Chapter 6
When Vivienne came to again, the sharp smell of disinfectant told her she was back in the hospital.[]
The room was empty except for a nurse checking monitors.]
Seeing her awake,a the nurse kept it professional. “Mr. Ashford and Mr. Carrington wanted me to check your vitals.“[]
Vivienne nodded numbly and struggled to sit up. The nurse handed her test results-“terminal cancer” practically glowing on the page.
She dragged her broken body out of the room, but froze passing Noel’s door when familiar voices drifted out.[]
“Mom, Dad, don’t worry about me. I’m fine. Dom and Cam are taking great care of me.“]
Noel’s voice was sugar–sweet, then shifted to fake concern. “Oh, I heard Viv fell in the water too. You’re… not gonna ask about her?“[]
A pause, then her parents‘ cold response: “She brought it on herself. You’re all we care about.“[]
Standing in the hallway, Vivienne felt something break inside her chest.[]
The people who used to move mountains for her couldn’t give less of a shit if she lived or died.[]
She started to leave, but the door swung open.]
Noel stood there with that smug winner’s grin. “Get all that?“[]
Vivienne met her gaze calmly. “Yeah.“[]
“So you figured out the whole fake death thing, right?” Noel stepped closer, predatory.[]
Vivienne looked up, voice flat. “Yeah. Your masterpiece, right? What’s your fucking problem with me?“[]
“My problem?” Noel’s laugh was pure venom. “Because you were born into everything–the precious Carrington princess–while I rotted in foster care getting kicked around by everyone. Because they all loved you and I had nothing!“]]
Her voice went shrill: “I wanted it all back! Your family, your brother, your man… wanted you to feel what being nobody is like!“[]
Vivienne didn’t even flinch. She’d gotten smart.[]
The necklace around her throat was recording everything.[]
r.“0
Noel kept gloating: “Your parents and Cameron are such idiots. Fell for the lamest setup ever.”
She smirked. “And Dominic–used to worship you, now he’s all mine. Face it, Vivienne, you’ll never win.“[]
Then she stepped back, something unhinged flickering in her eyes. “Actually, I’ve got one more surprise planned. Hope you’re ready
for hell.”
Before Vivienne could blink, Noel spun around and threw herself out the window.[]
THUD!]
The sickening sound of impact echoed from below.[]
Chapter 6
Vivienne stood frozen, ears ringing.[]
Then chaos erupted below.[]
“NOEL!“]]
She stumbled to the window and saw Dominic and Cameron sprinting toward Noel’s crumpled form on the grass.[]
Fancy pastry bags in their hands–they’d been bringing her treats.
Dominic scooped up the bloody mess that was Noel, voice breaking. “Hang in there! I’m getting you to the ER right now!“[]
Cameron was losing it, screaming at everyone. “Get a doctor! SOMEBODY GET A DOCTOR!“[]
Medical staff rushed over with a gurney. As they wheeled Noel toward surgery, she cracked her eyes open and raised a trembling finger toward Vivienne.[]
“She… she pushed me…“]
The words hit like a bucket of ice water.]]
Dominic and Cameron’s heads whipped around in perfect sync, murder in their eyes.[]
“Grab her.” Cameron’s voice was terrifyingly calm. “Tie her up. Take her to the roof.“[]
He walked over slowly, looking down at her. “You threw her off? Time to see how it feels.“]
Security moved in, rough hands locking around her wrists.]
The old Vivienne would’ve screamed, fought, begged.[]
This Vivienne just looked at them with hollow eyes. “Would it matter if I said I didn’t do it?“[]
Dominic’s smile was razor–sharp. “With your history? Not a fucking chance.“[]
Vivienne smiled as tears slipped down her cheeks.[]
Right.[]
They’d never believe her.[]
Never.
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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.