Chapter Three

Vivian's Pov

I stood there, watching the man I once loved display his blind devotion to Georgia, and I couldn’t help but question how I had been so foolish for so long. I felt no desire to linger in their twisted drama any longer. As I turned to leave with my belongings, Georgia’s voice stopped me.

“I would never admit to something I didn’t do! Why can’t you believe me? Do you really think I ruined your marriage out of spite? I’ve barely been around you two. I’m only here to film a movie. Why must you target me?”

Though she spoke to the room, her words were clearly aimed at me. I almost laughed at how ridiculous this family had become—one fool blindly in love, another conniving for personal gain, and Syrus, seething with misplaced hatred, ready to lash out at me any second.

Syrus turned to me, venom dripping from his voice. “If you didn’t set this up, then who did? Who else would go after Georgia like this, besides you?”

I sighed, too tired for this nonsense. I addressed Georgia directly. “If you’re so sure I’m the culprit, where’s your proof? Because without it, you’re looking at a defamation lawsuit.”

Her eyes widened in panic as everyone turned their attention to her. Even Syrus’s mother hesitated, doubt creeping into her expression. I had a point—who would risk everything on a revenge plot without solid evidence?

Tears welled up in Georgia’s eyes, and she turned to Syrus, desperate. “You believe me, don’t you? We were nearly family once. You saw how hard I worked. How could you think I’d be capable of this?”

Syrus, still caught in his lingering feelings for her, softened. He had always regretted what happened between them, and that regret kept him tethered to her, no matter how much it hurt me.

“I don’t think you did this,” he said, his tone gentle. “But we need proof to clear your name. Do you remember where you were that day?”

Georgia’s face crumpled at his weak defense. She burst into tears. “So you still doubt me? Just because Vivian said something, now I’m the villain? Fine! If you want proof, I’ll give it to you. I’ll die right here, and then you’ll see how much I care about clearing my name!”

Before anyone could react, Georgia lunged toward the sharp corner of a stone cabinet. At the speed she was moving, the collision could’ve been fatal. Syrus’s face turned pale, and even his mother screamed in horror.

I stayed still, knowing Georgia was too self-preserving to actually harm herself. This was just another dramatic display. But Syrus rushed forward, grabbing Georgia’s wrist just before her head hit the edge. Still, her forehead grazed the corner, leaving a gash that bled down her face.

Georgia trembled, terrified by her brush with death. Syrus wrapped her in a tight embrace, his voice shaking. “Georgia, what were you thinking? How could you be so reckless?”

Her voice quivered as she whispered, “Now you believe me, don’t you?”

Caught up in the moment, Syrus nodded without hesitation. Of course, she was innocent—how could anyone doubt her after she risked her life to prove it?

Watching their absurd display, I almost laughed. It was a perfect performance, worthy of applause. But I had no interest in staying for the encore. I was done with this farce.

I took a step toward the door, ready to leave for good, but Syrus’s voice stopped me. “I said stay where you are!”

I stopped, my patience completely worn out. I turned to face him. “What now? What could you possibly want?”

“You pushed her! You have nothing to say about it?” Syrus accused, his voice thick with anger.

I raised my eyebrows. "Are you serious? I didn’t tell her to try to bash her own head in. That was her decision. How is that my fault? If she had succeeded, would you be calling me a murderer?”

I crossed my arms, completely exasperated. “You really need to get your head checked. And if you’re accusing me of hurting her, where’s your proof? If you don’t have any, the best I can do is call an ambulance for her.”

Without waiting for a response, I pulled out my phone and started dialing emergency services. Syrus and his mother watched, panic flashing across their faces.

“It’ll take an hour for an ambulance to get here!” Syrus yelled, frantic. “By the time they arrive, she could be dead!”

I clenched my fists, frustration boiling over as every suggestion I made got shot down.

“What do you want from me?” I snapped.

“Just drive,” Syrus barked, lifting Georgia into his arms and heading for the door.

I stood there for a second, frozen by the chaos, until Syrus’s mother shoved me hard from behind.

“Move it! If anything happens, I’d love to see how you explain it,” she hissed. “It’s always bad luck when you’re around.”

I glanced at her, noticing the bitterness in her tone. It was clear she didn’t actually care much for Georgia. No one would curse their luck over an injured person if they truly cared. Shaking my head, I grabbed the car keys, curiosity pushing me to see how this whole thing would play out.

On the drive to the hospital, Syrus was on the phone, making sure Georgia would get the best care. I had to hold back a laugh. It wasn’t even a serious injury, but here he was, pulling strings for what was probably a minor cut. If we had waited any longer, the wound would have likely healed by itself.

When we finally arrived, a team of doctors was already waiting. They rushed Georgia inside as if she were on the verge of death, whisking her away on a stretcher. I raised an eyebrow, amused by all the theatrics.