Chapter 215: Vivienne, Why Don’t We Get Married?

Sienna hesitated, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she studied Vivienne closely. Their eyes locked, and Sienna noticed a gleam of recognition in Vivienne’s gaze. With a subtle smile, Vivienne whispered, “The time has come to get rid of the Mitchell family.”

The details of the kidnapping were a closely guarded secret among the Mitchell family, and Vivienne had kept it from everyone else. She felt it wasn’t a chapter to brag about, and also, too much time had passed to share such burdens now. Vivienne had thought she’d put those dark days behind her, yet the past had a way of reemerging most unexpectedly. The shock of seeing those old photos was initial, but she soon connected them to the Mitchell family. She recalled how Warren had managed the situation back then. He had not only collaborated with law enforcement to apprehend the kidnappers but had also wiped all traces of her involvement and silenced any potential media coverage to safeguard her public image. At that moment, Vivienne had felt genuinely cared for by someone who was not related by blood. She had once believed Warren was the man she could depend on forever. Reflecting now, she recognized the naivety of that trust.

Whether it was the Mitchell family or Warren himself, their intentions had always been self-serving. They would have cast her aside for the family’s prospects without a second thought. Despite understanding the stakes of a woman’s reputation, they had mercilessly exploited her to save their own skins. Such ingratitude was typical of those who had climbed to power; they often forgot the hands that supported them during their weakest moments. Now, they wouldn’t hesitate to crush her if it served their interests. A scornful smile curled on Vivienne’s lips, her eyes cold with detachment.

Regarding those photographs… She lifted her eyes, a tangle of emotions flickering in their depths, impossible to decipher. At that instant, her phone buzzed. Recognizing Derek’s number on the screen, Vivienne’s cold facade melted into a hint of warmth. As soon as she answered, Derek’s soothing voice filled her ear. “Do you need my assistance?”

“No,” Vivienne responded gently. She was confident in her ability to manage on her own. Yet, something continued to trouble her… “Have you seen the kind of woman I am?” she asked. “Think what you will, but remember, my love for you is unwavering.” Derek’s words were casual, yet they struck Vivienne deeply. Her grip on the phone tightened, as if trying to cling to the sentiment behind his words.

Vivienne inhaled deeply, attempting to quell the surge of feelings his words provoked. “Even now, do you truly understand me? Does none of this matter to you? Aren’t you troubled by the photos?” She pondered whether Derek, like any man, would harbor doubts upon seeing the photos. Once doubt seeped in, guilt was often presumed. To the world, her innocence mattered little; she was already condemned. Repeatedly, she had felt the sting of abandonment. If a separation with Derek was inevitable, Vivienne preferred to leave on her own terms, not to be forsaken once more.

“I realize you’re delicate on the inside, but don’t use that as a reason to shut me out.” His voice carried a residual frustration but also touched a tender part of Vivienne’s heart. Emotions welled up inside her, warmth radiating from her heart through her body.

“Vivienne, why don’t we get married?”