เข้าสู่ระบบVivian's POVMorning light filtered through the sheer curtains, soft and golden, pulling me gently from sleep. For a moment, I forgot where I was. The sound of waves crashing against the shore grounded me, and I smiled, the events of last night flooding back… the beach, the market, falling asleep on Nathan's shoulder.I sat up, stretching, and glanced at my phone. A notification blinked on the screen: 9:47 AM. I'd slept longer than I had in days.A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts."Viv! You awake?" Sophie's voice was bright, already full of energy."Yeah, come in."She pushed the door open, already dressed in a colorful sarong and holding two cups of what smelled like fresh coffee. She handed one to me, settling onto the edge of my bed."Morning, sleepyhead. Nathan's already made breakfast. Pancakes and fresh fruit. Said something about wanting to show off his cooking skills."I laughed, taking a sip of the coffee. "He's always been good at that."Sophie grinned, but there
Vivian's POVThe descent into Havenport was like entering another world. The plane cut through a blanket of soft clouds, and suddenly there it was… a sprawling coastline of golden sand and turquoise water, the ocean stretching out endlessly toward the horizon. I pressed my hand against the window, taking in the amazing sight.Sophie stirred beside me, blinking sleepily. "Are we there?""Yeah," I said softly. "We're here."She sat up, her eyes widening as she caught her first glimpse of the view. "Oh, wow. Okay, this was a good idea."Nathan leaned across the aisle, his gaze following mine out the window. "Havenport's beautiful this time of year. Quiet, too. Not many tourists.""You've been here before?" I asked, turning to look at him."A couple of times. My family used to come here when I was a kid." He smiled, a distant warmth in his eyes. "There's a little seafood shack near the pier that makes the best clam chowder you'll ever taste. We should go while we're here."I nodded, a sma
Vivian's POVThe morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting pale golden light across the bedroom floor. Dust motes danced lazily in the beams, suspended in the quiet stillness of the room. But I hadn't slept. I'd spent the night staring at the ceiling, my mind racing through a thousand different scenarios.What would they do next? What could they possibly have on me? I'd racked my brain for secrets, for hidden skeletons, for anything that could be used against me. But nothing came.I'd barely registered the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand until it vibrated for the third time, the insistent hum cutting through my spiraling thoughts. I reached for it, my fingers sluggish and heavy, and saw Sophie's name glowing on the screen. The sight of her name brought a small, unexpected wave of relief."Hey," I answered, my voice flat and hollow."Vivian." Sophie's voice was bright, almost too bright, there was a forced cheerfulness to it that I recognized immediately. She was
Vivian's POVThe morning light filtered through the curtains. I lay still for a moment, my body still carrying the memory of last night's encounter… the ache between my thighs, the lingering scent of him on my skin. But the bed beside me was empty, the sheets cool to the touch. He'd left in the night, as he always did.I pushed myself up, my muscles protesting, and reached for my phone on the nightstand. The screen glowed with a single notification… an email from a name I didn't recognize.Margaret Chen, Esq.Chen & Associates, Family LawI frowned, tapping the message open.Dear Mrs. Blackwell,I am writing to inform you that the probate proceedings regarding your mother's estate have encountered an unexpected complication. A claim has been filed contesting the validity of the will, and we require your presence at a meeting to discuss the matter. Please contact my office at your earliest convenience to schedule a time.Sincerely,Margaret ChenI read the email again, my heart beginni
Vivian's POVThe tension in the room shifted the moment Ethan entered. Derek straightened like a soldier caught off guard, his bravado crumbling just a little. Charlotte's smile turned brittle, her fingers tightening around her handbag like it was a lifeline."Uncle Ethan," Derek said, forcing an easy tone that didn't quite reach his eyes. "We were just inviting Vivian to the wedding."Ethan didn't acknowledge the pleasantry. He crossed the room with measured steps, his hand finding the small of my back. The touch was possessive, deliberate."She won't be attending," he said flatly.Derek's jaw tightened. "That's Vivian's decision to make, don't you think?""And I know what my wife wants." Ethan's voice was ice. "I don't want her anywhere near you. And I don't appreciate you showing up at my home uninvited."Charlotte stepped forward, her voice honeyed and sweet, the kind of tone she probably practiced in the mirror. "Uncle Ethan, we meant no disrespect. We just wanted to extend the i
Vivian's POVThe morning light filtered through the curtains, soft and golden, painting the bedroom in warm hues. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, the memory of the rose petal still fresh in my mind. I'd tucked it into the drawer of my nightstand, a silent reminder that something was happening in this house that I didn't understand.I'd barely slept. Every creak of the estate had set my heart racing, every shadow in the corner of my vision making me freeze. But nothing had come. No more strange petals, no whispers in the dark. Just the oppressive silence of a house holding its breath.I forced myself out of bed, had a warm refreshing bath and dressed in a simple cream blouse and tailored trousers. I needed to feel put together, even if I didn't feel it inside. I made my way downstairs, the scent of fresh coffee drawing me toward the kitchen.I was halfway through my first cup when the doorbell chimed.I frowned, setting down my mug. Visitors were rare at the estate, and unannounc







