One hour later, the penthouse ballroom was almost completely empty of people.
Cleaners were sweeping up the torn white lace pieces from the floor.
Vivian sat on a soft red couch near the big glass windows.
Her father walked in holding two hot paper cups of fresh coffee.
He handed one cup to Vivian and sat right down beside her.
Father: The bank accounts have been frozen by the legal court order.
Vivian: Will our family business survive this huge financial loss, Dad?
Father: We will recover every single dollar that Julian stole from us.
Vivian took a small sip of hot coffee and looked over city.
The bright sun was shining over the blue sky of New York City.
She pulled off her expensive diamond engagement ring with her right hand.
She dropped the shiny ring right into the center of her palm.
The diamond sparkled, but it felt light and completely meaningless to her now.
She handed the ring to her father so he could return it.
Vivian: I do not ever want to see this expensive ring again.
Father: You were very strong today, Vivian. I am so proud of you.
Vivian: I just wanted to protect our family name and our future.
Father: You did protect us, and now you can start a fresh life.
Vivian stood up and smoothed out the edges of her light dress.
She took a deep breath of fresh air and smiled for first time.
She had lost a fiancé, but she had saved her real self.
She walked out of the penthouse ballroom feeling light and totally free.