VINCE AND VERA noticed that something was wrong when they saw their mom leave the party quickly after what Caroline said and their father followed her. No other people seemed to notice it but they did. With that, they looked at each other as they worried about their parents. Since they still needed to be on stage and accept gifts from other guests, they made a silent agreement. "We need to find them later," Vince whispered to Vera. Vera nodded. "Let’s split up. I’ll check outside, and you go inside."When finally, their grandmother took the spotlight again, they took that chance to secretly leave the venue and look for their mom and dad. Vince hurried off toward the mansion. He knew where the security room was and thought he could use the cameras to find their parents. As he sneaked into the security room, he was relieved to find it empty. He sat down in front of the screens, trying to figure out how to work the system. He started clicking through the cameras but wasn’t sure what
VIVIENNE I tried to blink away the tears that welled up in my eyes but they fell anyway. They blurred my vision. I walked faster, not wanting anyone to see me like this, not wanting anyone to know how much I hurt. It was too much. I couldn’t believe Caroline had said all that in front of everyone. As I rushed to get away, someone suddenly grabbed my hand, stopping me in my tracks. I froze and turned, only to see Ezekiel standing there. I quickly wiped at my tears, trying to hide them, but I knew he’d already seen them. His face was full of concern. “Vienne, wait,” he said softly. “I need to explain.” “There’s no need,” I said using my shaky voice. I didn’t want to hear more. I didn’t want to get into this right now. But Ezekiel didn’t let go of my hand. “Just let me explain, please,” he pleaded. I sighed and looked away. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this conversation, but something in his tone made me stop and listen. “What Caroline said… it’s not entirely true,” he
VIVIENNETears filled my eyes as I stared at Ezekiel kneeling before me. His green eyes were looking up, waiting for me to say something. The promise ring he held was small, but the weight of the moment felt so big. My heart was throbbing so fast, and for a second, I couldn’t breathe. Everyone was watching us. I could feel their eyes, but right now, all I saw was Ezekiel.I glanced up, trying to clear my mind. My parents were standing nearby. They both looked shocked, but there was something else in their faces—pride, maybe? I was not sure. My father raised his eyebrows slightly, while my mother smiled softly. I wasn’t so sure of what to expect from them, but seeing that small sign of support helped ease my nerves.Then, I saw Vince and Vera. They were standing at the back, watching closely. Vince had his arms crossed with his usual unreadable face, but Vera looked so happy. Her eyes were wide, and her smile was the biggest I’d seen in a long time. Seeing them there reminded me th
EMILY SAT AT the back of the crowd with her face tightening as she watched Ezekiel kneeling before Vivienne on the stage. The promise ring glinted in the spotlight as he slid it onto Vivienne's finger. Her heart burned with fury. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing—her son, so strong and capable, kneeling like a fool before that woman. The applause from the guests around her only made it worse. She organized the party and wanted to be the center of it aside from her grandchildren but because of what her son did, all the attention was transferred to her son’s ex-wife. She clenched her fists, barely able to control her anger.From the very beginning, Emily had never liked Vivienne. She remembered the day Ezekiel first introduced her, so quiet and unsure of herself. "Not the right one," Emily had thought instantly. Vivienne wasn’t what she had in mind for her son. She wanted someone more elegant, someone with status. She had hoped Ezekiel would end up with Caroline, his childhoo
VIVIENNE“In fairness, he has good taste, huh?” Piper said as she grabbed my hand, lifting it slightly so the ring on my finger caught the light. Her eyes twinkled with amusement. “You have to admit, Viv, that ring is gorgeous.”I smiled and nodded. “Yeah, it is,” I agreed, looking at the ring again. Ezekiel did choose well. The band was simple but elegant, with a diamond that wasn’t too flashy. It was just right—just like him, I thought. Not too much, not too little. It felt surreal to have this on my finger.“So,” Piper leaned in with a mischievous grin on her face. “How did Ezekiel’s parents react when he knelt down for you in front of everyone? I bet Emily lost it.”I couldn’t help but laugh at her eagerness. I knew Piper loved some juicy gossip, and this was exactly the kind of tea she wanted. “Oh, they didn’t even stick around,” I said, shaking my head. “As soon as Ezekiel got down on one knee, Emily and Leonardo just walked out. They didn’t even say a word. It was like they
EZEKIELThe house was quiet now. The kids were sound asleep in their rooms, and I had decided to stay for the night. It just felt right being here. Vivienne and I were sitting on the couch. I glanced over at her, watching the way her fingers absentmindedly traced the edge of the cushion. She looked peaceful, but I could tell she was thinking about something. Maybe the ring, or maybe everything that’s happened lately. “So,” I finally said, breaking the silence. “Do you like the ring?”Her eyes flicked to mine, a small smile playing on her lips. “Yes, I do. It’s beautiful, Zeke.”I felt a wave of relief wash over me. “I’m glad,” I said softly, reaching for her hand, gently rubbing my thumb over her knuckles. For some reason, I was nervous, even though she’d already accepted it. Maybe it was because so much was riding on this—on us.Vivienne turned to face me more fully, her brow furrowing slightly as she asked, “When did you get it, though? I didn’t even know you were planning thi
EZEKIEL AND VIVIENNE walked together through the school gates, carrying papers for the kids’ enrollment. It was a busy day, with parents and children everywhere, ready for the start of the new school year. Vivienne glanced at Ezekiel. “Looks like we’re not the only ones who waited until the last minute to enroll the kids,” she said with a small smile.Ezekiel chuckled. “Yeah, seems like it. But it’s kind of nice, though. Maybe Vince and Vera will make some friends before school starts.”Vivienne nodded, looking at the other children around. “That would be great. They could really use some new friends. I think they’re both a little nervous about starting school here.”“I’m sure they’ll be fine,” Ezekiel reassured her. “Maybe we’ll meet some parents too. It might be good for us to have some new people around.”Vivienne laughed lightly. “True. Maybe we should look more approachable if we want to make friends,” she joked.They walked toward the registration area, keeping an eye on Vinc
“THAT WENT FASTER than I expected,” Ezekiel said, trying to ease the silence. The process had gone smoothly—papers signed, fees paid, and everything set for the twins to begin their studies.Vivienne nodded, her gaze shifting around as she scanned the area. "Yeah, but where's Vince?" she asked, realizing only Vera was by her side. Vera, always full of energy, perked up. “I’ll go find him!” she said excitedly, already dashing off before her parents could respond.Vivienne sighed softly, giving Ezekiel a small smile. “I guess we should’ve expected that.”Ezekiel chuckled and nodded, “We’ll give them a few minutes. Vince will turn up.”Meanwhile, Vera weaved her way through the school grounds, her eyes sharp as she looked for her twin brother. She was halfway down the courtyard when she saw someone familiar standing by the school fountain. It was Genesis, the boy she had met at her dad's party. He seemed to be waiting for someone, and when their eyes met, he gave her a small wave.