Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter_10
The tension in the room thickened as Vivienne and Percival’s eyes locked. There was an undeniable recognition between them, though neither had expected this encounter to happen quite like this.
Vivienne quickly regained her composure, her gaze flicking briefly to her father before she turned her attention back to Richard and the others. Percival’s presence was unsettling, but Vivienne wasn’t one to show her discomfort so easily.
“Is something the matter, Vivienne?” Dorian asked, his tone casual, but his eyes scanning the people gathered in the room.
Vivienne nodded, hiding the internal confusion she felt. “No, just… surprised to see some familiar faces.” She gave a small, polite smile.
Percival, still in his wheelchair, didn’t offer a greeting. He simply observed her with a quiet intensity that made Vivienne feel like he could see through her. His presence was more potent than she had anticipated, and his stare made it clear that their past was more complex than she had realized.
“Vivienne, I’d like you to meet Mr. Richard Ellington,” Beatrice said, breaking the momentary silence. “And this is his grandson, Percival.”
Vivienne nodded, her eyes flicking over Percival one more time. “It’s a pleasure,” she said, though the words felt distant and automatic.
“Yes, thank you for coming,” Richard said, a sharp contrast to Vivienne’s cool reception. “We were just discussing the marriage arrangement between our families.”
Vivienne’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of the marriage. She hadn’t expected the Ellingtons to push so hard, and certainly not with such forceful backing. She had a sinking feeling that this wasn’t going to be a simple conversation.
Dorian looked at Vivienne, sensing her unease. “Vivienne, dear, do you know about this arrangement?”
She turned to her father, forcing a neutral expression. “I know about it, but I wasn’t aware the matter was so urgent.”
Richard leaned forward slightly, his voice calm but insistent. “We would appreciate your consideration in moving this forward. It’s a matter of family legacy and trust.” He nodded to Percival, who remained silent.
Vivienne’s eyes narrowed, her mind racing. “It seems there’s been some misunderstanding,” she began, addressing Richard’s assumption. “I’m not entirely sure if the arrangement is something I’m comfortable with, and as far as I know, neither is my family.” Her words were measured, but there was an edge to them.
Arabella, standing to the side, seemed caught off guard. She hadn’t expected Vivienne to show such resistance, and the tension between her and Percival only made things more complicated.
Arabella stepped forward, breaking the silence. “We weren’t trying to dodge the arrangement, Mr. Ellington,” she said, her voice smooth, though her eyes flicked between Vivienne and Percival. “It’s just that it’s been a bit confusing lately.”
Vivienne watched her closely, noting the subtle changes in Arabella’s demeanor. It seemed Arabella was just as uncomfortable with the situation as she was. Perhaps this wasn’t just about family obligations for her either.
Before Vivienne could respond, Percival spoke, his voice unexpectedly quiet. “We don’t need to rush into anything,” he said, meeting Vivienne’s gaze once more. “There’s no need to force decisions.”
Vivienne’s breath caught at the softness of his tone. His words weren’t just casual; they were… reassuring. But she had no intention of letting that influence her. She turned her attention back to Richard.
“We’ll need to think this through,” she said firmly, hoping to end the conversation on her terms. “This isn’t something we can agree to on the spot.”
Richard’s face tightened, but he forced a smile. “Of course, Vivienne. We respect your decision. But just know that the offer stands.”
Vivienne nodded, and with a final glance at Percival, she turned to her father. “Let’s go home,” she said quietly.
Dorian, still unaware of the depth of the tension, nodded and led the way out. Vivienne followed, her mind swirling with questions she wasn’t ready to answer yet. As they stepped outside, she couldn’t help but feel that this meeting was only the beginning of a far more complicated chapter.
