Chapter 3

The next morning, as Vanessa came downstairs, she saw Waverly sitting next to Harris while swiping through a tablet. Hearing movement, Waverly looked up, and smug satisfaction filled her face. "Vanessa, come help me pick out a necklace for the wedding. I've been looking for hours, and my eyes are starting to hurt!" Vanessa walked over and sat down, only for Waverly to shove the tablet into her hands immediately. Then, like a spoiled child, Waverly threw herself into Harris' arms. "Harris, I've looked at so many, but I still can't decide." Harris stiffened for a moment, then replied tenderly, "I can contact some designers if you want." Waverly's gaze shifted toward Vanessa, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Vanessa felt a sense of foreboding. Sure enough, the next second, Waverly put on a fake awkward smile. "Well... there is one I like. But I'm afraid someone might not be willing to part with it." Harris chuckled nonchalantly. "Who? If you like it, I'll get it for you, no matter the cost." At that, Waverly's smile widened. She pointed at the necklace around Vanessa's neck and stated, "I really like that one." Harris' expression froze. That necklace was a gift from him to Vanessa on her 18th birthday. At the time, he had lovingly reminded her that he'd designed and oversaw the production himself. It was one of a kind for his precious girl, and no matter what, she was not allowed to take it off. Vanessa had always taken his words to heart. She had never parted with the necklace. Once, it had fallen off while skiing, and she had spent an entire night in the snow searching for it. Knowing its significance, Harris was about to refuse, but Vanessa spoke first. "Sure. If you like it, I'll give it to you as a wedding gift." She didn't care at all. After all, she had already given up on him. Why would a necklace matter? Vanessa promptly unclasped the necklace and handed it to Waverly, who accepted it with delight. Meanwhile, Harris' hand shook slightly where it rested on the couch, his eyes betraying his disbelief. Just when Waverly wanted to thank Vanessa, her eyes fell on the latter's collarbone. A look of curiosity crossed her face, and she asked, "What does the tattoo on your collarbone stand for? 'HS'? It seems familiar…" Vanessa's expression faltered briefly before she quickly pulled her hand back. She noticed Harris staring at her with a dark and unreadable gaze. Nevertheless, he sounded strangely calm as he said, "Didn't I tell you to have that tattoo removed?" Vanessa pursed her lips and responded in a steady tone, "Don't worry. I've already scheduled it." As soon as she said so, the family's butler, Finn Carlton, entered with the tattoo removal specialist. "Ms. Samson, shall we begin?" "Yes, let's start now." Vanessa reclined on a chair as the specialist began preparing the equipment. The pain was sharp and unbearable, making her let out a cry of pain. However, she forced herself to swallow her cries, mindful of the two people on the couch. The cotton swabs quickly turned red with blood. Waverly was clearly disturbed, and she covered her eyes in fear. Harris, however, didn't comfort her. His gaze remained fixed on Vanessa, whose face was pale with pain. The specialist spoke up curiously, "Ms. Samson, didn't you say when you got this tattoo that you'd never have it removed no matter what?" Vanessa forced a smile and pretended to be unbothered, saying, "That was then. Now, I don't like it anymore and want to remove it." A complicated look flashed across Harris' eyes, and finally, he broke his silence. "You don't have to do it if you can't bear the pain." The specialist hesitated as well, trying to persuade her. "Exactly. Your skin is so fair. If it scars, it'll be a shame." Vanessa smiled through the pain and insisted, "No. Keep going."