Chapter 8
They managed to save her.
When she woke up, the room was empty except for the monitor’s steady beeping.]]
A nurse rushed over when she stirred, trying to convince her to rest, but Vivienne yanked out the IV and stumbled to her feet
“Miss Carrington! You can’t discharge yourself yet!” the nurse said, panicked.]
“Thanks, but I’m dying anyway. Don’t want it to be here.” Her voice was barely a whisper, but carried absolute finality.[]
The nurse stepped back, spooked by the emptiness in her eyes.]]
Vivienne dragged her broken body out of the hospital, step by agonizing step.]
J
When she pushed through the front door at home, Dominic and Cameron were sprawled on the living room couch, not even bothering to glance up at the sound.[]
“Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in.” Dominic’s voice was pure venom. “Drop the dying act already.“]
Cameron flipped through papers, tone mocking: “What’s next? Gonna fake your own funeral for sympathy points?“[]
“Even if you really died,” Dominic finally glanced up, eyes like chips of ice. “we wouldn’t give a shit.“[]
Vivienne stood in the doorway, sunlight streaming behind her, casting her shadow thin and fragile on the floor.]
No tears. No explanations. She just looked at them, then turned and disappeared into her room.[]
For the next few days, Vivienne stayed locked away, quiet as a ghost.[]
Dominic and Cameron actually left her alone for once, figuring she’d finally learned her place.]
Until her birthday.]]
Dominic knocked on her door, holding an elegant dress. “Big day today. We’ve got a surprise for you.“[]
Cameron stood behind him with an uncharacteristically warm smile. “Get dressed. We’re taking you somewhere special.“[]
Vivienne stared at their fake smiles and almost laughed.]]
She knew exactly what they had orchestrated.[]
They were going to reveal that her parents and Leona were alive. That it had all been an elaborate show.[]
They’d play the magnanimous victors, graciously offering forgiveness if she’d just play nice with their precious Leona from now on.
But there was no “from now on.” Not for her.[]
“I need a few minutes to pull myself together,” she said softly. “You go ahead.“[]
Cameron frowned but nodded. “Don’t keep us waiting.“]
56
They All Thed for Her? With Termal Cancer Im Done Playing their Games
Chapter
After they left, Vivienne put on the dress–white and flowing, pure as a wedding gown.[]
But she didn’t go to the hotel. Instead, she walked alone to the river–crossing bridge.
Night wind caught her skirt as water rushed far below.[]
She stood at the edge, looking at the city lights, remembering years gone by.[]
Dad hoisting her onto his shoulders at Fourth of July fireworks.[]
Mom gently brushing her hair.[]
Cameron running to every bakeries on the street because she mentioned craving red velvet cake.[]
Dominic under the same stars, face flushed, promising: “Viv, I’ll be good to you forever.“[]
Those beautiful memories felt like someone else’s dream now. 0
Her phone rang. Dominic’s voice: “Viv, where are you? We’re waiting to give you your surprise.“[]
She looked down at the dark water. “Funny thing–I’ve got a surprise too.“[]
“We don’t need you to do anything!” Cameron grabbed the phone. “Viv, just get over here! This is important.“[]
“Can’t make it.“]
“What?”
She stared into the black current. “River bridge. My surprise is here.“]]
She hung up and placed her cancer diagnosis and the necklace with Leona’s confession on the railing.
Wind lifted her hair. Her heart was completely calm.[]
One last look at the glittering city, then she climbed over the rail without hesitation. No final words.[]
SPLASH!
The river embraced her like ice and silk.]
Finally. Nothing could hurt her anymore.[]
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.