4

Vivienne’s POV

A taxi was waiting for me on the side of town. I opened my phone while waiting and began searching for plane tickets, with the intention of going directly to the airport that night. What happened?

Suddenly, my doctor called.

“Mrs. Vivienne, when do you plan to go abroad for your conservative therapy?”

I stood in the midst of a yellow street light. A slim and long shadow covered the asphalt. Looking at it, I softly replied, "I'm heading to the airport."

However, his voice sounded panicked.

“You can't! You have a brain tumor, and your intracranial pressure is not the same as that of essentially everyone. Flying could trigger unexpected complications! A pressure test is required before you proceed!"

I froze. “How could this be? Despite having prepared myself mentally to go away tonight, I was unable to leave immediately.”

The physician breathed a sigh of relief, as if he had been timely. "Were off to the hospital tomorrow for an evaluation. My task is to assess your ability to fly.”

As the taxi I had ordered sped past, the call came to an end. The driver then rolled down the window and asked, "Are you still here?"

"I hesitated before answering with a firm Yes Take a ride to the Azure Hotel.”

My choice was to stay in a hotel that is not affiliated with Julian's company. Upon entering the room, I promptly took a hot bath. Closing my eyes caused me to begin planning.

If I couldn't fly, I could opt for a ship. Even though I could leave sooner, it would be more gradual. Even if I only stay for five days, I could still enjoy the ocean.' That was fine with me.

Just as I was contemplating, my nose started to itch. I gazed downwards and gasped as bloodlets entered the water.

I became in pain, so I wiped it off, held my nose tightly and made an effort not to move. After a brief period, the bleeding stopped. Walking to the bed, I felt weak and eventually fell asleep. Why did I do this?

It wasn't my phone all night. I think Julian was relieved to read the letter I left him. I reassured myself that I had been thoughtful enough, even taking up my position with Ophelia. Then I thought, "I'm in good company."

I was unable to sleep for long and had no dreams.

After a night of extreme weakness, I decided to go to the hospital on the doctor's recommendation after waking up. As I was getting things ready, my phone rang without warning.

After seeing the name, "Eden," on the screen, I froze in terror. She was Maximilian's homeroom teacher. Hesitantly, I answered. “Hello? Mrs. Eden."

Her voice sounded anxious.

“Mrs. Vivienne, would it be possible for you to come to school right now? Maximilian was involved in a physical altercation with one of his classmates. Bruising on the boy's forehead! A statement from the child's parents is being demanded.”

My heart sank. With trepidation, I asked, "What about Maximilian? Is he hurt?"

The weariness of Eden was palpable. "He's alright, but he won't apologize. The other parents are furious."

I went silent. Despite the workload, Julian was undoubtedly busy. It was customary for me to handle everything related to Maximilian's educational experience.

My plan was to vacate soon. For the first time, wanted to assist Maximilian in resolving his issues as his mother once more.

The thought of him facing angry adults alone made my heart skip a beat. I couldn't bear it. So I decided to go.

Once at the school, I got out of the car and headed straight to Eden's office. My imagination was filled with Maximilian sitting there, looking pitied and frightened, so I increased the speed.

Before I could enter, a soft voice emerged from the room with me.

"Maximilian was not attempting to cause any harm. He was told off by the teacher for not completing his homework. Your son was already distressed, and then he proceeded to ridicule him for not picking up any gold star tag. That's why they fought."

The calm voice kept going, questioning whether Maximilian was the sole culprit. “Mr. Hardi, am I right?"

I froze. It was a familiar sound with that voice. My heartbeat quickened. I held my breath and looked through the doorway, taking a step forward.

My eyes widened. It was her—Ophelia. She sported a cream dress with ties and white ribbon on her hair. Despite being behind, she maintained her poise and confidence.'

In his black suit, Julian stood tall and composed next to her. With his broad shoulders and slim waistline, he was the center of attention.

I had raised Maximilian with all my heart, and he held Ophelia's hand tightly, leaning on her like if she were his mother.

They all resembled an ideal family.

I stood motionless as the events unfolded in front of me. Ophelia's explanation caused the angry parents to feel more composed.. They no longer seemed upset.

Maximilian's hair was stroked by Ophelia, who smiled and bent down back.

She softly said, "May I ask Maximilian to apologize to Samuel, okay?"

Despite his initial pout, Maximilian ultimately obeyed and apologized. The atmosphere became more relaxed.

Nearby teachers looked impressed. They exchanged admiring glances.

A member of the group commented, "You have a great sense for children, ma’am. How should I respond? Maximilian initially declined to apologize, but he quickly became attentive when you spoke with him.”

I observed a slight change in Julian's demeanor. His eyebrows were raised, and he began to speak. "She's not—"

Before he could finish, Samuel's father interrupted and proceeded to laugh.

“Mr. Julian, It's fortunate to have found a wonderful wife. The other cat is not my type—wild cat! A perfect duo exists. I wish you happiness always."

Julian's face darkened. With a firm tone, he promptly corrected him by saying, "She's not my son' s mother."

Ophelia's face stiffened. With protective arms, she embraced Maximilian.

Maximilian muttered, "Despite the fact that my aunt Ophelia is actually much better than my mother!" in an abrupt manner.

The ambiance in the room became awkward right away. Julian's expression became tepid, and I could feel the sharp warning in his eyes directed towards Maximilian.

Standing nearby, I observed everything. My chest tightened, and the throbbing in my head returned with full force. I held onto the doorframe, attempting to maintain my balance while keeping my eyes on the scene. This was an invigorated encounter. Gradually, I felt my heart breaking apart.

I was a fragile plant, devoid of vitality and unwanted. I used to associate myself with family, but now I was closer and closer to Ophelia, the woman who sparkled like a radiant rose.

Then, suddenly, Maximilian turned around. Standing behind Ophelia, he caught sight of me. "Mom!" was his loudest cry.

Immediately, he broke free from the arms of Ophelia and ran towards me. When Julian saw me, he was immediately attracted to me and followed his movements with determination. Their replies caught me off guard.

I was taken aback when Maximilian tugged at the hem of my blouse and proceeded to exclaim, "You shouldn't have done your homework for me! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have missed getting the star sticker! I doubt that Samuel would have laughed at my presence or fought with him! It's all your fault!"

I stood motionless, my body stiff. Once more, Maximilian pulled at me and then pushed me. My body was too weak, despite the childishness of its force. I was almost pushed to the point where my head began to spin.

Someone grabbed me before I had a chance to fall. My body was embraced with a firm, warm embrace. I turned around and observed Julian staring at Maximilian with cold, sharp eyes.

“Excuse!” he said with great emotion. “Who taught you how to communicate with her in that manner?” You're blaming her for not finishing your homework. You have reached the age where you should be accountable for your own actions!"

Julian had always been very strict with Maximilian at home, so it's no surprise that the boy looked terrified. He was small, his body shaking and his eyes watering with tears. He pouted all the time, too afraid to speak but too stubborn to say sorry.

Trying to maintain equilibrium, I shoved Julian with force. His reaction was to notice when I moved. When I turned around to see me, he looked worried and asked, "Are you alright?"

I shook my head faintly. With his hands tightly, Julian held onto my hand as if to calm me down, then turned around and took another command of the situation. He apologized, but his tone was not an issue.

The fear of freezing him in place made Maximilian even more tremble. Tension made the air thicker. Ophelia blinked softly from the back. I caught sight of her brief glance towards our paired hands before she turned away and moved closer with her familiar, rehearsed smile.

Julia sweetly stated, "Julian, don't speak up like that. She also mentioned that Maximilian had already been rebuked by the teacher and engaged in a physical altercation.”

“Of course he's upset. It's natural for him to scoff. His mother won't mind him, right? Isn't?”

I shook my head and looked into the glass with Ophelia's gaze. As she approached, her skin had a faint citrus fragrance that I had already detected on Julian last night.

My heart clenched painfully. I nipped my hand into Julian's arms.

Ophelia's smile didn't falter. With a gentle whisper, she responded to my response without any discomfort. She turned to Julian and casually said, "Julian, this is my first time meeting Maximilian’s mother. Aren’t you going to introduce us?”