Big Sis, You Don't Matter Anymore

On the tenth year of my marriage with Adrian Sutton as a replacement, my older sister, Vivian Cavendish, suddenly returns to our lives.

The entire family just stares at her silently.

Vivian yawns lazily before saying casually, "It's so exhausting, having visited 13 countries in a row. Where's Rowan? He should be studying in grade school by now, right? Why isn't he here to see me, his real mother?"

Rowan Sutton is Vivian's actual son.

In the past, after Vivian gave birth to Rowan, she faked her death on her wedding day, leaving her newborn and her fiance behind.

The Sutton family comes from old money in the elite society. My parents dared not offend them at all, so they decided to force me, a college fresh graduate, to marry Adrian in Vivian's stead.

Over the past decade, I've turned into a proper wife and a responsible mother.

Upon seeing how righteous Vivian is acting, Mom and Dad turn to look at me. I just smile faintly at them instead.

"Rowan and his father are on a vacation in another city right now."

Vivian Cavendish, my older sister, frowned at my words. She sounded displeased as she asked, "Didn't I tell you in advance that I was coming home? Didn't you tell Adrian I was coming back?"

I calmly took a sip of my tea. After all these years, I was no longer that invisible nobody living in Vivian's shadow.

My silence infuriated her. She shot to her feet, and her shrill voice echoed through the room. "Noelle Cavendish, what the hell do you mean by this? Don't forget that I was the one who was supposed to marry into the Sutton family! Now that I'm back, do you think you can still cling to being Mrs. Sutton?"

I glanced at her and smiled. "I don't understand what you're talking about, Vivian. My husband and I are on very good terms."

Over the years, I'd accompanied Adrian Sutton to countless charity galas and business events. Our image as a loving couple was well-known in our circle.

Adrian had even earned the favor of quite a few business partners thanks to his reputation as a devoted husband. There might not be romance between us, but there was something stronger than love binding us together—interest and mutual benefit.

That was why I was so confident.

Vivian's expression turned incredulous. She jabbed a finger at me and shouted, "Do you have no shame, Noelle? He's your brother-in-law!"

I set my teacup down and gave a calm, measured smile. "No, he's my lawfully wedded husband."

My gaze was steady as I stood, no longer willing to play along with this farce. Mom and Dad stood off to the side, completely at a loss.

Vivian rushed over to them and clutched at Mom's sleeve. "Mom, she's lost her mind! Adrian and I have been together since college! If it weren't for me and the Sutton family, our family's company would never have grown this much!"