Chapter 24
Vivienne shook her head faintly. "It's my fault."
Deep down, she knew Derek's appearance wasn't the sole cause of her illness. Even without him, her body would have eventually given out. After all, how many could endure a storm battering both body and soul without faltering?
She’d always believed her childhood scars had hardened her heart into an unyielding fortress. Yet, betrayal from the one she loved most had pierced that armor, leaving her to crumble under the weight of heartache.
Margot watched Vivienne’s desolate expression, her eyes soft with understanding. Taking Vivienne’s hand, she spoke slowly, her voice steady and comforting. “People always reach for more than they have. Once they get it, they want something else, never truly satisfied. Changing feelings are only human, but loyalty—that’s a choice, a deliberate act.” Her words lingered. “What belongs to you will find its way back, even if you let it go. And what doesn’t? It’s better to release it sooner. The power to choose has always been yours.”
Vivienne’s eyelashes fluttered as she absorbed Margot’s insight. "Changing feelings are only human, but loyalty—that's a choice, a deliberate act," she repeated silently.
Marriage, Vivienne realized, was never meant to be a prison or an unyielding chain.
“Love is like a journey,” Margot continued, her voice softening. “Two people can walk together, but either can choose to part ways along the road. One day, you’ll find someone who wants to travel all the way to the same destination with you.”
Margot reached out, her fingers gently brushing Vivienne’s hollow cheek. “Good girl. Remember, we live for ourselves—not for anyone else. Letting love trap you would betray your true, independent nature.”
Vivienne looked at her, startled by the clarity in Margot’s words. Then, a warm smile broke across her face. “Thank you for that.”
Margot chuckled heartily. “You came to keep me company, so I should be thanking you.”
Time drifted on, and soon Margot couldn’t suppress a quiet yawn. Seeing this, Vivienne softened, guilt coloring her voice. “I’ve gone on too long, haven’t I? You’ve just come out of the hospital. You really need to rest.”
She stood, intending to leave, but Margot’s hand shot out, gripping hers tightly. “It’s not often you sit down and talk with me,” Margot said, her tone almost pleading. “Now that you’re here, why not stay for dinner? Keep this old woman company a little longer.”
Margot didn’t let her finish. “I know, I know. I’m just an old woman who must seem like a nuisance to you young folks. Always so busy, day and night, with no time to spare, not even for a meal.”
She glanced at Vivienne with a forlorn expression before lowering her gaze, her sigh heavy with melancholy. “But it’s fine. If you want to leave, just go. I’ve been alone for years. I’m used to it.”
Vivienne hesitated, guilt pricking her. Her thoughts wandered to her grandfather, who used to voice the same laments about being alone. She hadn’t been there for him all these years. Had he also managed the heavy mantle of the Sinclair family alone, with no one by his side?
Finally, Vivienne sighed, giving in. “Fine. I’ll stay. But you have to promise to rest for a while first.”
Margot’s face lit up instantly. “Alright, alright! But don’t you go back on your word!”
Faced with Margot’s almost childlike stubbornness, Vivienne laughed softly. “I wouldn’t dare.”
After helping Margot to her bedroom, Vivienne was shown to a guest room by a maid. The space was styled in muted tones of black and white, exuding an air of quiet sophistication while feeling slightly cold.
Vivienne took in the minimalistic furnishings, her senses picking up on the faint, soothing scent of fir. Her bare feet sank into the plush wool carpet as she crossed the room to the window. The view beyond was breathtaking—an unobstructed panorama of the estate’s garden. Every detail of the landscape was a testament to the owner’s refined taste and meticulous care.
As she was lost in contemplation, the phone on the bed rang. No need to wonder who would be calling at this hour.