"Oh Vivienne, you're glowing!" One woman said.
"Won't she! She's always had that noble grace." Another added.
Vivienne lowered her head, pretending to blush.
'Noble grace!' she thought bitterly. 'You don't even know, in another life, how many times have I cried wearing these jewels, alone in my room, in the middle of the night.'
Her smile didn't falter, but she could feel the tension beginning to rise again inside her. The scent of incense, the sheen of the marble floor, the burnished furniture, the glint of the jewelry on the ladies, their chatter and laughter — everything around her was draped in luxury. Everything she used to be awe of once, now felt like a stage — where she was forced to play a role, the role of a perfect elite family's bride.
Amid their conversation, suddenly there was a soft knock on the door.
"Come in," Maria answered, and in the next moment, the door creaked open. A young maid stepped in.
"Madam", she addressed Maria, "The dinner preparation is complete. The chef says everything is ready to be served."
"Wonderful", Maria smiled. "Ladies, shall we?"
Everyone nodded, and the maid retreated. As everyone stood up, Vivienne rose too, brushing her dress straight. Her eyes wandered outside the window for a fleeting second; darkness covered everything; the night covered in darkness eagerly waited for a new sun-soaked day — just like her life.
'Soon', she told herself. 'This mask will crack. This world of illusions will shatter. The real show will begin soon — they'll see the real me.'
With her head high, she followed the ladies towards the dining hall. Her heart was burning for vengeance, but at the same time, she couldn't ignore the warmth and love they showered on her.
-
The dining table was huge, made of premium teak wood, polished. It was surrounded by twelve soft cushioned chairs. There were so many delicious dishes laid out on it, their aromas filling the air.
As everyone sat down in their chairs, the chef began serving the food one by one. Within moments, the pristine white ceramic plates were filled with various dishes.
Maria was sitting next to him, and she understood his feelings and said, twitching her lips, "Jonathan and Leena aren't at home, and Damien - well, it's Lady's Night, that brat doesn't have a chance to dine with us."
That's it! Within a moment, another burst of laughter erupted among the ladies around her!
"Here, have this soup, your favourite," Maria said, handing her some soup in a bowl.
"Yes, Vivienne, you should eat more. The Ashford ladies need to be strong!" another woman chimed in.
Thus, the dinner passed with a few laughs and jokes. Needless to say, the focus of their discussion was Vivienne. Of course, the women did most of the talking, and Vivienne only nodded, occasionally saying a few words.
After the dinner, the women began to say goodbye one by one. Maria and Vivienne said goodbye to all, then returned to the drawing room and sat down.
"How were the dishes?" Maria asked her.
"Delicious!" Vivienne genuinely replied. She was a real foodie — no matter what happened, she decided never to neglect food, unlike her past life.
After a moment of silence, Maria said, "Um... Viv, about your request, I haven't been able to talk to my son right now. There's a bit of pressure going on in the company right now. I'll talk to you about this in a few days when everything is settled."
With that, she added. "But yes, you don't have to compromise on your studies! Whatever decision is made, it will be taken with your benefits in mind."
Vivienne smiled warmly. "It's completely okay, Grandma! I understand."
Though, she couldn't get rid of the suspicion that — Maria wasn't telling the whole truth!
Maria did love her — it was a truth that she never doubted. The woman had shown her gentle affection even in her past life. She'd always made sure that she ate well, fussed over her health, and even argued with Damien for her!
But... Still!
The subtle flicker of doubt in her eyes, the subtle change in her tone when she had made her request — didn't go unnoticed.
Maria had postponed the conversation. She blamed the company pressure, stress, and circumstances for it — and maybe that was all true. But after spending years in another lifetime, Vivienne understood one thing, kindness sometimes came with attached stakes.
She'd read Maria's profile carefully. There was a softness in her eyes, but underneath it lay something; a layer of...
Conflict?
Suspicion?
Whatever it was, she realized one thing, Maria didn't completely trust her. And to sell her the lies, she had to act — flawlessly.
"Oh, and Vivienne — the Ashfords are hosting a charity ball next weekend. I'd like you to attend with Damien."
"Of course," Vivienne replied smoothly.
Maria patted her head gently. "You know, you're such a sweet child! You remind me of my younger self sometimes."
Vivienne smiled, saying nothing. She'd long ago learned to wear kindness and obedience as her second skin — to survive in the elite society, it was the key.
"I'll take you to select your outfit — it'll be your first social event after your engagement. You have to look graceful. You're now our, the Ashford's pride."
"Okay, Grandma." Vivienne nodded politely and stood up, brushing the creases of her dress. "I should leave now. It's been a long day — I feel I need some rest."
Maria smiled, seemingly pleased by her obedience. "Sure dear, good night!"
Greeting her, Vivienne walked out. Halfway through the corridor, she found Damien, leaning against the wall. He had changed into casual trousers and a T-shirt.
"How was the dinner?" He spoke lightly.
"Nice, being Grandma a perfect hostess, as always."
"Your car is ready," he said, walking beside her to the door. "I guess you'll like the driver more than your ride back home."
"Umm, I also think.. so."
They walked up to the main gate and got inside the car.
Vivienne didn't notice, but as he drove away, Maria's figure appeared standing in the darkness on the porch of her house, a loose smile hung on her lips.