Be strong

Something like what Raven said was surprising and new for Violet. They were living in a modern time, people have more free will, unrestricted from whoever they want to marry.

But living in high society was different. Marrying someone they didn't love was something she could say... common? Especially for those big families. Xie family was one of those families. To get their business going and to maintain their rank in the business world, marrying someone from another big family was normal.

On the other hand, Violet was one of those lucky people who get to marry the person she loved... At least that's what she thought. She almost married a man whose parents were after having ties with the Song family.

She may look like a naive girl but Violet noticed those greedy looks from Jason's parents. Their pretentious acts were so obvious. She only turned a blind eye to them all because of her love for Jason.

"I guess even in this present time... Having a happy ending is not easy to attain." She sighed, resting her chin on her palm. She gave up hope of finding a better man, a man of her standards.

There may be a lot of fishes in the sea, but so are trashes. Men these days were way worse than men in the past.

A soft chuckle came from Raven after hearing her remark, "I agree with that. Troubles keep on coming even after marriage."

"I want to make grandpa happy." She said with full honesty. She couldn't help but think that she was only giving her beloved grandfather more troubles after what happened to her wedding.

She could still remember how happy Andrew was when he learned the news that Jason proposed to her. Even if he took her side, Violet knew how much her grandpa liked Jason.

Jason was a bubbly, and cheerful man. He knew what to do to please Andrew to the point where he approved of him much. But just like how he easily pleased Andrew, he also ended up disappointing him easily. He disappointed him over and over again a few days before their wedding day by canceling most of their family dinners.

"I can help you," Raven suggested with his one of usual smiles.

Just by looking at the way he smiled, Violet knew what he was about to suggest. He already made his point earlier about marrying someone you don't love.

"I need time to think about it." She heaved out another heavy sigh. She straightened her back and stood up from her seat. "I'm sorry, uncle Raven. I can't give you the answer you want yet."

"It's alright." He patted her head. "It's going to be hard after all."

She smiled a bit, "Yeah..."

With that, Violet headed back to her room.

She grew uncomfortable despite the warming of the bed, tossing and turning as shaggy thoughts filled her mind.

Eventually, sleep found her anyway, inserting its curling tendrils, consuming her even if she resisted.

...

The following days she spent in the places was all sunny, the sky clear of clouds and the sun shining brightly and happily at everyone beneath it.

Since Raven had to go back to the city, she was able to enjoy her personal time with Andrew. From hiking mountains to fishing at the lake that was located in the town, all those exciting activities helped her clear her mind and heart.

It was actually surprising that Raven didn't come back after he left for work. Maybe he was that busy and the business that took him away was that urgent.

Sadly, happy moments were always rendered short. The days in that week passed by in a blink of an eye.

Violet wanted to stay longer but she had to return to her normal life.

That day, when she arrived at her apartment. She was surprised to see Jason standing outside her room.

He was leaning against the wall and was busy looking at his phone while waiting for her arrival.

"What... what are you doing here?" She couldn't help but ask.

Her day was already going well and yet his presence just has to spoil it. The week she spent with her grandfather really helped her from drowning in sadness. Even if it was just for a week, she even forgot about him. Although what she was facing at that moment was real. She was back to the real world where the chances of meeting the man who caused her pain, was high.

Jason turned her way, obviously relieved that he was able to see her again. He had a hard time contacting her after their wedding day after all. "Violet, I'm so glad that you're here. I want to talk to you!"

Her jaw tightened and her gaze hardened as she listened to him. What kind of lie was he going to spout this time?

"There's nothing to talk about. Leave, Jason. I have nothing to say to you." She calmly went and stood in front of her door and took her key card out of her bag.

He roughly grabbed her arm and exclaimed angrily, "I deserve an explanation! Why did you-"

Just before he could finish his sentence, in the next second, she grabbed his wrist and used all her strength to flip him down to the ground.

She knew some self-defense skills thanks to her grandfather and right now, it really came in handy.

"I already know, Jason. You can't fool me again. Coming here is pointless. I won't go back to you, not after you cheated and made that bitch pregnant." She spat coldly. She held on the doorknob and pushed it open. "Be grateful that I'm still giving you face in other people's eyes." It was already kind of her not to tell others about his cheating nature. With that, she entered and shut the door, locking it in the process.

As she did, the calm and cold facade she had disappeared. Her legs trembled and she leaned against the wall for support.

She really thought that one week could help her forget his betrayal but the moment she saw him, every pain rushed inside her. The jagged memories of what happened that day tearing her heart into pieces.

'Be strong, Violet. Be strong. You can't let him see that you're still affected... You can't let him see the miserable state he placed you in.'