Maria was sitting in an armchair quietly in her room. Her eyebrows were a little frowned as she was immersed in her thoughts.
Suddenly, the phone rang out loud. The sound brought her back to her consciousness. She took it up from the small tripod table beside the chair, stared at the caller ID, and then received the call.
A hoarse, heavy voice came from the other side.
"Madam, I've looked into it."
"What did you find?"
"I kept an eye on Ms. Winter's whereabouts, even her recent interactions, but didn't find anything suspicious. But yes, there's an inter-college competition in six months; it seems to be an important event, and she has participated in it. As of now, this is all I have found out."
"Okay. Keep an eye on her, and if you find anything, update me."
"Sure, Madam."
The call disconnected. Maria kept the phone back on the table, then leaned back on the chair again comfortably. Her furrowed eyebrows eased a lot by then.
She'd seen Vivienne growing up before her eyes, and she was well aware of her nature. And, she knew how much she loved Damien. Their marriage was fixed long ago, and she'd practically doted on him.
Yesterday, when she asked her to postpone the marriage till her graduation, she was taken aback! She knew how much Vivienne looked forward to the marriage, and the sudden turn startled her.
So, she appointed someone to look into the matter. Though she knew her, she couldn't decide unless she had become sure about it.
After all, she was an Ashford, and Ashfords never did anything without thinking.
Loving someone was one thing. But family and business matters — were something that couldn't be left on emotions.
Maria lay there for a brief period, then sat up slowly. It seemed that her assumption was wrong, but she had to be sure.
Thinking about something, she dialed Vivienne's number. After ringing for some time, she received the call. With a sweetness draped around her voice, she said.
"Viv, I've organized a small gathering this evening. I'll send you a dress. Damien will pick you up around six."
_
Vivienne was startled for a moment. A gathering! All of a sudden!
"A sudden gathering!"
Maria sneered. "Yes. I want to introduce my granddaughter-in-law to my friends circle; though they've already seen you in the engagement part, they want to have a chat with you personally."
She paused a bit, then continued. "Oh, by the way, I totally forgot to ask you first! Are you free today, Viv?"
Vivienne smiled. "Absolutely! Umm... why bother Damien? I'll be there by six."
Maria smiled. "Oh honey, you don't have to worry about him. It's his duty. After all, you're gonna be his wife soon! He has to do it."
Vivienne laughed at her remarks. "Okay, that's settled then! By the way, you don't have to send a dress; I've already a lot of new ones dumped in my wardrobe."
"Fine! Then, see you in the evening."
"Bye."
Vivienne stared at the dark screen long after the call had been disconnected. She couldn't quite comprehend it!
It was almost a full day since she made the request to her, but she didn't take any steps! Even just now, she didn't even bring up the topic! And...
Why all of a sudden did Maria throw a party? Was it only to introduce her to her friend's group?
'Or, there's more to it?'
After spending almost over a decade with her, she knew one thing about her. Maria never did something without a reason.
Suddenly, a thought popped up in her mind.
'Is she suspecting me!'
And, it could be. Because she knew very well how eager Vivienne was for the wedding, she could have any suspicions about her suddenly postponing the wedding. Moreover, although she had always treated her politely, today her voice seemed a little too sweet! What could be the reason apart from it?
Vivienne shook her head. No, she couldn't let her suspect. She had to take steps carefully, she had to act. Otherwise, all her plans would go in vain!
"Hey! What happened?"
Esme's curious voice snapped her back to reality.
"Nothing much! Damien's grandma called me; she's throwing a party tonight; she just invited me there."
She replied with a smile. She put the phone again on the desk, then picked up the pencil to complete the unfinished sketch.
A gathering. A dress. Damien.
She wasn't ready. But she had to be.
-
'Perfect!'
As she saw her reflection in the mirror, a satisfactory smile curved on her lips. For today, she had chosen a knee-length sheath dress. The earthy brown colored gown paired with silver jewelry matched her fair complexion perfectly. The dress was casual yet it was perfect for gathering with the elders.
She glanced at the round wall clock of her bedroom. It was already six past ten. She picked up the white sling bag lying on the bed and put her phone inside it — Damien would be there any time.
As she emerged from her room, she encountered Sarah, who had just come out of her room.
"Wow Viv, you look beautiful!" She praised her.
Vivienne looked up, and their eyes met for brief — seconds, but she didn't miss the flicker of jealousy in her eyes!
"Thank you," Vivienne replied softly.
"Where are you heading?" She asked curiously.
"Ashford's. Grandma arranged a meeting with her friends to introduce her granddaughter-in-law. Damien is coming to pick me up." Vivienne replied with a chuckle but with a little more emphasis on the word 'granddaughter-in-law'.
"Ah.. that's great! Enjoy your evening then." With that, Sarah retreated to her room. Vivienne said nothing, she watched as the figure disappeared inside of the room. She also didn't miss how her fists were clenched at her sides.
She was successful at pissing her off.
Apparently, she enjoyed it a lot.
Vivienne wondered; it seemed the signs were always there; why didn't she notice earlier?
'Sure, love makes people blind' She sneered.
Her phone suddenly went through a notification. She took it out and saw a message from Damien. "I'm outside."
She put the phone back in her bag and headed outside.
It was time — for a show.