Chapter 129

Just as Vivienne felt herself losing her balance, Derek materialized beside her, his steady arm catching her at the waist. "Are you okay?" Concern laced Derek's voice.

"I'm fine," Vivienne assured him.

"Sorry, did my daughter bump into you?" The girl's father looked at Vivienne apologetically. Vivienne shook her head, dismissing his concern. The father's expression shifted as he turned to his daughter, crouching to meet her eyes. "Didn't I tell you not to run around when we're out? If this happens again, our outings will have to stop."

"Daddy, I'm sorry," the little girl whispered, her fingers finding her father's sleeve, her eyes brimming with tears. "Daddy, could I have a lollipop?"

The father's stern facade crumbled at his daughter's plea. "Promise me you won't run around anymore."

"Okay," she whispered. The moment the sweet treat touched her hands, she wrapped her arms around her father's neck, planting a tender kiss on his cheek.

The scene stirred something deep within Vivienne, casting a shadow over her usually bright eyes. When she emerged from her reverie, she discovered Derek had vanished. Her eyes instinctively searched the crowd, finding him approaching with a lollipop in hand, his presence striking even amidst the throng of faces.

"Try it," he offered, having noticed her lingering gaze.

Vivienne accepted the treat after a moment's hesitation. Its sweetness melted on her tongue and seeped into the corners of her heart.

"What crossed your mind earlier?" Derek inquired, noting both the flash of sadness in her eyes and the bittersweet smile that followed.

Vivienne's grip tightened on the lollipop stick, her demeanor cooling. "Just remembering people and things that shouldn't matter anymore."

"If they're not worth remembering, let them go," Derek said, enveloping her cold hand in his warm one. "Don't carry the weight of others' mistakes."

A smile graced Vivienne's lips, transforming her delicate features. "How can you be so certain the mistake wasn't mine?"

"Your happiness matters more to me than assigning blame." His words drifted on the evening breeze, stirring emotions she struggled to contain.

Vivienne's gaze wavered as she exhaled softly. "My mother died when I was very young. When my father remarried, I discovered I had a sister just three months younger than me. Everything seemed fine at first, but then…" Her body tensed, fingers curling into tight fists as she fought for composure. Her voice quivered. "When my maternal grandfather learned of my situation, he brought me to live with the Sinclairs, severing all contact with my father. Even though I tried to forget those people and memories, they resurface unexpectedly."

Derek listened intently, his dark eyes studying her pale features, noting her increasingly cold hand and trembling voice. The pain of her memories was evident—too raw to fully articulate. Feeling her tremors, he drew her into his embrace.

"I'm sorry I couldn't protect you then, but from now on, you won't face life's storms alone."

Vivienne's fingers clutched his suit jacket as her eyes widened slightly. Then, slowly, a genuine smile bloomed on her lips. At that moment, she chose to trust him with her future, hoping he would remain by her side forever.