Vivian's eyes were reddened and her tone had already softened, but she still wouldn't meet Finnick's gaze. "Let's go downstairs. We shouldn't keep Grandpa and the others waiting."
Finnick felt bad seeing Vivian's sorrow written all over her face.
Still, it wasn't the time to talk about such things. They had to go downstairs since everyone was waiting forthem.
Once they got downstairs, Vivian noticed the sheer number of guests.
News of elder Mr. Norton's birthday celebration had gotten out, and plenty of people had arrived to give their blessings.
Everyone who was anyone in Sunshine City had made an appearance, much to Vivian's surprise.
The crowd was full of smiles as they exchanged glasses of wine and chatted with each other.
The Norton Residence, which had always been rather quiet, was bustling with life after the arrival of these guests.
Vivian wasn't that used to such a lively atmosphere. Having to constantly put on a bright smile despite her bitter mood drained her immensely.
As she watched Ashley chat happily with other guests, she felt even worse.
Occasionally, Ashley would glance at Vivian with eyes full of mockery and self-satisfaction.
However, Finnick's gaze never left Vivian. Even while he was in a conversation with someone else,
his eyes were still fixated on Vivian.
He noticed how every single one of her expressions was laced with exhaustion and boredom.
Then, Finnick wheeled himself toward Vivian and asked her in a low voice, "Vivian, do you not like it here?"
Vivian nodded. "Can I head home first? I'm not used to being here."
Finnick's eyes lit up as he thought about the phone call he just received whereby he was informed that everything was ready. "Okay, we can go. I want to take you somewhere."
Take me somewhere?
Vivian recalled all the places Finnick had ever brought her to. If it wasn't an auction, then it was a cold storage facility. Neither was that fun of a place.
"Let me go this once. Come on. Can I just go home for now-"
"Nope." Finnick cut Vivian off.
What a bossy guy!
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