Arcanis Reach

[Vivian's POV]

I stopped at the entrance to gather my confidence before reaching down to pick up my handbag, which contained the final letter. I couldn't keep it there any longer. I could not. But I had to say farewell to Clara, my trusty maid. She was the only person there who cared for me and still loved me. After finishing my goodbye letter, I sat down at the dining table. The silence in the house felt unsettling. Everything felt different. My world had entirely shifted. Frozen. Exactly like the weather outdoors. Too cold. The air outside seemed like ice, and the wind cut right through my thin nightgown. I shuddered slightly. Why wasn't the heater working? I needed warmth. Something warm to replace the pain in my heart.

I hardly saw the tiny flame that flickered on the mantle of the fireplace. Other than those kids, there was nothing else in the world I wanted. I only had them left. Everything I cherished about this planet. I inhaled deeply before removing the divorce documents from my purse. I gave them one last look through tearful eyes and signed them with a trembling hand. I slapped the file on the table after folding it. The only thing keeping me together was the babies in my belly, and my hands felt numb. With a few drops of ink, I was able to end a chapter in my life and let out a sigh. Gazing about the space, I could tell everything was ready. However, I continued to feel empty. I was aware that I shouldn't. Even though I wasn't myself, I was acting in the babies' best interests. I grabbed my coat and hat, opened the door, and stepped out onto the porch as the fire crackled noisily.

I pulled my phone from my pocket and gave her a call. After my parents' divorce, I hadn't given her a call in two years. I needed to talk to someone, but I wasn't sure how my unexpected call would be received by her. I wanted an understanding person. Relief washed over me the moment she answered on the first ring.

With joy, she replied, "Yes, Vivian?" There was worry in her voice. I spoke quietly so that no one could hear me. If she could sense my pain, I pondered. She did, indeed. "Hello, how are you doing?"

It was all I could do not to cry right then and there.

Silently, I said, "I'm fine."

"What happened?" she blurted out. My lips dropped into a sob. While I spoke, my voice trembled.

She was aware that something wasn't right. She must have mind reading abilities. "What is causing you to cry?"

"May I spend a few days with you?" I questioned quietly. As soon as I finished speaking, my voice broke. She caught wind of it. It was difficult to resist. No matter how hard I tried to hide my feelings from her, she was always aware of them. "I wanted to change my surroundings. I'm missing you."

"You can stay here, of course," she said kindly. "You can stay with me without asking permission. You're welcome anytime, my love."

She was accurate. She was, of course. She had always been friendly and understanding, and I never had any trouble visiting when I wanted some quiet time. "I'm grateful. And Mom, you have my affection."

"Dear, I love you too." Not long afterward, we both hung up. After the connection dropped, I just gazed at my phone. I placed it back in my pocket because I feared that I may cry again.

Examining the ring Liam had given me on our wedding day, I glanced. An overwhelming wave of recollections overcame me when I removed it from my finger. Both the day and the reception had been flawless. He was dressed in a tuxedo, and I was wearing a stunning white dress. We had finally tied the knot that day. My mother's wedding gown was on me. I heard the sounds of music playing in the background. Everyone danced, and the guests appeared to be content.

When the DJ signaled that it was time to hit the dance floor, the music began to fade. People joined in bit by bit. Everybody turned to look hopefully at me. Liam put his hand on top of mine and grinned. We led everyone into the dance floor together. We belonged to a family. I felt whole for the first time in a very long time. Emotion flooded my heart. I grinned, closed my eyes, and let the tears come freely.

I observed him, his countenance, his grin, and the sensation of his lips on my flesh. All I could have ever desired in a man. Even if he didn't always agree with my decisions, Liam had always shown me support and affection. He never placed the blame on me and has always shown me his undying devotion. He was the ideal spouse. Excellent. So considerate. So kind. Compassionate and devoted. He fulfilled every dream a woman may have but never dared to hope for. What took place next? What went wrong between the two of us?

I was overcome with happiness, joy, peace, love, and hate. Grinning at the recollection, I let the ring fall to the ground. I then turned away from the home and into the street, taking a nervous breath. I set forth in the direction of the river where my mother once resided. I heard a car door slamming shut as I stood by the side of the road by myself. I came to a stop and pivoted. I could hear the sound in my ears as Caleb hurried over to me. His gaze swept over me in a hurry. His face was marred by a frown. "Are you alright? Want to go somewhere?" he worriedly enquired.

I shook my head, attempting to project a robust, typical image. "Please take me to my mom's house."

His face took on a look of doubt and astonishment. He trusted me enough to follow my lead even if he had no idea why I wanted to go there. Yes, without a doubt. Come on..." He helped me into the car and placed my suitcase in the back before taking over the steering wheel.

I said, "She lives in Arcanis Reach near the river," as I peered out the window to take in the passing landscape. The vehicle decelerated and entered the driveway, positioning itself next to a massive ancient oak tree in front of a massive mansion. I pulled open the door and went outdoors. I approached the main door and came to a stop on the brick path. The paint was peeling and it looked more decrepit than I remembered, yet it still brought back memories of my childhood.