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Chapter_44
The room was thick with emotion after Richard’s words. Cordelia, who had always put others’ needs ahead of her own, had truly stunned everyone with her selflessness. Her unwavering support for Vivienne—her willingness to offer her stepdaughter a future she could be proud of, even at great personal cost—had left a lasting impact on everyone in the room.
Vivienne, whose heart had already been weighed down by the challenges of her past, could feel her chest tighten as she looked at Cordelia. Tears welled in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away, not wanting to appear overly emotional. Still, her gratitude and affection for Cordelia were impossible to hide.
“Thank you, Cordelia,” Vivienne whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “You don’t know what this means to me.”
Cordelia smiled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “You’re my daughter, Vivienne. This is what family does for each other.”
Richard, still visibly moved by Cordelia’s words, nodded approvingly. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman as generous and thoughtful as you, Cordelia. You’ve raised my respect tremendously. You’ve proven that family isn’t about blood, but about the heart.”
Percival, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up, his tone sincere. “I agree. I’ve never known someone like Cordelia, who puts so much thought into the happiness and well-being of others. Vivienne, you’re lucky to have her in your life.”
Vivienne looked at Percival and then back at Cordelia, the weight of everything she had just heard sinking in. The Ellington family had offered her a grand wedding, money, and property—but what mattered most to her was the love and sacrifice Cordelia had shown. She had given everything, not for her own gain, but for Vivienne’s happiness. And that was the real gift—one that no amount of wealth could replace.
“I am lucky,” Vivienne said softly, her voice full of emotion. “I know I’ve never had a mother since I was young, but you’ve been a light in my life, Cordelia. I’m so grateful.”
The room grew quiet for a moment as everyone absorbed the weight of Vivienne’s words. Even Richard, usually so composed, had a rare softness in his expression.
Cordelia, though, wasn’t one to linger on praise. She simply nodded, her gaze steady. “We don’t need to make a big deal out of it. I just want you to be happy, Vivienne.”
Vivienne smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at the sincerity in Cordelia’s voice. She hadn’t expected this—hadn’t expected to find a family that would embrace her so fully, without judgment or expectation. And for the first time in a long time, Vivienne allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things could be different now.
Richard cleared his throat, his voice gaining back its usual firmness as he leaned forward. “Alright, it’s settled then. We’ll follow Cordelia’s plan for the wedding and the gifts. It’s rare to find someone with such clear values. I trust you, Cordelia.”
Cordelia nodded once more, the calm strength she exuded never faltering. “Thank you, Richard. I just want to make sure Vivienne is happy, that’s all.”
The mood in the room shifted from tension to something warmer, lighter. The business of the engagement, the financial aspects of the marriage, had been discussed and agreed upon. Now, it was about family. And for the first time in what felt like a lifetime, Vivienne had a sense of belonging—a sense of being cared for and valued.
Dorian, too, was deeply moved by the exchange, and though he often kept his emotions guarded, he couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride in his wife and sister-in-law. “Thank you, Cordelia,” he said quietly. “You’ve done more for this family than I could ever express.”
Cordelia just gave him a soft smile, her eyes warm. “We’re in this together, Dorian. That’s what matters.”
Vivienne couldn’t help but think of her mother at that moment—how she would have felt seeing this support, this unity. Her mother had always wanted the best for her, and though she had been taken too soon, Vivienne now realized that perhaps her mother had been preparing her for this moment, for this family.
As the conversation turned to lighter topics and the tension lifted, Vivienne felt a sense of peace she hadn’t known for years. She no longer felt like an outsider, no longer like someone who was simply enduring life. She was finally part of something real—something built on trust, respect, and love.
And as the family continued their discussion, Vivienne made a silent promise to herself: she would fight to keep this new, fragile peace. She would protect it, just as they had protected her. The future was uncertain, but for the first time in a long time, Vivienne felt ready to face whatever came next.
