Chapter 4

"Unhealthy families discourage individual expression. Everyone must conform to the thoughts and actions of the toxic parents. They promote fusion, a blurring of personal boundaries, a welding together of family members. On an unconscious level, it is hard for family members to know when one ends and another begins. In their effort to be close, they often suffocate one another's individuality."

-Susan Forward-

***

Since Vian was the person responsible for the party, she was also the one welcoming the guests as they arrived. Although the guest was her own family members, sometimes she felt a bit alien whenever she was among them. Yes, she was raised with the same kind of lifestyle they had, good education, never lacked any comfort or privileges most common people would not have, she still felt out of place sometimes because of her mother’s humble background. The previous years she had tried to stay away from the spotlight for the sake of maintaining her own sanity. However, that year she knew she needed to step up and be in the spotlight, in a good way if she wanted to get her grandmother’s attention.

She had a naturally sweet attitude which she often utilized to get what she wanted, but there was one thing that year which made her nervous. It was her husband. Each time she went to welcome a family member they would flash polite smiles at her but would throw this subtle but noticeable judging stare at her husband. Adonis had always remained by her side since the party started since he needed to make an appearance to avoid any unwanted questions. Even though most of the other family members outside their nuclear ones were relatively okay and mostly minded their own business, there were some family members that were much bolder than others.

“Ah, look who’s here, my dear lovely cousin and her… remarkable husband.” Just as she thought, someone had to just come over there and make some sarcastic remark. From her voice alone she could already tell who it was. Cynthia Laurent Sterling. The most beloved grand-daughter and daughter of the sterling family whom everyone praised for her beauty and successful modelling and TV anchor career. She was the daughter of the family’s eldest son who lived in the left wing of the Sterling manor. Although they lived in the same place, they rarely saw each other because of their busy schedule. It was good riddance on Vian’s side, until she made an appearance.

The blonde bombshell had never gotten along with Vian since childhood, they were roughly the same age and instead of playing together and supporting each other like good cousin would, they saw each other as more of a rival. Actually it started from Cynthia who decided to hate on Vian just simply because, like her grandmother, she saw her family like a commoner.

Among all the cousins, the tension between these two were the most noticeable. Vian had three more cousins from her middle child uncle, but she did not really have any issues with them and they were all younger than Vian. Cynthia herself had a younger brother who was a year younger than her but unlike the sister, Vian actually got along pretty well with the now twenty three-years old economist in training. So she never understood where the hatred was rooted by even in adulthood they remained silent sworn rival.

“Welcome to the party. Cynthia, I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here.” She forced a smile as she handed her over the complimentary gift of the party which was a custom made hard cover notebook that was actually designed by Adonis, but of course, she would never tell them that or they would find more reason to throw sarcasm on the man.

“Of course, I’ll be enjoying myself around here. Grandma said last year’s party was the best and the grandest one she had ever seen in her lifetime. She gave me a gold and princess cut diamond necklace as a gift as a reward. I wonder if this year your party could surpass mine. Don’t worry though, I would keep my expectation low.” Vian felt her blood started to boil upon hearing those passive aggressive remarks but decided fighting with her was not really worth it. She simply let it go, but knowing Cynthia, she knew she would not stop at that.

“Oh and nice suit, Adonis, you look handsome in it but don’t worry I would not fall for your good looks trap. I work with male models so I am used to it.” Adonis knew she was basically the troll of the family and was not meant to be taken seriously but sometimes the little remark she spoke did get into his nerves a bit. Although he knew better than to return the favor and just swallowed everything up.

After she said that her fiancé, Andrew walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Despite her awful personality she somehow managed to land a financial advisor as her fiancé, which made her status in the family even higher since everything was about money, status and power in their circle. The more you had to begin with the more you would be given. As if her previous words were not enough, she decided to continue.

“You know my fiancé bought me a new Van Cleef & Arpels matching ring and necklace that I am wearing today. What do you think?” She purposely stared at Adonis who she knew could not afford such gifts for his wife. Adonis who was watching the entire thing could only remain silent in helplessness. He felt pathetic as he could not defend himself.

Vian knew the woman was simply bragging but she was starting to heat up from the conversation. She thought it was time for her to actually stop talking.

“Good for you, but you know what I really need to see grandma now, they said she’s in the lobby and I’d like to personally greet her there. So if you would excuse me.” She walked away and Adonis followed behind her to meet her grandmother. He thought she was just making it up but no, the grandma was actually in the lobby.

It was not the first time Adonis met her, but each time he always had this terrible hunch whenever he was around her. Something about her demeanor was a huge turn off for him. Despite all that he made sure to always remain polite to her for the sake of his wife. That time was no exception.

“Grandma, welcome, I hope you enjoy the party.” Greta stared at her least favored grand-daughter indifferently. Her icy blue eyes pierced through her soul with disappointment and she knew it.

The old woman was already wheelchair bound, yet she remained the most powerful member of the family and it was showing through her attire. She wore a purple velvet coat with black fur lining which appeared like they belonged to the past. Her brow was arched, drawn in dark brown pencil. She had dark red lipstick on and a horrendous looking blue eyeshadow which accentuate her icy blue eyes even more in a negative way. Sometimes she wondered how can someone have so much money and still could not find a proper makeup artist but of course Vian would never say it out loud to her.

Of course there was not a single day spent without her jewelries so she made sure to wear her large marquise cut sapphire ring with diamonds all around it. The ring was a family heirloom which could only be worn by the heiress of the family. It would be passed on after Greta passed away but as long as she was breathing the ring would never leave her side.

Greta stared around the room and her gaze land on Adonis. A small snort escaped her lips. Vian knew right away she was ready to throw on some mockery his way.

“So you decide to bring this good for nothing husband of yours to the annual family gathering, I see. It appears you have no shame. Your mother was already a disgrace and this year she and your father doesn’t even dare to come here but here you are with this useless poor man.” Those harsh words escaped her lips with no filter.

Adonis felt utterly hurt by those words. It was the reason why he had never liked her grandmother at all to begin with. Yes, what she was saying was the truth but still, he thought she was just being rude. It was so unnecessary, he already knew that he was a failure as a man and a husband, there was no need to constantly remind him about it.

His pride was scarred and Adonis decided to excuse himself. Vian watched as he walked away. Her heart was torn because at one side she could not go against her grandmother and defended Adonis but she also felt bad for him because no matter how broke he’s, the man was still her husband.

“Look at him, he’s so rude. Listen, my dear Vivianne, you are so much better without that man. Anytime you wish to divorce him you just tell me and I will help you. We already have the prenup settled anyway.” Of course it was all she thought of. She did not care whether or not Vian was actually happy in the relationship or if she was content. All she cared about is the fortune. Vian almost found it a bit ironically amusing.

She thought she could no longer stay there or she might not be able to hold her tongue back. She politely flashed a smile to her grandmother and excused herself.