Chapter 3 - Enter VanessaAs Ethan’s status grew, he became one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. He was surrounded by people who wanted a piece of his success, but he remained cautious, searching for someone genuine. Then, he met Vanessa.
Vanessa was a vision of old-money elegance and modern sophistication. A high-profile art curator and socialite, she moved through the elite circles of Los Angeles with effortless grace. She was beautiful, articulate, and seemingly supportive of Ethan’s demanding career. When they began dating, she laughed at his jokes, accompanied him to tedious charity galas, and listened intently as he spoke about his business goals.
When Ethan introduced Vanessa to his mother, Vanessa was the picture of politeness. She brought Mary an expensive silk scarf and smiled warmly throughout the dinner. However, Ethan failed to notice the subtle flash of disdain in Vanessa’s eyes when Mary served dinner on chipped porcelain plates, or how Vanessa carefully avoided letting her designer dress touch the modest fabric of Mary's sofa.
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Mary, possessing the sharp intuition of a mother who had survived the harshest realities of life, felt a lingering unease. After Vanessa left, Mary gently told Ethan, "She is very beautiful, son. Just make sure she loves the man you are inside, not the fortress you’ve built around yourself."
Blinded by affection and Vanessa's polished facade, Ethan brushed the warning aside. A year later, they were married in a lavish ceremony that captivated the tabloids.
