Chapter 9
Vivienne didn’t struggle. She let the river claim her completely.[]
As fragments of her life flickered past, one thought crystallized: If I could do it all over again, I’d never want any of them.]
She smiled as darkness took her.[]
Meanwhile, at her birthday party.[]
Dominic and Cameron stared at their dead phones, dread settling in their stomachs.[]
They exchanged glances. Dominic broke the silence first. “You think Viv’s actually in trouble?“[]
Cameron gripped his phone, his voice uncertain whether he was reassuring Dominic or himself. “What could happen to her? Probably ust wants us to chase after her.“[]
Leona drifted over, doe–eyed and wounded. “Isn’t Vivienne coming? She must really hate me.“[]
The Carringtons looked pissed. “We were going to forgive her, and she pulls this shit. Same old Vivienne–still acting like a spoiled ›rat.“]
Mrs. Carrington wrapped Leona in her arms. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Daddy and I will always choose you. If she can’t accept you, hen she doesn’t deserve our love.“[]
fidden from their view, Leona’s lips curved into a triumphant smile.[]
Vivienne, you’ll never win.]]
Since Vivienne won’t join us, let’s make this Leona’s official adoption celebration. From now on, she’s not Leona anymore–she’s our laughter, our heir, and our favorite.“]
But maybe we should-”
Dominic started to object, but Leona cut him off.[]
‘She’s probably just trying to get attention. You can fill her in tomorrow. She won’t stay mad at you guys.“]
She took Cameron’s hand with practiced sweetness. “Come cut the cake with me! Mom picked my favorite flavor.“]
Reluctantly, Dominic and Cameron pocketed their phones and rejoined the celebration.[]
The party stretched past midnight. Dominic had knocked back a few drinks and was pleasantly buzzed when his phone shrilled, cutting through the alcohol fog like a blade.
“Is this a relative of Miss Vivienne Carrington?“]
Her name sobered him instantly. “Yeah, that’s me. What’s going on?“]
His heart started hammering against his ribs before the voice even answered.[]
Cameron caught the shift in his voice and moved closer.[]
They All Tried for Her? With Terminal Cancer I’m Done Playing their Camion
6.5%
Chapter 9
“I’m very sorry to inform you that Miss Carrington jumped from the River Bridge at 8 PM tonight. Paramedics were on scene within minutes, but…I’m sorry. She didn’t make it. She left some items behind. We’ll need family to come in for identification.“[]
The words hit like physical blows. Dominic’s vision tunneled.[]
Suicide?
No fucking way. Not Vivienne.[]
This had to be wrong. Another one of her games.]]
She was pissed off and staging this whole thing to mess with them.[]
That’s what he told himself, even as his hands shook uncontrollably.[]
“Sir? Are you still there?“]
This
is bullshit, right? Vivienne put you up to this!” His voice cracked with desperation.[]
“I understand this is devastating news, Mr. Ashford. But I can assure you this isn’t a prank. We really need someone to come down to the morgue.“]
The blood in Dominic’s veins turned to ice. A high–pitched ringing exploded in his ears, drowning out everything else.]
Cameron stood frozen, refusing to process what he’d heard.]
“She’s faking this, isn’t she? This is all some elaborate lie!“]
“Sir, I know this is a shock, but we do need you here as soon as possible.“[]
Leona drifted over, reading the panic in their faces. “Dominic? Cameron? What’s wrong?“[]
Dominic shoved past her without a word and bolted for the door.]
Cameron followed without explanation, leaving Leona rubbing her bruised wrist.[]
She stared after them, irritation flashing across her features before settling into smug satisfaction.[]
What could possibly be wrong?]
Though Vivienne was her only real obstacle, everyone–the Carringtons, Dominic–they all loved her more than they’d ever loved
Vivienne.
So what was there to worry about?]
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.