The Wife Who Returned
All white tablecloths and fresh flowers and waiters who moved like ghosts.
Vivienne was already there when I arrived, seated at a corner table away from the windows. She looked effortlessly elegant in a cream blouse and tailored pants, her dark hair loose around her shoulders for once.
She stood when she saw me, and to my surprise, pulled me into a brief hug.
"Thank you for coming," she said, gesturing for me to sit. "I wasn't sure you would."
"Why wouldn't I?" I asked, settling into the chair.
"Because I'm a Vale." She said it matter-of-factly, like it was obvious. "And from what I've observed, being associated with my family hasn't exactly been pleasant for you."