Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter_90
As Faye and Doreen left the bookstore, Faye felt a weight lift off her shoulders. The words she had spoken to the two girls had come from a place of newfound strength. She hadn’t expected to confront those who mocked her, but Vivienne’s earlier words had ignited something inside her. The anger and sadness she had carried for so long now felt like distant echoes.
Doreen, still shocked by her daughter’s courage, walked beside her in silence for a few moments. She had always been protective of Faye, but today, she saw a side of her daughter she hadn’t realized was there. It was as though Faye was emerging from the shell of sadness and insecurity that had encased her for so long. For the first time in a long while, Doreen felt hope instead of fear.
“Faye, I’m proud of you,” Doreen said, her voice filled with emotion. “I know it hasn’t been easy, but you’re strong, and I know you’ll make it through this.”
Faye looked up at her mother, a small but genuine smile spreading across her face. “Thanks, Mom. I think… I think I can finally start living again.”
As they got back into the car, Doreen couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. The pain and heartache Faye had been carrying all these years had seemed impossible to overcome, but today, there was a glimmer of change. Doreen hoped it would last, that Faye would continue on this path of healing.
Back at the Hawthorn estate, Vivienne was preparing for the lunch she had invited Clara to. The sound of footsteps alerted her to Percival’s approach, and as he entered the room, Vivienne glanced at him briefly.
“Are you ready for lunch?” Percival asked, a bit of humor in his tone.
“Yes,” Vivienne replied, though her mind was still on the events of the day. “I’ve never been this excited to host someone. It feels different this time.”
Percival raised an eyebrow at her. “You seem thoughtful today. Are you really just excited about lunch?”
Vivienne paused before responding, her gaze drifting toward the window. “Maybe it’s not just about the lunch. It’s about seeing change. Change in Faye, in the people around me. It feels… good, to be a part of something that matters.”
Percival, who had always been the more reserved of the two, nodded thoughtfully. “Change is a powerful thing. Sometimes, we don’t realize its effect until it’s right in front of us.”
Vivienne turned back to him, offering a small smile. “Let’s go. Clara is waiting.”
As they made their way downstairs, Clara was already in the living room, chatting with the staff and making herself comfortable. Vivienne couldn’t help but notice the energy Clara brought with her—it was light, almost infectious.
“Clara, welcome,” Vivienne greeted her warmly. “I hope you’re ready for a bit of a full house.”
Clara smiled brightly, “I’m used to it. I don’t mind at all.”
The group made their way to the dining room, where everyone was already gathered. Percival, Vivienne, and Clara sat at the table, along with several members of the Ellington family. The lively atmosphere, the light conversation, and the feeling of shared connection made Vivienne realize just how much she valued moments like this.
As the meal progressed, Clara leaned over to Vivienne, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Vivienne, I’ve been meaning to ask—how did you know Faye would respond like that today? The way she stood up to those girls at the bookstore… I never imagined she had it in her.”
Vivienne took a moment before responding, her gaze thoughtful. “It wasn’t about knowing. It was about giving her the space to realize her own strength. Sometimes, people just need to be reminded of their worth. Faye had been hiding her light for so long that she couldn’t see it herself. But now, I think she’s starting to.”
Clara nodded, looking impressed. “You’re really something, Vivienne. I think you’ve done more for Faye than anyone else could have.”
Vivienne’s lips curved into a faint smile. “It’s not about me. It’s about what Faye wants for herself. I’m just here to guide her.”
As the meal continued, Clara looked around the table at the warm, familial atmosphere. She could see how much Vivienne was appreciated, and she realized just how different this group was from the ones she was used to. There was an undeniable bond between them all, and Clara felt privileged to witness it.
The conversation flowed easily, with everyone contributing their thoughts on everything from current events to personal stories. For Clara, it was a rare and refreshing experience. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so at ease. For Vivienne, it was a reminder of the family she had—one that was slowly growing, not just in number, but in strength.
