Leaving After Learning My Lesson

Matteo kept on gazing at me from the side. He seemed very pleased by how "mature" I was.

"Nessie, since you're more obedient now," he began in a neutral tone, "we'll proceed with the wedding the day after tomorrow. It's just like how we agreed before."

He then paused and glanced at Vivianne before saying to me, "Before we get to that step, you'd need to apologize to Viv first."

Matteo's tone left no room for refusal. "If you can't even do that, then I'll send you back to the facility myself."

Vivianne gently tugged on my hand with a tender smile. "It's okay, Nessie. I'll accept your apology."

She was so perfectly kind and understanding that it felt like she had already rehearsed this.

I gazed at her, feeling incredulous.

I'd told them countless times a year ago that I hadn't been responsible for what happened to Vivian. Yet, no one had been able to vouch for me after she allegedly broke down.

Even Matteo—whom I grew up with and was my fiance at that point—had been the first to toss those accusations at me.

That false DNA report had then eradicated my status as a daughter of the Sadler family, making Vivianne the one true "heiress".

After that, he personally sent me to the Behavioral Correction Center.

Though that place looked like some wellness center for the elite, it was actually used to "reform" those who brought shame to the Giovannis.

One had no need to resist or explain themselves. All they needed to do was learn to remain quiet.

It was something I finally learned. Taking a deep breath, I looked at Vivianne.

Then, with a slow bow, I apologized softly, "Vivianne, I'm sorry."

Everyone went silent in an instant.

None of them had expected me to swallow my pride. After all, if this were a year ago, I would have insisted that I was innocent.

Vivianne was briefly stunned before she chuckled. "It's okay. I forgive you."

She really had a perfect smile.

Rosalie's eyes reddened slightly. "You're such a good girl, Vivianne."

Hugh snorted. "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and thank your sister!"

Vivianne gently embraced me. "Don't say stuff like that! We're all family, aren't we?"

"Thank you," I obeyed with a faint smile.

They all thought I had said that due to gratitude. In truth? It was nothing more than goodbye.

"Since you've turned a new leaf, then you'll still be our daughter," my father added. "We'll announce on the day of your wedding that there had been a mistake with the DNA report and you are our daughter by blood."

"Thank you, Mr. Sadler," I thanked him obediently.

They thought I was looking forward to that wedding and their statement of welcoming me home. However, none of them knew that what I looked forward to was actually freedom.

I was led to my room, which was in the staff area of the manor.

I found my ID and personal documents, after which I booked a flight to leave this place tomorrow night.

…

I went to get a glass of water late at night that day.

A familiar figure came into view when I was about to turn the corner in the hallway.

It was Hugh.

He had a coat on and was sneaking out of the house. He was also holding his car keys and smelled of an acrid mixture of perfume and alcohol.

I used to stop Hugh in the past. After all, the doctor had told him to take care of his health due to his heart condition.

I used to think I needed to take care of my family, but all I did tonight was silently stand in the corner and watch him leave.

Hugh would never know that the Vanessa Sadler who always tried to make her family better had long died.

This current version of me was nothing but calm and quiet while harboring plans of my own.