A Moment of Difference

I stood up, shrugging off her hands, and slipped into my high heels, looking down at her from my slightly taller stance.

"I am the center of attention today, and nothing, be it a person or an object, can overshadow me. As for John's gift, you're welcome to it if you find it so appealing."

Ignoring her surprised expression, I made my way downstairs to the banquet hall.

The hall was abuzz with activity. As the granddaughter of Frank and the sole heir to the Lawson family, I was the star of the event. The host was already on stage, engaging the guests.

I walked over to Frank, taking his arm. He looked at me with a mix of reluctance and helplessness in his eyes.

"Cynthia, from today onwards, you'll be someone else's wife, but you don't need to be afraid. I'm always here for you. If you're ever wronged, just come home. I will be waiting."

My eyes welled up with tears. It was the same advice Frank had given me in my previous life, but back then, I was too naive to understand the implications of his words. In the end, I failed to live up to his trust. This time, I vowed I would not make the same mistake.

"Don't worry, Grandpa. I will take good care of myself and won't let myself suffer any injustice."

Frank handed my hand to John, urging him to treat me well. John nodded half-heartedly and whispered in my ear.

"Cynthia, let's go toast. You should introduce me to the company's associates. It'll make it easier for me to work in Lawson Group later on."

Oh? So, he had his plan already? Only by standing outside this toxic relationship could I see things more clearly. John was already laying the groundwork for taking over my company.

"Do you want to join Lawson Group?" I asked, feigning sincerity.

"Of course! Now that we're married, we're a family. I don't want you to work so hard. Besides, it's better for a girl to stay at home, taking care of her husband and children. You've always wanted children, so I'll manage the company while you focus on our family. We'll be a happy couple."

I sneered inwardly. I had believed those words once. After marriage, I had pleaded with Frank to let John work in Lawson Group while I stayed home to prepare for pregnancy. John gradually pushed aside the company's veterans and replaced them with his own people, causing several major projects to fail. Frank was so enraged that he was hospitalized, and his illness flared up, leading to his death. John blamed his subordinates, claiming they had acted without his knowledge, and I foolishly believed him. I was blind to this toxic relationship. After Frank died, I lost my support system. John began to control my outings and dictate my attire. Any objection from me was met with emotional manipulation, claiming he loved me too much and feared I would leave him. There was even a time when I visited the company, and he beat me upon my return, accusing me of making others think he relied on me for his position.

"We'll discuss that later. Let's go toast first," I said, deciding to placate him for the moment.

For a week after my marriage, I left early and returned late, not mentioning arranging for John to join Lawson Group. He grew impatient.

"Cynthia, where have you been these days? I hardly see you."

"I've been at the company. Grandpa wants me to learn the ropes and is considering letting me manage the company," I said deliberately.

"But we agreed you'd handle the household while I took care of the company. You should focus on getting pregnant, and I'll manage the company," John said, his anxiety betraying his true intentions.

Suppressing my disgust, I replied gently, "Don't worry. I'll speak to Grandpa about it."

"Make sure you do. Now that we're family, I'll work hard once I'm in the company." His tone improved now that he saw a glimmer of hope.