Shattered Vows: Call Me Auntie Now novel Chapter 14

Quinn was half a head taller than Vivienne. She looked down at her with cool detachment.

"Vivienne, the more someone feels the need to show off, the more they're trying to compensate for what they lack."

Vivienne's arrogant smirk instantly dissolved into an ugly scowl.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean, Quinn?"

"It means that Dante doesn't seem to like you quite as much as you think he does."

Quinn's gaze was frigid, her sharp eyes brimming with mockery. Vivienne flared up instantly.

"You're lying! Dante genuinely loves me!"

"Is that right? Well, just a few days ago, he was telling me he wants to take me on a romantic vacation to the Maldives."

Though honestly, Quinn had absolutely zero interest in going.

But throwing it in Vivienne's face right now was too good an opportunity to pass up.

Vivienne's face paled. Quinn had struck a nerve. Lately, she truly couldn't figure Dante out.

Even though he still answered her every call and gave her whatever she asked for...

She could feel a creeping emotional distance between them.

Panic fluttered in Vivienne's chest, but she adamantly refused to back down.

"You only occupy the title of his wife. His heart has always belonged to me."

"Whether it's raw design talent or Dante's love, you will always be second best, Quinn. You can't beat me!"

Bringing up the past made Quinn want to laugh out loud. She leaned in closer and lowered her voice. "Don't ever talk to me about design talent."

"During our graduate collection, you stole my design elements and played the victim. Others might not know, but you and I know the exact truth."

"Vivienne, a thief who breaks into a house might eventually fancy herself the owner, but she can never step into the light."

"Aren't you terrified I'll expose what you did back then? You wouldn't survive another day in the industry."

With that final blow, Quinn didn't even spare the white-faced Vivienne a second glance. She turned on her heel and walked away.

She clamped her jaw shut, refusing to let out a single sound of distress.

Memories of the past rushed in with a violent suddenness, drowning her completely.

It was back in their high school days, a lifetime ago.

Back then, Dante would bring her a piping hot lunch every single day.

The dishes in his thermos were never the same—grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, pasta... He was constantly switching up the menu to make sure she was eating well.

The memory etched deepest in her mind was the time her period arrived without warning.

She had been entirely unprepared, and a stain had seeped through her school uniform pants.

The weird looks and muffled laughter from the surrounding classmates left her panicked and humiliated.

Her face had gone paper-white. She was so mortified she wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole.

It was Dante who, without a second of hesitation, stripped off his oversized varsity jacket.