Chapter 76

Magnus pulled the car into the driveway, and Vivienne, feeling excited, cheered. "We’re finally here!" They were in Canada, not only for Rita’s wedding but also to visit Vivienne's mother's grave.

They had decided to stay at Vivienne's house, mainly because they hadn't had the chance to visit it during their last trip.

"How do you like it?" Vivienne asked as they walked into the grand, old house.

The house was way bigger and more elegant than Magnus expected. With floor-to-ceiling windows, white marble walls, and a classy vibe, it was stunning.

"It’s great," Magnus replied, holding Vivienne’s hand. "You’ve really worked hard to make it perfect."

"I sure did," she smiled. "I didn’t want it to lose its original charm, and it turned out better than I imagined."

Magnus just smiled at her before kissing her hand and opening the back door of the car to get the twins out of their car seats.

"Yay, Nana Lia’s house!" Jayden squealed as he jumped out. "Are we going to see her?"

"No, silly," Jayla piped up. "Mommy said Nana Lia became an angel and went to heaven, so we can’t see her anymore."

Vivienne’s eyes filled with tears as she listened to her children, and Magnus quickly stepped in, pulling her into a hug.

They stood there in silence for a moment, watching Jayden and Jayla chat happily together.

"I love you," Magnus whispered, kissing Vivienne on the head. "I’ll always be here for you, you’re my life."

Vivienne smiled softly, then frowned. "What did you just call me? Was that Spanish or Italian?"

Magnus chuckled. "Italian. It means ‘my life.’ Without you, Vivienne, I honestly don’t know if I’d stay sane."

Vivienne was about to say something when her phone buzzed. She pulled away and checked it.

"Sorry, it’s Rita," she said with an apologetic smile, before answering the call.

Magnus turned to the twins, who were now looking a little bored. "What are you guys up to?" he asked.

"We’re hungry, Daddy," Jayden pouted. "We want mac and cheese."

"Alright, let’s wait for Mommy to finish her call first, okay?" Magnus ruffled their hair, and they grumbled but nodded.

Once Vivienne was done talking to Rita, she walked over to them. "She just wanted to know if we arrived. And she sends her love."

"Good," Magnus replied, walking to the trunk to grab their luggage. "The twins want mac and cheese, by the way."

Vivienne rolled her eyes. "Of course they do," she muttered as Magnus started unloading the bags.

After taking their things inside, they entered the house, which was just as beautiful inside as it was outside. The walls were covered with old paintings from the Victorian era. But one picture stood out — a modern painting of a woman who looked a lot like Vivienne.

"She looks so much like you," Magnus commented, glancing at the picture.

Vivienne nodded, wiping away a stray tear. "Yeah, that’s my mom."

Suddenly, Jayden whined, "Mom, the mac and cheese!"

"I’m making it, sweetie," Vivienne answered, and then added, "And no, Magnus, I don’t need your help. Stay with the kids."

Magnus grinned. "Hey, that’s mean," he joked, but Vivienne just shook her head and went to the kitchen.

Soon enough, the mac and cheese was ready. Magnus helped set the table, and the twins dove in happily.

"This is yummy!" Jayden hummed as he dug into his plate, helping himself to the chunks of chicken Vivienne had added. "Thanks, Mommy!"

"You’re welcome, sweetie," Vivienne said, but with a serious face. "No talking while eating, okay?"

Jayden nodded quickly, not wanting to get in trouble.

Magnus couldn’t help but smile at how strict Vivienne was with the twins. He was a total softie when it came to them. One sad look from the kids, and he was ready to do anything for them. He figured that was probably why they were more afraid of Vivienne than him.

After lunch, Vivienne did the dishes while Magnus gave the twins a bath. Later, they visited Vivienne’s mother’s grave, where she spent some quiet time before they headed back home.

The wedding was that evening, and everything was going smoothly. Jayden and Jayla were the ring bearers, and they looked adorable in their little suits. Magnus had even taken a picture of them before they left the house and set it as his new wallpaper on his phone.

Vivienne, being Rita’s maid of honor, was busy during the ceremony, leaving Magnus to sit alone.

"We really made the cutest kids," Magnus said, watching the twins during the reception.

"I know, right?" Vivienne replied, sipping her wine.

"And you look stunning tonight," Magnus added, his hand resting on the small of her back. Vivienne was wearing a backless purple dress that showed off her beautiful skin and curves.

"Thanks, babe," Vivienne beamed, her cheeks turning a little pink.

"Anytime, beautiful," Magnus smiled, admiring her.

As they danced later that night, the air was thick with the kind of quiet tension that spoke volumes. Magnus couldn't shake the feeling that something big was coming, something neither of them could control. Would their happiness last, or was there something lurking just around the corner?

The evening wore on, but as they left the reception, Vivienne’s phone rang again. Magnus noticed her tense posture as she answered.

It was Rita again. But this time, there was something in Vivienne’s eyes that made Magnus feel uneasy.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low.

Vivienne glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "I’ll tell you later," she said, her voice tight.

Magnus felt a chill run down his spine. What was going on? What wasn’t she telling him?