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Chapter_43
The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension as Dorian and Cordelia processed the events that had just unfolded. Joseph’s departure left a lingering unease, and it was clear that Vivienne’s actions had shaken things up in a way that couldn’t easily be ignored.
Dorian, still recovering from the shock, turned back to Vivienne. “I never knew you had such a side to you. I always thought of you as kind-hearted and gentle. But now… you’re someone who can stand up for herself—and for others.”
Vivienne gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod, her expression softening. “I didn’t want to resort to something like this, but sometimes, you have to fight fire with fire. I’ve learned to do what’s necessary, even when it’s hard.”
Cordelia watched the exchange with a thoughtful look. “Vivienne’s right,” she said, her voice steady. “Sometimes, standing up for yourself means doing things you never imagined you’d have to do. And I admire you for it. You don’t just take it, you fight back.”
Vivienne gave a quiet smile, appreciative of Cordelia’s understanding. “Thank you. I’m just tired of being pushed around, and so is my mom. She’s been through enough.”
Cordelia, her expression serious now, leaned forward. “You said you’ve been learning medicine since you were ten? That’s impressive. I bet there’s a lot more to you than just what we see on the surface.”
Vivienne glanced at Dorian and then back at Cordelia, weighing her words carefully. “It was something I did to pass the time. I learned a lot of things—especially when I needed to defend myself or my family. I didn’t think it would come in handy like this, though.”
“Defending yourself… and your mother.” Dorian’s voice trailed off, and a moment of silence passed between them. “You’ve been through more than any of us realized, haven’t you?”
Vivienne didn’t say anything at first. She simply nodded, her thoughts momentarily drifting back to the dark memories of her childhood. But there was no time to dwell on the past now. She had made her decision, and she was ready to face whatever came next.
Cordelia broke the silence, a smile forming on her lips. “Well, you’ve definitely earned my respect. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure Joseph stays away from you from now on. He won’t dare come back here.”
Dorian, still looking at Vivienne with a mixture of admiration and concern, added, “I’ll back you up, Vivienne. Whatever happens, you’re not alone in this.”
Vivienne gave him a small, appreciative smile, grateful for the support. “I know. Thank you.”
As the tension in the room started to lift, Cordelia’s thoughts seemed to turn inward. “You know, Vivienne,” she said after a pause, “I think you could use your medical skills for more than just defending yourself. You’re obviously very talented. Have you thought about pursuing something more with it?”
Vivienne raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the question. “Like what?”
“Maybe you could use your skills to help others, to heal people. Maybe even start your own practice. There’s a lot of potential in what you know,” Cordelia suggested.
Vivienne hesitated for a moment, the idea seeming foreign to her. “I’ve never really thought about it. I’ve always focused on keeping my family safe, not on building a career.”
“Building a career doesn’t mean forgetting your roots,” Cordelia responded gently. “You can do both—help people and take care of yourself. You’ve already shown you can handle a lot. Why not put those skills to good use?”
Dorian, who had been quietly listening to their exchange, finally spoke up. “I agree with Cordelia. You’ve got something special, Vivienne. Maybe it’s time you thought about using that talent in a bigger way.”
Vivienne looked at the two of them thoughtfully. For the first time in a long while, she felt the spark of possibility flicker inside her. Maybe they were right. Maybe it was time to consider a new path—one that allowed her to use her abilities for good, not just revenge.
She took a deep breath and smiled, a sense of determination settling in her chest. “I’ll think about it,” she said, her voice steady and confident. “It’s something worth considering.”
Cordelia gave her an encouraging smile. “I’m sure whatever you decide, you’ll make it work.”
Dorian nodded in agreement. “You’ve got this, Vivienne.”
For the first time in a long while, Vivienne felt a sense of hope for the future. It wasn’t just about surviving anymore. It was about building something—something she could be proud of. And with the support of Dorian and Cordelia, she felt ready to take on whatever came next.
As the conversation began to wind down, Vivienne glanced out the window, her thoughts swirling with new possibilities. The road ahead was still uncertain, but one thing was clear: she was no longer just a victim of her circumstances. She was a force to be reckoned with, and she was ready to take control of her own destiny.
