Vivienne was painting in her room when Marissa pushed the door open, her face looking extremely grim. Vivienne glanced at her and nonchalantly washed her brush. “What is it? Is Grandpa busy?”
Marissa shook her head, hesitating to speak.
Vivienne frowned. “What’s wrong?”
Marissa stepped forward to help organize the art supplies. “Miss Lexton, when I went to Northwing Court just now, I heard that we have an important guest.” She paused, then lowered her voice. “It’s Mr. Marsh.”
“So Bianca is back too?” Vivienne realized. It seemed Theodore had come to visit.
Marissa nodded. “Yes, all the young masters and misses are back. Everyone is at Northwing Court.”
Vivienne stared at Marissa. “What’s the matter? Did someone give you a hard time?”
Marissa shook her head. “No, I just came to tell you that the master will be very busy tonight.”
Earlier, when Marissa went to Northwing Court, she had run into Evelyn and her daughter. Evelyn had deliberately pulled her aside.
“Bianca’s celebration for joining Mr. Marsh's studio is a major event for the entire Ravenshire family. You keep a close eye on that little lunatic Vivienne and don’t let her come out and disgrace us.”
Back at Vellmont Lodge, Marissa fumed as she recalled the incident. She had stayed by Vivienne’s side for two months at Alderwick, and she knew better than anyone that Miss Lexton was not the crazy person they claimed her to be. She had sacrificed just as much as Miss Bianca.
Yet in the end, everyone praised Miss Bianca, and even Mr. Marsh chose her as his student.
She had wanted to tell Vivienne about it, but when she opened the door and saw her sitting there painting all alone, she couldn’t bring herself to say a word.
Miss Lexton was just a child. What good would telling her do, other than making her feel hurt?
“Alright, I get it.” Vivienne didn’t press further and lowered her head to start mixing colors.
Seeing her so composed, Marissa’s emotions grew even more complicated.
***
The moon hung high in the sky; the night was deep.
Bianca’s smile was radiant. “Vivienne, you like my mom, right? She’s yours.”
Vivienne was amused and glanced at her sideways. “Why so generous all of a sudden?”
Bianca pointed to the bright moon in the sky, her eyes shining. “We may not be related by blood, but if we share a mom, we’ll be sisters for real. From now on, no one can bully you. Bullying you is the same as bullying me.”
Vivienne’s expression froze slightly.
Talia looked at Bianca and shook her head helplessly. When her gaze turned to Vivienne, it softened with a newfound gentleness.
“Vivienne, would you be willing to become a real part of our family? Thank you for protecting Bianca for me. From now on, I will protect you just as I protect her.”
Under the moonlight, the three figures stood intertwined. An autumn breeze swept through, carrying the surprise-filled ribbons into the scarred landscape before them.
...

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