Chapter 253

The memory surfaced unexpectedly—her freshman year at university, that stormy afternoon when she'd missed the bus back to Willowbrook. Frustrated and drenched, she'd stepped out of the terminal only to collide with destiny itself. He hadn't spoken much, just silently offered her a ride home. But lifetimes had passed since then. This had to be coincidence. Eleanor and Catherine had always been beloved by many.

An old acquaintance paying respects wasn't unheard of, was it? Vivian pushed the thought away with practiced indifference. "Probably one of Mother's old colleagues."

Audrey wrinkled her perfect nose, skepticism dripping from her expression. "That man didn't look 'old colleague' material to me. I'd say he was... devastatingly handsome!"

"From a two-second glimpse of his retreating figure? Please," Vivian countered, rolling her emerald eyes.

Dominic crossed his arms with a scoff. "For all we know, he's one of those 'great-from-behind' types. Turn him around and you'll find a balding accountant losing the war against middle age."

Audrey shot him a look that could curdle milk. "Even his silhouette outshines you from every conceivable angle."

"Me? Outshined?" Dominic's voice cracked comically.

Adrian's icy tone sliced through their bickering like a scalpel. "If you must behave like children, take it elsewhere."

The usual joker of their group, Dominic visibly shrunk under Adrian's glare, miming a zipper across his lips with exaggerated obedience.

For once, Audrey didn't press further, her features softening with uncharacteristic solemnity. "Show some respect, Dominic. We're in a place of mourning."

Dominic held his tongue, though he couldn't resist sticking out his tongue at Audrey's back when she turned away.

The group approached Catherine's polished granite headstone. Adrian placed an arrangement of white lilies before the engraved portrait, bowing deeply. "Catherine, it's been too long."

Vivian's throat tightened. Adrian had only accompanied her here once before—shortly after their wedding. Now, with divorce papers looming between them, this would likely be their final visit together.

Audrey and Dominic paid their respects in turn, murmuring introductions to the stone. As they straightened, Dominic tugged Audrey's sleeve, whispering loudly, "I'm starving. Let's scout some lunch options."

Audrey gave him an exasperated look, but he responded with an elaborate series of eyebrow wiggles. "Vivian," Audrey said, taking the hint, "we'll go find somewhere decent to eat."

"You stay and talk to your mother."

Vivian nodded. "Alright." She turned to Adrian. "You should go with them."

Adrian's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, his profile sharp against the pale sky. "The view's better up here. I want to see Willowbrook's skyline from this vantage point."

Vivian didn't argue. The others departed, their figures growing smaller down the winding path until she stood alone before the grave.

She settled onto the cool stone steps, brushing away autumn leaves before unwrapping the mysterious second bouquet—blood-red roses without card or note.

Drawing her knees to her chest, Vivian whispered to the silent marble, "Mother, I'm getting divorced. I've finally learned love isn't mathematics—no matter how much you invest, sometimes the equation simply won't balance. Knowing when to walk away isn't surrender; it's survival. Life's too long to only look forward, but no one teaches you when to glance back. I learned that through scars, Mother. I haven't taken proper care of myself or Grandmother. Forgive me."

Tears she'd dammed for months broke free, carving hot paths down her cheeks as everything she'd locked away came pouring out.