chapter 8

Vivienne’s POV

We arrived at Ashford Manor in the evening.

The gates opened slowly, and the familiar building appeared before us. Even after all these years, the place still gave me a quiet sense of comfort and safety.

The housekeeper welcomed us warmly and told us that Nana Evelyn was in the kitchen. She asked us to sit and rest while she prepared drinks and arranged fresh fruit on the table.

Nana Evelyn had always been different from the rest of the family.

Although she had lived in wealth for many years, she still carried the habits of a simple life. She preferred cooking for the family herself rather than relying on the staff. She spent her free time knitting scarves and small gifts, always thinking of others before herself.

Within the Hawthorne family, there were many unspoken conflicts and quiet power struggles.

But no one ever disrespected her.

Her words carried weight.

I changed my shoes and asked about Grandpa.

The housekeeper’s expression softened. She said he was upstairs resting and added gently that his health had not been stable recently.

A tightness formed in my chest.

Alexander’s expression also turned serious.

Grandpa had built everything the family owned today, but that success had cost him his health. Years of endless work had worn his body down, and even after the liver transplant, he still depended on medication every day.

Alexander asked about Doctor Harrison, the director of Saint James Hospital and Grandpa’s personal physician.

The housekeeper nodded but her voice carried worry as she said the doctor was doing everything he could.

Alexander did not respond.

I went into the kitchen to help Nana.

The moment she saw me, she told me to go out and rest, but I refused with a small smile.

“I’m not doing anything anyway,” I said.

She looked at me carefully.

Then her expression changed.

“Go sit with Alexander,” she said.

Then, without hesitation, she asked, “Did you two fight?”

I paused.

“I saw the news,” she added, her voice firm but gentle. “If he did something wrong, I will deal with him.”

A helpless feeling rose in my chest.

“You don’t need to worry,” I said softly. “We will handle it.”

She studied me for a moment, then shook her head slightly.

“I know that boy,” she said. “He is taking advantage of your kindness.”

Her words made my chest tighten.

“You are the lady of this house,” she continued. “If he wants a divorce, he will have to face me first.”

Warmth spread through me.

But it was mixed with something else.

Something heavier.

Because I already knew the outcome.

When dinner was ready, the housekeeper helped Grandpa downstairs.

Alexander immediately stepped forward to support him.

I helped Nana bring the dishes to the table.

Alexander glanced at the food and said that Nana’s cooking was still as good as ever.

Nana gave him a sharp look.

“You should praise Vivienne instead,” she said. “She made most of these dishes.”

He hesitated for a brief moment before speaking.

“The food is good.”

Nana frowned.

“That sounded forced,” she said.

The atmosphere grew slightly awkward.

We sat down together.

Grandpa looked at Alexander and asked directly about Isabella’s return.

Alexander admitted it without avoiding the question.

Grandpa’s expression turned serious.

“That was in the past,” he said firmly. “You are married now.”

His voice grew heavier.

“Keep your distance from her. Let Vivienne handle all business matters involving her.”

Alexander seemed ready to respond.

But before he could speak, Grandpa suddenly began coughing.

The sound was harsh and painful.

His eyes remained fixed on Alexander as he struggled to continue.

“A man must keep his promises,” he said.

The room fell silent.

“Her father saved my life,” he added, his voice unsteady but firm. “I promised to treat her like my own granddaughter. You agreed to this marriage. You cannot break your word.”

The weight of his words pressed down on everyone at the table.

I quickly picked up a piece of grilled chicken and placed it on his plate.

“This is your favorite,” I said gently.

Nana immediately supported me, teasing him about favoring me too much.

Grandpa laughed, the tension easing slightly.

He praised me warmly and complained about Alexander always making him angry.

“I will live a long life,” he said proudly.

“You will,” I replied with a smile.

But inside, I felt something tighten again.

Because I could not bear the thought of losing him too.

As we continued eating, I found myself drifting into memories.

My parents’ divorce.

My mother leaving.

My father’s death.

By the time I turned sixteen, I had already lost everything.

It was Nana and Grandpa who gave me a home again.

They filled a space in my heart that no one else could.

And now…

I was about to leave.

The thought stayed quietly in my chest.

I kept talking, joking, and smiling.

I made Grandpa laugh.

I kept the atmosphere lively.

Alexander said very little.

He only watched.

One of the servants even mentioned that Grandpa always seemed happier when I visited.

After dinner, I stayed with Grandpa to play chess.

He had taught me years ago.

Now, I could almost match him.

We argued playfully over every move.

At one point, he tried to take back a piece.

“You already placed it,” I said.

“I didn’t let go yet,” he insisted.

I laughed and challenged him to continue.

A few moves later, I trapped his king.

“You lost,” I said.

“That doesn’t count,” he replied immediately.

I laughed and turned toward Alexander.

He was standing nearby.

Watching us.

For a brief moment, I saw something unexpected.

A faint smile.

I pointed at him.

“He’s laughing at you,” I told Grandpa.

Grandpa immediately turned.

“Go bring us water,” he ordered.

Alexander did not argue.

He simply left.

I laughed again.

For that moment, I forgot everything.

The divorce.

The rumors.

The pain.

I only felt warmth.

And I wished, quietly, that it could stay like this.

Alexander’s POV

When we arrived at Ashford Manor, I already knew what was waiting.

The news had spread too widely.

I watched Vivienne walk into the kitchen.

She looked natural there.

Comfortable.

As if she belonged.

During dinner, Grandpa’s words placed me in a difficult position.

He spoke about promises and loyalty without leaving room for explanation.

I wanted to speak.

But his coughing stopped me.

So I stayed silent.

I noticed how Vivienne kept the atmosphere light.

She smiled.

Joked.

Redirected every tense moment.

Grandpa laughed because of her.

I watched them play chess later.

Their voices filled the room with warmth.

For a moment, I felt something unfamiliar.

Like I did not belong there.

When she pointed at me and accused me of laughing, I felt slightly embarrassed.

But I still went to get the water.

And said nothing.