified. "Noah, I didn't mean it! Please don't be mad! There's still wine here. You can throw it back at me as many times as you want. I'm begging you—just let me go."

I couldn't help but be amazed at how easily Jason switched between emotions. When I saw Vivian quietly shield him behind her, my heart, which had long since gone numb, ached slightly.

I said nothing. I simply pulled out a handkerchief and wiped my arm. "It's nothing serious. You don't need to worry."

Then, I gestured for the waiter to come over and clean up.

At the sight of it, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Vivian's eyes. She took out a watch and fastened it on Jason's wrist. It was a limited-edition piece I had wanted for years.

Vivian looked it over with satisfaction. "Since you're coming back to the Grayson residence for dinner with me, you should have something to dress it up."

Even though I had already decided to let go, I still instinctively glanced down at my wrist. On it was a worn, cheap watch that Vivian had given me.

The first time I met Vivian was on a stormy night. She lay by the roadside, too weak to move, her eyes filled with hatred for the whole world.

I took her to the hospital and cared for her carefully, but she kept refusing to let anyone get close to her. Over the next six months, I stayed by her side, helping her slowly get back on her feet and move forward.

When she learned that I liked watches, she spent every last dollar she had to buy one from a street vendor and gave it to me. "From now on, I'll take care of all your watches."