The morning sun spilled across the estate like a soft promise , bathing the mention in gold. Mrs blackwood who was now feeling better, stood on the balcony, gazing at the garden below. Hot thoughts were elsewhere, drifting to memories and dreams she had carried for years .
She had always wanted a daughter- a graceful, kind hearted young women who could bring warmth into their home. And now, she believed she had found her in Vivienne.
Last night party had stirred emotions in her . She had seen the way Soren looked at Vivienne. But she was unaware that he had been drunk that time.Ande she had seen the photo of them kissing , though unplanned and reckless, there was fire. she thought that if someone has to be my daughter in law then it could only be Vivienne.
As mrs.blackwood was finding a wife for Soren but everyone were just selfish and just wanted money . No one was kind by heart. So then she remembered of Vivienne .
Mrs blackwood believe that sometimes , pain mark the beginning of something deeper.
She summoned Soren to her study.
He walked in, a little disheveled , his eyes revealing a sleepless night. ' you wanted to see me? '
"Yes" ' she said, her don't come but firm . "sit down".
He obeyed without question.
"I saw what happened yesterday", she began. " And I won't pretend I proved of how things ended. But I also saw the passion. The truth".
Soren blinked . " Truth?"
She nodded . " You care for her , don't you?"
He hesitated. " I .... I don't know. I messed up. She hates me now".
" Then fix it. I know Vivienne. She has a strong heart , but it's fragile too. You hurt her. But you also opened a door".
Soren looked down. " I wa drunk . I wasn't thinking."
Mrs .black board, student walking to the window. " Then started thinking now. I have made agreement. I want you to get engaged to her. Formally . Publicly. let the world know she is not just some place holder in your game ."
He eyes widened. " What? No mom , I don't like her . She is just an maid to me . And I took her to the party because of my benefit.
You will not tell a word to me , she said . And you have to accept her as your wife . And before I die I want to play with my grandchildrens she
Said .
Mommm... This is too much ..... This is my order and you should follow it or else ! ,She said .
He wanted to argue, but something in her eyes silenced him . She wasn't just pushing this for appearances- she believed in Vivienne. Maybe more than did.
"You always wanted a daughter, didn't you?" He asked softly .
She smiled , her voice barely a whisper. " Yes . And and i believe she could be the one."
Vivienne sat in a room still shaken . The previous night replayed over and over. The kiss . The eyes watching her. The feeling of being betrayed in front of strangers. But what haunted her more was the confusion in Soren's eyes afterward. Was it guilt? Regret? Or something else?
A knock broker thoughts. It was Mrs . Violet.
"May I come in, dear?"
Vivienne nodded, wiping her eyes. Mrs blackwood work them with the calm Grace and sat beside her .
" I know last night was overwhelming," she said gently.
But how do you know about that mam? She asked ...
Mrs, blackwood just smiled and blinked her eyes.
Vivienne was confused.
"I am not here to excuse Soren. What you did was reckless. But I do believe he cares and I care too."
Vivienne looked at her , startled.
I see in you something I have long wished for a daughter. Someone who understand pain and still remains strong. Someone so doesn't try to please the world, but who remains real. I want you to be a part of this family, Vivienne. Officially."
Tears welled in her eyes again.
"I am not asking for an answer now. But think about it. The gala is in five days. If you are ready, I would like to announce your engagement to Soren there. You'll have a choice. Always."
With that, Mrs black wood left, a presence lingering like a scent of Jasmine.
Vivienne sat still, stunned. A choice? She had been pulled into this game like a pawn . But now ... She had power . And with it came responsibility.
She didn't know. But for the first time, she felt like her voice mattered.