Chapter 193 Chapter 193
The dinner was getting lively. People were laughing, talking, and eating. Savannah sat quietly beside Adrian, smiling from time to time while helping Liam with his food. Adrian looked so proud of his wife and son.
After some minutes, Savannah excused herself to get fresh air. She stood near the garden side of the hall, breathing softly, enjoying the quiet.
Then she heard a familiar voice behind her.
“Savannah… is that really you?”
Savannah turned slowly, her heart skipped. It was Vanessa.
For a moment, both women just looked at each other. Vanessa looked emotional, her eyes watery, her voice shaking. “I can’t believe it’s you, Savannah. I thought I lost you forever.”
Savannah’s face was cold. She remembered everything—how Vanessa left her side when things got bad, how she never heard from her again. So she didn’t say a word. She turned her face away and kept quiet.
Vanessa’s lips trembled. She took a step closer and said softly, “Savannah, please don’t ignore me. I know I did wrong before. But I swear, I’ve been searching for you since the day Nathaniel threw you out. When I heard what happened, I was angry at him. I felt so guilty.”
Her tears started falling. No one else noticed because they were standing away from the crowd.
Savannah looked at her, seeing the tears. Her heart softened. She still remembered their old friendship—how close they used to be before everything changed. She sighed slowly. “Vanessa,” she said quietly, “you left when I needed you most.”
Vanessa wiped her tears quickly. “I know, and I’m sorry, Savannah. I was scared. Things were so hard then. Please forgive me.”
Savannah looked at her for a long moment, then finally opened her arms. Vanessa moved closer, and they hugged each other tightly.
“I missed you,” Vanessa whispered, still crying.
“I missed you too,” Savannah said softly, though deep inside, something still didn’t feel right.
Adrian, who was watching from a little distance, walked toward them with a gentle smile. “Sweetheart, who’s this beautiful lady?” he asked softly.
Savannah smiled and wiped Vanessa’s tears. “This is Vanessa,” she said proudly. “My old best friend from years ago.”
Adrian smiled and stretched out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Vanessa. Savannah talks about her past a lot, but never about friends. I’m glad to finally meet one.”
Vanessa smiled weakly and shook his hand. “You have a lovely family, Adrian. You both look so happy.”
“Thank you,” Adrian said kindly. He turned to Savannah. “We should go back inside soon; people are asking for you.”
Savannah nodded. “Okay, we’re coming.” Adrian kissed her forehead and walked back into the hall.
As soon as he left, Vanessa wiped her face again and smiled faintly at Savannah. “You really deserve this happiness, Savannah,” she said softly. “I’m happy for you.”
Savannah smiled. “Thank you, Vanessa. I hope we can be close again like before.”
Vanessa nodded slowly, pretending to smile, but deep inside, her heart was dark. She was happy to see Savannah alive—but not happy to see her doing better than everyone else.
As Savannah walked ahead, Vanessa stood still, staring at her.
Her phone buzzed in her purse. It was a message from Cassandra.
“Did you see her?”
Vanessa typed back quietly, “Yes. She’s alive… and doing very well. Don’t worry, I’ll keep her close.”
She slipped the phone back in her bag, forcing a smile as she followed Savannah back into the hall.
Everyone welcomed them again, laughing and eating. Adrian held Savannah’s hand proudly, whispering something that made her blush.
Vanessa sat across the table, smiling sweetly—but her eyes were cold.
Because deep down, she and Cassandra had already made up their minds.
They were not done yet.
Not with Nathaniel.
And not with Savannah either.