He Called Me A Stone And Chose Her Pearl Chapter 05
For the next few days, the entire Jennings household revolved around Vanessa’s wedding.
Father opened the two cases of commemorative wine he’d been saving for our twenty-second birthday. He said the engagement party would be large and Vanessa’s case wouldn’t be enough, so he took mine as well, promising to make it up to me later.
Mother brought out all the jewelry and assets she had set aside for us and let Vanessa take her pick of half.
She had always boasted that she treated her daughters equally.
But as Vanessa studied the collection, she couldn’t decide which half was better.
“Why don’t I just take it all?” she finally said. “Laurel isn’t even seeing anyone. You can just buy her more later.”
Before I could say a word, Mother nodded.
“That’s a good idea. Northcrest is an important pack. The gifts we prepared really aren’t grand enough. Sending you with more will keep them from looking down on you.”
Vanessa threw her arms around her.
“Mom, you’re the best.”
No one asked if I agreed.
My cousin, Sophie Lawson, frowned and opened her mouth to protest, but I gave her sleeve a gentle tug.
Everything in those cases came in matching pairs. Looking at them, I suddenly felt nothing.
I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life with Vanessa’s leftovers.
If I had a choice, I wouldn’t even want to share her face.
Sophie walked with me out to the lakeside terrace for some air. After a few words of comfort, she surprised me by saying she wanted to introduce me to someone.
“Reid has an old friend who lives in the south. His family is in publishing and logistics. He’s quiet, loves to read… I think you two would get along.”
“And he’s an only child. At the very least, you won’t be expected to spend your life giving way to a sibling.”
I was about to refuse.
But that last sentence struck a chord.
I’d had more than enough disappointment. All I wanted now was to get out of this house.
The southern territories were far from the capital, which suited me just fine.
Seeing me hesitate, Sophie quickly made arrangements.
Mr. Grant was visiting her home.
I could meet him tomorrow afternoon.