16
*If you ever get bored, you can always start a business or pursue something you enjoy,” Vivian suggested “Whether it takes off or not, it doesn’t matter–even if it’s just something to pass the time. The Kensingtons will always have your back.”
She admitted that she never had much ambition and was perfectly content being a stay–at–home mom. But after having Kya, she started a social media account dedicated to sharing moments with her precious daughter, which unexpectedly gained a following. Now, she even made a decent income from sponsorships.
Unlike Vivian, I had spent my entire life chasing after something–someone. I chose sculpture as my major just to be closer to Cassian, never thinking about what I actually wanted. And the reality was, the field had little career stability. By the time I graduated, I was left with nothing but a degree and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty
I, on the other hand, had chosen to study sculpture–a major that sounded prestigious but wasn’t exactly practical. I had picked it for one reason only, it was what brought me closest to Cassian. But after graduation, I had been left directionless, jobless and uncertain about my future
I had convinced myself that taking care of Zane would be my new purpose, that staying here and fulfilling my role as his wife was enough.
But every time I scrolled through social media and saw my friends moving forward–pursuing graduate studies, apprenticing under renowned mentors, carving out careers in their fields–I couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.
Whenever those feelings crept in, I forced myself to push them away. I need to be grateful
This marriage might have started as an arrangement, but I had married into a wonderful family. I had a husband who treated me well, financial security beyond what I could have ever imagined and a peaceful life others could only dream of.
I should be thankful.
And yet, on restless nights, I still found myself scouring job listings, researching programs and rereading old articles about the art world I had once dreamed of being a part of
Then one day, Zane took me to an event
I had assumed it was another business gathering, a typical corporate affair where he’d network with investors and CEOS.
But instead, he brought me to a fine arts gala–an exclusive celebration for a gallery going public.
Even I wasn’t dense enough to miss what that meant.
*The event will be attended by some of the most respected figures in the industry.” Zane told me matter–of–factly. *If you meet someone whose work you admire, I can introduce you.”
I stared at him. He was blind. Yet he had brought me here–to a place where everything revolved around what could be seen. A place where someone like him might feel out of place. And he did it for me.
How did he know that I longed for this?
Almost as if he had read my mind, he added, “A newly graduated young woman shouldn’t be cooped up at home all day.”
“Marriage isn’t a cage, Livia. If you want to pursue your passion then do it. You’re more than welcomed to use the family’s resources as a stepping stone. You can even use the name.”
I would be lying if I said his words didn’t move me.
But I couldn’t be that selfish.
“What about you?” My voice wavered. “I promised to take care of you. If I go away for school, we’ll be in different cities. And who w-”
“The family can hire as many people as needed.
B45AM & c
die vi tie, le saiu cosný.
Thie Tanny Laminit as many pcvpic as riccucu iu lanc LAIT VIIIIS,
fly to see you. Or you can come home whenever you have time.”
you, I can dimaja
He struck down every concern I had, one by one. Even so, I didn’t immediately give him an answer.
“Let me talk to Grandpa first, I murmured.
I wasn’t just representing myself anymore. Every decision I made reflected on both the Montclairs and the Kensingtons. I needed to be careful.
Zane didn’t argue
Instead, he spent the rest of the night subtly steering conversations, dropping my name into discussions with influential artists, making sure I had a foot in the door. By the time we left, I had been introduced to several major figures in the industry and had a much clearer sense of the direction I wanted to take. For the first time, I had a clearer idea of what I wanted to specialize in
When we got home, I was still debating how to bring it up when Zane–completely unfazed–just announced, “Grandpa, Livia wants to go back to school.”
Edward, who had been sipping his evening tea, immediately lit up
“Going back to school? That’s wonderful news!”
