His words cut deep, each one like a lash, but I refused to back down. Before I could even begin to respond, he delivered the final blow.
“I should have had a son. Someone who wouldn’t throw away their future on a whim. You’ve been nothing but a disappointment.”
“Jonathan, stop!” my mother cried out, her hand reaching toward him as if she could physically pull him back. But it was too late. With one last glare, he stormed out, the screen shaking as the door slammed behind him.
My mother and I were left staring at each other, the silence between us heavy and suffocating. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with shock and sadness. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out, her expression full of helplessness and heartbreak.
I felt utterly drained, the reality of what had just happened settling in. The path I’d chosen had just become even more daunting, but I knew, deep down, that I couldn’t turn back now.
“Lavinia, darling, you know your father only wants what’s best for you,” my mother whispered, her voice softened by concern. “He’s just . . . disappointed. He doesn’t understand why you’re throwing everything away.”
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure as frustration welled up inside me. “Mom, I’m not doing this to hurt you or Dad. I just need to follow my own path.”
She sighed, her eyes searching mine, her concern etched deeply into her features. “I understand that, Vinnie, but you have to see where we’re coming from. Your father and I both want you to be happy; to have a secure future. To us, that means being a part of the world we’ve built—a life of comfort, stability, and connections. Marrying well,engaging in the lifestyle, and running your father’s company—that’s what we envisioned for you.”
Her words twisted like a knife in my heart, but I forced myself to stay calm, even as anger simmered beneath the surface. “Mom, that world you’re describing, it’s never beenme. I appreciate everything you and Dad have done for me, but those dreams are yours, not mine. I can’t just fit into that mold and pretend it’s what I want.”
My mother’s expression softened, but worry still lingered in her eyes. “But darling, think about what you’re giving up. We just want you to be safe and secure. We thought by now you’d understand that this isn’t about stifling your dreams. It’s about ensuring you have a future.”
Anger washed over me. She didn’t understand. “Mom, I get you want what’s best for me, but this isn’t just about safety, or security. It’s aboutcontrol, and I can’t live like that anymore. I need to do this, for myself.”
She hesitated. “How will you sustain it, Lavinia? Opening an art gallery isn’t easy. What will you do for money?”
“I’ve saved up,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “I’ve been putting money aside for a long time, and I’m confident I can make this work. Mom. I've given this a lot of thought. I’m not just jumping into it without a plan.”
Her brow furrowed as she considered my words. “But Vinnie, this is such a big decision. What if it doesn’t work out? You’re giving up so much security. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
The desperation in her voice tugged at my heart, but I knew I had to stand firm. “I know it’s a risk, Mom. But I need to take it. I’ve made up my mind. This is what I need to do.”
My mother’s face tightened, but her tone remained soft, almost coaxing, as if trying to soothe a stubborn child. “Sebastian has been asking about you, you know,” she said, her voice dripping with concern. “He’s worried, and talks about you all the time. Wondering how you’re doing. If you comehome, I’m sure I can talk to your father. We can make this all right again. You and Sebastian could pick up where you left off.”
Her words were like a siren’s song, painting a picture of a life that was easy, familiar, and safe. A life where I didn’t have to fight so hard for everything.
“Think about it, Lavinia,” she continued, her voice growing warmer. “Sebastian could take over the business, and you could focus on your art without the burden of running a gallery. We could host charity events and galas, showcasing your work, and you’d have the stability and support of your family. It’s the best of both worlds. And don’t forget, you and Sebastian were so close to marriage. A perfect life, with children one day. It’s all within reach. A good compromise.”
“Mom, I appreciate what you’re trying to do. I really do. But I need to do this on my own terms. Yes, Sebastian reached out, but only when he was drunk and feeling sorry for himself. If he really missed me, he would have made more of an effort. Something real, not just the scraps he’s willing to give when it suits him.”
My mother’s expression hardened. “Lavinia, Sebastian has responsibilities, a business to run. You know how demanding that world is. He can’t just drop everything to chase after you.”
A pang of bitterness rose up. “Sure, he can’t drop everything for me, but he doesn’t seem too busy to go out with his friends. I saw a picture the other night of him with Jessica Maddox. Looked like they were pretty cozy. Maybeshe’sthe one keeping him busy now,” I muttered, my voice thick with sarcasm. “I’m done being the afterthought in Sebastian’s life. I want somethingreal! Someone who’s all in, not just halfway there when it’s convenient!”
“Lavinia,” my mother began, a touch of reprimand in her tone, “that’s not fair. I’m sure there’s an explanation.”
I sighed in familiar frustration. Once again, my mother was glossing over the real issue with Sebastian, focusing on appearances, rather than the truth of how things had been between us. “Mom, it’s not just about her. It’s about how Sebastian and I were, how he made me feel—like I was only worth his time when he didn’t have something better to do. I can’t live like that anymore.”
My mother sighed softly, her expression one of gentle insistence as she tried to find the right words. “Lavinia, I know Sebastian wasn’t perfect, but he loved you in his own way. He’s a good man. If you gave him another chance, I’m sure he’d try harder. He’s always been so lovely, socaring, when he talks about you. People make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t change.”
Hearing her defend Sebastian yet again made my stomach churn. It was like she couldn’t see past the polished surface he presented to the world. Or maybe she didn’t want to. The Sebastian my parents adored wasn’t the same man I had spent so many years with, the one who had repeatedly taken me for granted.
“Mom, stop,” I interrupted, the frustration bubbling over. “Please, juststopwith Sebastian! I need to move on, and it would help if you and Dad—and Sebastian’s parents—would justlet me! I know you all mean well, but you’re making it harder for both of us.”
Before she could respond, I blurted out, “Actually, I’m seeing someone new.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized how much I had overstated the situation.Seeing someonedidn’t exactly describe whatever it was that I had going on with Ethan. We’d been flirting, and there was definitely physical attraction, but we hadn’t even gone on a proper date yet.
“Seeing someone already?” My mom’s eyes widened in surprise. “Lavinia, that seems awfullyquick. Why the rush?”
“Quick?” A wry laugh escaped me as I shook my head. “You didn’t think it was quick when I jumped into things with Sebastian. In fact, you practically pushed me into it.”
My mother opened her mouth to respond, but her words faltered. I could see her trying to process this new information, trying to reconcile her own insistence on my relationship with Sebastian with my sudden declaration of something new.
