Chapter Four

Vivian's Pov

Two hours later, Georgia emerged from surgery, and the doctor’s awkward expression caught my eye.

Syrus, absorbed in concern for Georgia, didn’t seem to notice. “How is she? Will she be okay?”

The doctor cleared his throat. “Her injuries weren’t severe. We’ve stitched the cuts and are running some tests as a precaution. She should stay overnight for observation, but she’ll be fine.”

I couldn’t help but smirk to myself. Just as I suspected, the whole ordeal had been blown out of proportion. The medical staff seemed embarrassed by the fuss, dragging out the process to cover up how minor it really was.

Syrus, relieved, hurried after Georgia’s stretcher. He didn’t spare me a single glance. I watched him go, a deep ache spreading through my chest. The man I had loved for so long didn’t even see me anymore. I wanted to scream, but I stayed silent, letting the grief settle over me.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I froze when I saw the name on the screen. I let it go to voicemail, my heart racing. When it rang again, I took a deep breath and answered.

“Big brother...” I whispered.

“It’s time to come home,” he replied firmly.

My chest tightened at the sound of his voice. After three years of silence from my family, hearing him reach out shook me to my core. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I choked back a sob.

“Okay...” I managed to say.

Meanwhile, Syrus waited by Georgia’s side until she finally woke.

“Where’s Vivian?” Georgia asked weakly.

Syrus frowned. “She wasn’t involved in this. Can’t you see that?”

Georgia sighed. “I know, but could you at least talk to her? She didn’t do anything wrong.”

Syrus’s frustration grew. “Why are you still defending her? If she’s so innocent, why did she leave after the accident?”

His anger spiked when he learned I had already left the hospital while he was busy with Georgia. To make matters worse, his phone buzzed with new headlines, more damaging rumors about Georgia’s career flooding the internet. Syrus clenched his fists. There was no doubt in his mind that I was behind it all.

Georgia looked up at him, her voice soft. “Even if she did this, I’d forgive her. This is all because of me, anyway. If I hadn’t come back into your life, none of this would have happened.”

Syrus shook his head, refusing to listen. “Stop making excuses for her. She’s guilty, and that’s the end of it.”

Georgia didn’t argue further, secretly pleased. Syrus’s anger toward me only played into her hands.

Syrus’s expression softened. “Rest now. The doctor said you need to stay for observation. I’ll take care of everything else. Your career won’t suffer because of this, I promise.”

Georgia’s eyes lit up with gratitude, but Syrus quickly looked away. He muttered something about business and left the room.

As soon as he was gone, Georgia’s sweet demeanor vanished. Her eyes darkened with fury. She had to clear her name before anyone traced the scandals back to her. If Syrus ever found out, her carefully constructed facade would crumble.

---

Returning to my childhood home after three years overwhelmed me with emotions. The door I thought would never open to me again now stood in front of me. I felt foolish for ever believing I wouldn’t come back.

I hesitated at the doorstep, debating whether to turn back. But before I could decide, someone pushed me hard from behind, forcing me inside.

“What are you standing around for? Do you know we’ve been waiting three years for you to come back? If Uncle hadn’t stopped me, I would’ve dragged you home myself!” a familiar voice said.

I spun around to see Belinda, my childhood best friend. We had been inseparable growing up, sharing every secret and dream. She was the first person I confided in about my love for Syrus. But Belinda had strongly opposed it, leading to a falling out that involved our families. I had blamed her for exposing my secret, and for three long years, we hadn’t spoken, even though we still had each other’s numbers.

Seeing Belinda now made my eyes well up with tears. I never thought we’d make peace again.

Belinda grabbed my hand, her own eyes filled with tears. “Come on, Uncle and Manny have been waiting for you.”

Unable to speak, I nodded, letting Belinda guide me into the house.

Inside, my brother Manny and father Stanford sat on the couch, waiting. The sight of them made my lips tremble. My father stood up, arms open, a soft smile on his face. That was all it took— I broke down, running into his embrace.

My father had always been my protector, indulging my every whim. Now, I could see the toll the years had taken on him—he looked older, more tired. My heart ached with guilt. I had put them through so much by leaving.

Manny stayed quiet, watching the reunion from the side.

“Dad...” I sobbed, my father’s arms tightening around me.

When the tears finally stopped, I turned to Manny, feeling awkward. “I’m sorry, Manny. I was so stubborn back then. But I’m home now.”

I half-expected Manny to still be angry about our last fight, when he had threatened to disown me if I married Syrus. But he had been the one to call me home.

Manny smiled gently. “As long as you’re back, that’s all that matters. We’ve been waiting for you.”

I felt a wave of relief. Family was home—no matter how far I had strayed, they welcomed me back with open arms. I realized how foolish I had been to try and handle everything on my own for so long.

“I’ll never leave again,” I promised.

Manny ruffled my hair, just like when we were kids. “Don’t worry, your second brother loves you most. He’ll come around, even if he’s still sulking. You’ll have to coax him a little.”

I understood. I had been closest to my second brother, but our falling out right before I left had been brutal. The thought of seeing him now made me uneasy.

Manny gave me a reassuring smile. “No matter what, you’ll always be our little sister.”

Later, I retired to my old bedroom. Aside from a few new clothes and jewelry—proof that my family still thought of me—the room was just as I had left it. Tears filled my eyes again. I couldn’t put into words how sorry I felt.

My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I frowned when I saw Bonnie’s name.

“Where are you? I heard you left my brother! And where’s the necklace he gave me? You thief! I don’t care what you have to say—stealing is a crime! If you don’t give it back, I’m calling the cops!”

I frowned, trying to remember the necklace Bonnie was talking about. Nothing came to mind. But Bonnie’s hostility didn’t surprise me. I had been generous with my in-laws when I was with Syrus, showering them with expensive gifts. Now, though, it seemed time to collect on those “gifts” and set things right.

My past self had been too kind. That needed to change.

I ended the call abruptly, shutting out Bonnie's shrill accusations. With no intention of engaging further, I blocked all their numbers and switched to a new phone, cutting off any means of contact. They had never made an effort to truly understand me, so it was time to sever ties completely.

My family supported my decision wholeheartedly and helped me make a clean break. After two days of rest, I felt my exhaustion lift.

When Belinda saw the latest headlines about Syrus and Georgia, she was livid. "Why did you give up being our family heiress to endure life with that man? It's infuriating!"

Though I was pleased by Syrus’s public backlash, it pained me to relive my own suffering. "I was young and blind then, but I see clearly now. Are you going to keep scolding me for my mistakes?" I responded calmly.

Belinda, surprised by my peaceful acceptance, cleared her throat, trying to change the subject. "Alright, since you're acknowledging your faults, I’ll let it go this time. But that bracelet Syrus is wearing—doesn’t it look familiar? The one Auntie gave you from your heirloom necklace?"

I inspected the photo and confirmed it. The bracelet was indeed from my family’s precious jewels. I hadn’t cared much about retrieving other gifts from my past life, but this heirloom was different. My mother had specifically left it for me, and Syrus had no right to flaunt it.

The thought of that bracelet being close to Georgia revolted me. "If you’re free this afternoon, would you come with me to reclaim my belongings? I left behind some valuable items."

Belinda, initially hesitant due to prior plans, agreed eagerly at the chance for front-row entertainment. "Sure, let’s head over now."

I drove the lead sports car, with Belinda following in her own. Belinda’s jaw dropped when we arrived at a luxury four-story townhouse. "Seriously? You lived here all this time?"

To most, the townhouse seemed extravagant, but to me, it felt like a modest dwelling. Belinda couldn’t understand why I had chosen such hardship for someone undeserving. But then again, perhaps it was the madness of love—a bitterness she was glad she hadn't tasted.

Belinda urged me to hurry, irritated by the dreariness of the place. Unsure if Syrus was home, I entered with my keys. Nancy, lounging on the sofa, shrieked at the unexpected visitor.

"So, the divorcee dares to show her face!" Nancy exclaimed. "My son told me you took nothing in the settlement. Are you here to demand your share? Not a cent of what he earned will go to you!"

Ignoring Nancy’s angry outburst, I reached for the ruby necklace that adorned her neck. My movements were swift and deliberate; before she could even comprehend my intention, I had unclasped the necklace and pulled it away from her. Nancy's eyes widened in shock, and she stumbled backward, her face a mask of disbelief. I deftly sidestepped her frantic attempts to snatch the necklace back, maintaining a calm composure as she fumed.

“How dare you steal from me, you worthless tramp!” Nancy’s voice was sharp and filled with venom. “I’ll make sure you never set foot here again! And forget about reconciling with my son!”

Her words were laced with bitterness, but I remained unruffled. I turned and handed the necklace to Belinda, who had been watching the scene unfold with a quiet resolve. Belinda took the necklace and carefully placed it into a velvet-lined jewelry box she had brought with her. 

“This necklace,” I said, my tone steady, “was given to me as a greeting gift when I first married into this family. Now, I’m taking back what is rightfully mine. It has become clear that I was never truly welcomed or valued here, and I will not pretend otherwise any longer.”

I stood firm and spoke calmly. I was just stating the truth—taking back what belonged to me. There was nothing to argue about.

Nancy’s face grew red with anger. "You gave these things to me!" she shouted. 

"Now you want them back? That’s ridiculous! Once you give something, it’s not yours anymore!"

Nancy refused to return anything. Even though she never liked me much, the gifts had boosted her image. 

The ruby necklace, especially, had garnered her a lot of attention over the years.

Nancy cared a lot about what others thought of her. When people admired the necklace, she felt proud. So, when I asked for it back, she became furious.

I wasn’t surprised. I had dealt with their selfishness for years. But today, I was set on getting my things back. 

They didn’t deserve them, and I wasn’t leaving without what was mine.

"You ungrateful bitch, I'll make sure you regret ever being born into this world." Nancy sneered handing me the necklace as she stormed off.

I couldn't help feeling good about myself sticking it to that winch. 

The next morning, just as I was about to have my breakfast, the doorbell rang. I opened the door to be met with two policeman. 

"Vivian, you're under arrest." 

I widened my eyes in disbelief. 

"Under what charges?" 

"Theft, breaking and entry." 

A single thought came to my mind... "Nancy..."