"Hey Mom, I'm heading out," Vivian walked into the living room just as Eva finished her sentence. She was wearing a short, pink gown.
"Where do you think you're going dressed like that, Vivian?" Samantha asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Mom… I thought I told you," Vivian replied, rolling her eyes like a spoiled teenager.
"What do you mean you told me?" Samantha shot back, folding her hands as she stear at her, wanting to hear her excuse.
Vivian huffed and turned around. "Well duh… you know my friend Jessica? She's having a birthday party and literally everyone is going to be there."
"Oh really," Samantha said with mild surprise. "I didn't realize today was Jessica Vick's birthday," she said, unfolding her arms and instinctively reaching behind her neck with one hand, clearly not expecting that response.
" Her mom did mention it was coming up, but she didn't tell me it was today.
Jessica's mother, Mrs. Vick is a close friend of Samantha. The two often visited each other, and coincidentally, their daughters had once attended the same school.
"Well, since you're going, help me send my regards to her mom," Samantha added. "Tell her I'm a bit busy and won't be able to make it."
Just then, Edward's voice interrupted the moment.
"Who is this beauty?" said Edward, his eyes lighting up as he saw Vivian for the first time. She looked stunning—the dress she wore accentuated her figure, and Edward was clearly taken aback by her appearance.
Vivian turned around, hearing the voice behind her.
"Oh, she's my younger daughter Vivian," Samantha replied with a silly smile on her face.
"You didn't tell me you had another beautiful daughter," Edward said with a smirk. "But I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
"Vivian, this is Edward Savior," Samantha introduced them.
Vivian already knew who he was—her mother never stopped going on about how Eva should have married him instead of that "loser" Dave. But this was actually the first time Vivian saw him in person, though.
Judging by his looks alone, he must be rich, she thought, standing a bit closer to her mother. No wonder Mom wants Eva to marry him.
"Hi, I'm Vivian," she said as she leaned forward, reaching out to shake Edward's hand. Their hands met in a firm, lingering handshake, almost as if they were sharing more than just a greeting. Vivian stared at him, flashing a charming smile. Their eyes locked for a moment—it was like time paused. Edward smiled back, equally intrigued.
"Well, it's my pleasure to meet you. "You look absolutely stunning in that dress," Edward said, his eyes lingering on her with admiration.
Vivian smiled and replied, thank you. It's nice meeting you too—I've heard so much about you.
"Oh really?" Edward said with a playful smirk. "I hope what you heard was all good."
"Of course!" she laughed lightly. "My mom won't stop talking about you." It's nice to finally meet you in person."
Edward smiled, clearly enjoying the moment. "Well, the pleasure's all mine."
Tun!! Tun!!
Suddenly, Vivian's phone buzzed. She glanced down and saw a message from Jessica:
> What's up, Vivi? Where are you? "The party's about to start—almost everyone's here!"
Vivian looked up apologetically.
"Sorry I have to go. "I'm running late," she said to everyone as she turned toward the door, already halfway out.
Eva sat quietly on the couch as she watched Vivian, her thoughts heavy. Why do I have to be the first child? She wondered. I just want to live my life and have fun. Look at Vivian—she doesn't have to worry about anything. But me? I'm the one who got to inherit Dad's company. I'm the one being forced to marry by mom. This sucks.
She let out a quiet sigh, slouching back. Sometimes, I just wish I could trade places with Vivian.
After Vivian left, the room fell quiet, and everyone's attention shifted back to Eva.
Breaking the silence, Edward said, "Eva, take your time to think about it—it's fine by me. I have a business meeting in an hour, so I'll take my leave now."
He stood up and glanced at his luxury wristwatch.
Mrs. "Samantha, I'll be heading out now," he said politely.
Yes, of course.
Thank you for coming, Mr. Edward and Samantha replied, "It's an honor to have you here. I'll speak to my daughter about the proposal."
Edward was already halfway out the door when he responded with a charming smile,
"Okay. I'll be waiting to hear from you—and Eva—soon, Mrs. Samantha."
With that, he left, leaving Eva sitting silently, her thoughts spinning.
As soon as Edward left, Samantha moved closer to Eva, her voice low but firm.
Eva, what is wrong with you? Why didn't you agree with Edwards' proposal? "What's there to think about?" she said sharply. "You better not mess this up." Edward is the only hope we have right now. With his help, we could finally climb to the top.
She leaned in, her tone growing more desperate.
"Just imagine if we managed to partner with Viga Enterprises—that would mean everything. And Edward is the key to making that happen."
Samantha paused, then added with a mix of guilt and urgency,
Your father worked so hard to build this company before he passed away. "I won't sit back and watch you throw this away and the only chance we have to get out of this mess."
Eva stood up abruptly, her jaw clenched, the pressure finally boiling over.
"Mom, like I said—I'll think about it," she snapped, then turned and stormed upstairs, leaving her mother in silence.
Eva entered the master bedroom and collapsed onto the king-sized bed. Lying on her back, she rested her two hands on her stomach. She stared at the ceiling, her mind racing.
Well, I guess I have to say yes to Edwards' damn proposal, she thought bitterly. The only reason I married that good for nothing idiot was to inherit Dad's company. But things didn't go as planned. And now I have to marry Edward—the very man I was trying to avoid. He's just too old for a beauty like me.
She sighed, running her hand through her hair.
Well... Edward's not that bad. I guess I don't really have a choice anyway. And honestly, I'm tired of that idiot. I need to throw him out of my life. I can't even stand the sight of him ... he gives me the ick.
She shut her eyes, trying to block out her reality. Everything felt like it was closing in. If marrying Edward was her only way out of this mess, maybe it would be time if she surrenders.