Vivienne's POV
A heavy bitterness spread through my chest as I sat inside my car watching Alexander and Isabella together.
My nose felt hot and my eyes filled with tears until everything became blurry.
I felt frustrated and deeply hurt. During our three years of marriage I had never seen Alexander look that gentle. With me he had always been calm and distant and I kept telling myself that it was just his nature.
I repeated that excuse so many times that I eventually believed it. But now I understood the truth. He was capable of warmth and tenderness he simply chose to show it to another woman.
They walked right past my car without noticing me. He did not even look in my direction. Of course he would not expect me to be there watching silently.
I stayed frozen until they disappeared from sight then I drove home slowly feeling empty and numb.
When I entered the house Maggie greeted me and asked what I wanted for dinner.
She noticed the tears on my face but before she could ask anything I walked straight into the bedroom and closed the door.
I leaned against the door feeling weak and exhausted. I had forced myself to stay strong the whole day but once I was alone everything broke apart. Tears fell endlessly and my chest hurt so badly that I could barely breathe.
I remembered my childhood in a broken home filled with separation and loneliness. I had suffered from the , divorce of my parents, and I did not want my baby to grow up in the same pain. I wanted my child to have happiness and security but I no longer knew how to make that happen. I felt helpless and lost.
After a long time Maggie, A domestic staff, knocked gently and told me dinner was ready. I answered softly and went to the bathroom to wash my face. When I came out I suddenly remembered Alexander's message about the gift he brought from his trip.
I walked to the closet and opened his suitcase. Inside I found a signed album from my favorite international singer Avery Rose.
It was not expensive jewelry but it was meaningful to me. I hugged it tightly and for a brief moment a small warmth grew inside my empty heart. At least he still remembered what I liked.
At least he thought of me in some small way. I tried to believe that maybe I was not completely forgotten.
The next morning I woke up feeling tired and confused. The bed beside me was empty again. I sat there for a long time staring into space. I assumed he had spent the night with Isabella.
Even though I tried to prepare myself for that possibility it still felt like my heart had been torn open leaving a deep painful wound.
Suddenly the bedroom door opened and Alexander walked in. He looked at me with concern when he saw my pale face. He came closer and sat beside me asking if I felt alright.
Seeing him unexpectedly gave me a strange sense of relief even though I knew I should feel hurt, I stood up quickly and moved away from him telling him I was fine.
He asked again what was wrong and told me to talk to him. My mind filled with confusion. I wanted to tell him that I did not want the divorce and that I loved him. I wondered if the gift meant something and whether he had truly stayed away from Isabella the previous night.
I wondered if there was still a chance for us. I opened my mouth to speak but before I could say anything he reminded me that even if we divorced he would still be my brother and that I could rely on him like family.
Those words felt heavy and painful. My throat tightened and I could not speak. After a long silence I forced a weak smile and told him I was fine and that I would come downstairs after washing up.
He looked at me carefully and asked if I was going to remain distant even before the divorce was finalized. I shook my head weakly but said nothing more.
He seemed slightly displeased but said he would not push me to talk and left for the office without hesitation.
As soon as the door closed my forced smile disappeared. I felt sadness filling me again. I wondered why he seemed annoyed and whether it was because Isabella had returned and he wanted freedom faster. I tried to smile again but it felt heavy and painful.
At Vanguard Global Enterprises my assistant rushed into my office and told me that Lena Ashford's talent agent was on the phone. Lena was the brand ambassador for our upcoming season and her youthful image matched our concept perfectly.
I answered the call and immediately heard the agent shouting angrily accusing us of replacing Lena and disrespecting her career.
I kept my voice calm and explained that Lena was still our ambassador and that there must be some misunderstanding.
The agent insisted that someone from Corporate Communications had already informed them of a replacement.
After hanging up I felt anger rising inside me. I walked directly to the Corporate Communications department knowing Olivia Reynolds was probably behind this. For three years she had tried to undermine my work and spread rumors about me.
I pushed open the office door and demanded an explanation about the Lena Ashford issue.
Olivia looked at me calmly and mocked my anger. I reminded her that the plan had already been approved by Alexander and that she had no right to interfere. She responded with cruel words about my past and insulted my father and accused me of gaining my position through manipulation and seduction. Her words were harsh and humiliating but I tried to stay calm at first.
When she continued insulting my father something inside me broke completely. I could not tolerate anyone disrespecting him.
My anger exploded and I slapped her across the face. The loud sound echoed through the office and everyone froze in shock. She held her cheek and shouted angrily continuing to insult my father even more.
I raised my hand again ready to strike her once more but suddenly someone grabbed my wrist tightly from behind.
I struggled to pull free but the grip was strong. I turned around in shock and saw Alexander standing there holding my arm firmly. My heart pounded as the entire room fell silent around us.