Chapter 9

Leo sat across from Vivian, the two of them chatting over a cup of coffee. The morning sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a warmglow that made Vivian's smile look brighter. Leo leaned forward, his eyes fixed on her with genuine curiosity.

"So, Vivian, why was your marriage arranged?" he asked.

Vivian's smile faded slightly as she looked down ather lap. "My father worked for Mr. Will for a very long time. When he passed away, Mr. Will promised to take care of me."

Leo nodded, understanding the weight of such a promise.

"Then he got you married to his son, Jerry?" Leo prodded gently.

Vivian nodded, her eyes still cast down. "Yes. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but I had no one else to take care of me."

Leo's heart ached for Vivian. He knew how important it was to have agency over one's own life, especially when it came to such an intimate decision as marriage.

"And your mother?" Leo asked, trying to piece together Vivian's family history.

Vivian's expression turned pensi