VIVIENNE COULDN’T CALM down her hammering heart. Not with her ex-husband was sending her dagger-eyes stare. What was his problem? Was there something wrong with dating Jeremy? And really? Of all places, she crossed paths with him again? Those were the questions that popped into her head while she was trying to keep her eyes on her date. But when she couldn’t take it any longer, Vivienne excused herself from the table, telling Jeremy she needed to freshen up. "I'll be back in a few minutes," she said with a smile.Jeremy nodded, smiling back. "Take your time."Vivienne walked to the toilettes, taking a deep breath as she entered. She needed a moment to collect her thoughts. She splashed some water on her face and looked at herself in the mirror, taking a few calming breaths. After a few minutes, she felt ready to return to the table.As she stepped out, she was startled to find Ezekiel waiting outside. His presence caught her off guard.She wanted to curse because of shock. Who tol
VIVIENNE Despite wondering whether my parents’ arrival in Paris was connected to Alex’s plan, I still couldn’t help be feel happy after knowing that they were finally here. I hadn't seen them in a while, and I missed them already. So much. There were lots of passengers at the airport, but then I saw them, surrounded by a small army of security.My parents walked towards me with the grace and poise that always seemed to follow them. As the richest couple in the world, their presence seemed pretty hard not to notice and the security detail only amplified it. But at that moment, they were just my parents, and I couldn't wait to hug them."Mom! Dad!" I called out, waving my hand. They spotted me, and their faces lit up with joy. My mother reached me first, pulling me for a warm, tight hug. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. "Oh, Vivienne, it's so good to see you," she said, her voice full of emotion."Dad," I said, turning to my father as he stepped forward. He wrapped his
ALEX STOOD IN the bright living room, talking to Albert. "Everything is set for today, Albert. Just make sure it goes smoothly," she said.Albert nodded and smiled at her. "Don't worry, Alex. I've got it covered,” he replied. “Just don’t forget to pay back.” For a moment, they looked at each other. Albert even dared to lick his lower lip, hinting at Alex the payment that he wanted. Just then, the door opened, and Ezekiel walked in. As an instinct, Alex moved away from Albert. Still, Ezekiel’s eyes locked onto Albert, glaring. Albert noticed and quickly excused himself. "I'll let you two talk," he said, leaving the room.‘They were together again.’ That was what Ezekiel thought of. The memory of seeing Alex and Albert together at the bar a few nights ago flashed in Ezekiel’s mind. They had been sitting close, talking in low voices, Albert leaning in, his eyes fixed on Alex in that same unsettling way. Alex turned to Ezekiel. She completely hid the nervousness in her expression an
VIVIENNE ARRIVED AT the ballroom, and immediately, all eyes turned to her. She was wearing a stunning, elegant dress that highlighted her natural grace. The room was filled with whispers and admiration as she made her way through the crowd. Even the most famous fashion designer in the world, Aton, noticed her.Aton, known for his discerning eye and impeccable taste, approached Vivienne with a warm smile. "Vivienne, or should I say, Viatrix? It's an honor to finally meet you in person."Vivienne smiled back, a bit surprised that someone like him knew her but pleased. "Thank you, Aton. It's an honor to meet you as well. I've always admired your work."Aton nodded, his eyes twinkling with genuine admiration. "Your rise in the industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your designs are fresh, innovative, and inspiring. The way you've captured the core of modern fashion is commendable."Vivienne blushed slightly, feeling both flattered and humbled. "That means a lot coming from yo
VIVIENNEFuck! I don’t know how to swim! My mind raced as I thrashed helplessly in the water. Not only that. I think I fell at the deepest part of the pool. My feet couldn’t reach the floor and it was making me even more anxious. Every second felt like an eternity. The more I struggled, the more I felt myself sinking. Panic surged through me, making it hard to breathe. I could hear muffled screams and shouts from the poolside, but they felt distant and unreal. My thoughts were a chaotic mess, cursing myself for never learning to swim and fearing I wouldn’t make it out. “Vivienne!”"Help her!""Someone get Viatrix!"I flailed, trying to stay afloat, but the water seemed to be pulling me under. Suddenly, I heard the sound of splashes growing closer. Before I could fully register what was happening, I felt strong hands grab my waist, lifting me up.I clung desperately to the one who saved me with my arms wrapping tightly around his neck. The terror slowly started to fade away as I fe
EZEKIELI saw everything unfold in what felt like slow motion. And it was fucking irritating to me that I knew from the start, Albert would cause no good yet I didn’t do anything about that earlier. I saw it. I saw how Albert calculated his steps. I saw the way that motherfucking asshole purposely bumped into Vivienne, causing her to lose her balance and fall into the pool. My heart pounded as I watched Vivienne struggle in the water earlier. So, without a second thought, I dove in, reaching her just in time. The relief of feeling her cling to me, knowing she was safe, was overwhelming.But now, as she stood there, accepting Jeremy's help, my frustration boiled over. I was worried sick for her, and seeing her in that situation, helpless and vulnerable, ignited something protective and fierce within me. After the commotion died down, I couldn't stand by any longer. I need to Alex. I have a feeling that she knows something that I don’t. "Alex, we need to talk," I said, my voice low
AT THE LANCASTER Paris Hotel, Vera and Vince were practically bouncing with excitement. They had just arrived with their grandfather, Ronaldo Lancaster. Vera, in particular, was eager to see her mother. She clutched a small piece of paper in her hand, decorated with gold stars from dance school.“Grandpa, I really want to show Mom my stars! Like right now!” Vera exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with pride.Ronaldo, who always had a soft spot for his grandchildren, smiled warmly. “Of course, sweetheart. Let's go find your mom,” he said to his grandchild while holding each one of their hands. Without hesitation, Ronaldo decided to take them to where Vivienne was. After all, he owned the hotel, and nothing was off-limits to him or his beloved grandchildren.As they made their way through the grand lobby, Vera couldn't contain her excitement any longer. “Let’s play, Vince! Whoever finds Mom first, gets to decide what to eat for dinner!” she called out, darting off down the corridor. “I s
IN A QUIET corner of The Lancaster Paris Hotel, Alex found Albert and immediately confronted him. Her face was flushed with anger and her eyes were blazing especially after what Ezekiel said to her earlier. Alex's mind raced. This was not what she had planned. She only wanted Vivienne out of their lives. But now, everything was a mess. Albert messed up and now, Ezekiel was mad at her. She never thought it would turn out like this."What were you thinking, Albert? Your actions were so obvious! You made us fail in our plans!" she hissed, her voice low but filled with fury.Albert looked down, guilt written all over his face. "I... I thought it would work, Alex. I'm sorry.""Sorry? Sorry doesn't cut it!" Alex spat. "You’re useless! I never should have asked for your help in the first place."Albert's face crumpled, and he took a step towards her. "Please, Alex, don’t be mad. I didn't mean to mess things up," he pleaded, his voice trembling.Alex turned on her heel, ready to leave him