Chapter 5

🥀Vivienne’s POV (Cont.)🥀

I swallowed hard.

My throat felt tight and bitter, as if every word I spoke would hurt.

Still, I forced myself to stand straight in front of Alexander’s desk.

“Isabella Blackwood’s public image doesn’t match the product,” I said calmly.

“She represents a cold, distant elegance. This campaign is built around warmth and relatability.”

I explained everything clearly.

Logically.

Professionally.

Because this was my field.

And I understood branding better than anyone in this company.

Alexander looked at me.

But not really at me.

“This is your responsibility,” he said flatly.

“Handle it.”

My fingers tightened slightly.

“The endorsement is important to Isabella,” he continued. “You’ll personally supervise it.”

Not a discussion.

A decision.

My chest felt heavy.

But I nodded anyway.

“I understand.”

My voice sounded unfamiliar.

Dry.

Tired.

I turned and walked out.

The moment I reached the bathroom, I leaned over the sink.

A wave of nausea hit me.

I tried to throw up.

But nothing came out.

My body felt weak.

Unstable.

Slowly, my hand moved to my abdomen.

The baby.

A flicker of guilt rose inside me.

My emotions were too chaotic.

Too heavy.

“…I’m sorry,” I whispered softly.

I stayed there for a long time, breathing slowly, forcing myself to calm down.

When I looked up, the woman in the mirror felt unfamiliar.

Pale.

Exhausted.

I splashed cold water on my face again and again.

Until everything felt numb.

Then I returned to work.

Because work…

Was the only thing holding me together.

I called Lena Ashford’s agent and apologized personally.

I offered a smaller campaign.

Promised future priority.

After a long discussion, the situation stabilized.

Then I shifted focus.

Isabella.

Files.

Data.

Public image.

By afternoon, my team and I had already developed three campaign directions.

By evening, the meeting was scheduled.

When I entered the conference room, everyone was already there.

Except Isabella.

Late.

A small detail.

But enough to irritate everyone.

Just as I was about to call her agent

The door opened.

And she walked in.

With Alexander.

Her hand rested naturally on his arm.

As if it belonged there.

He didn’t move away.

For a brief moment, something inside me went quiet.

Not pain.

Not anger.

Just…

Silence.

“I’m sorry we’re late,” Isabella said with a gentle smile.

I nodded.

“Let’s begin.”

She walked toward me and held my hand warmly.

“Vivienne, it’s been so long.”

I slowly pulled my hand back.

“Please, have a seat.”

Her smile faltered for just a second.

Then she continued talking.

About the past.

About how I used to call her sister-in-law.

The room grew awkward.

I smiled politely.

As if it meant nothing.

As if none of it mattered anymore.

“I heard you like Avery Rose,” Isabella added suddenly.

“I brought you something.”

My heart paused.

“The album,” she continued. “Did you like it?”

Everything went still.

I turned to Alexander instinctively.

He looked back at me.

Calm.

Unreadable.

“Didn’t you?” he asked.

That was all.

No explanation.

No correction.

A quiet wave of humiliation spread through my chest.

So…

It wasn’t from him.

I lowered my gaze slightly.

“It’s very thoughtful,” I said calmly.

“Thank you.”

And just like that

Something inside me shifted.

A small illusion.

Quietly breaking.

“Let’s continue,” I said.

This time, my voice was steady.

The meeting moved forward smoothly.

Professional.

Efficient.

Alexander left halfway through.

Without explanation.

I didn’t look at him when he walked out.

And I didn’t feel anything either.

After the meeting, I invited everyone to lunch.

At the restaurant, the conversation remained light.

Until it wasn’t.

“Director Vivienne is very impressive,” someone said.

“Yes,” Isabella’s agent added with a smile.

“Connections can really help a career grow quickly.”

The table went quiet.

I placed my fork down gently.

“My position is based on my work,” I said calmly.

She smiled.

“Of course. And your father’s… contribution.”

The word lingered.

A liver donation.

A life debt.

The room fell silent.

I held her gaze.

For a moment.

Then I smiled.

Not forced.

Not bitter.

Just calm.

“Let’s eat,” I said.

And just like that

The conversation ended.

But something else had begun.

Not anger.

Not revenge.

Something quieter.

Something stronger.

Detachment.

🥀Isabella’s POV🥀

Vivienne had changed.

That was my first thought when I saw her.

She looked the same.

But something about her felt… distant.

I tried to greet her warmly.

But she pulled away.

Still, I didn’t mind.

This project mattered more.

And Alexander…

Was still standing beside me.

That was enough.

Alexander’s POV

Vivienne handled the meeting well.

As expected.

Clean.

Efficient.

Professional.

There was nothing to worry about.

So I left early.

Business came first.

Personal matters…

Were irrelevant.