Chapter 50

VIVIAN

I was quiet for a while, unsure of how to respond to her question. She had asked me why I needed to know the truth about her past, and I realized that I didn't have a valid reason. At least, not one that I could articulate.

But as I sat there, trying to gather my thoughts, I knew that it was important for me to know the truth.

"I don't know," I said finally, looking up at her. "I just feel like I need to know. Like there's something important here that I'm missing."

She nodded, her expression understanding. "I see," she said. "Well, I suppose I can tell you. But you have to promise me one thing."

"Anything," I said, eager to hear her story.

"You have to promise me that you will not tell anybody about this," she said. "Can you do that? And I am trusting you because grandfather has said a lot about you "

I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. "I promise," I said. "I'll listen with an open mind."

She nodded, taking a deep breath. "I was raised by my grandfather," she said. "I d