Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Vivianne couldn’t run fast enough. She felt as if her heart had been wrenched out of her chest. The sight of Edward with that woman had been one she couldn’t have expected or anticipated. It was a crushing blow to her burgeoning emotions, a betrayal that left her gasping for air as she ran through the corridors, back to the ballroom. Tears streamed down her face as she tried to calm herself down, to escape the suffocating weight of her heartbreak.

As she burst back into the ballroom, she hastily wiped her face. The cheerful chatter and lively music suddenly felt alien and distant. She struggled to steady her breathing, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her. Hands trembling, she clutched the edge of her gown, attempting to compose herself, although she could feel all eyes on her.

Fortunately, Aurelia was close by, immediately noticing her discomfort. Her face was etched with lines of concern as she took Vivianne by the hand.

“Viv, you look upset,” she said gently. “Is everything all right?”

Vivianne hesitated before responding. She wanted to share the burden of what just happened with her sister, but this revelation would bring no good. Someone might overhear them. Someone might already be constructing gossip about her, having seen her barge into the ballroom with a tear-streaked face.

No. She wouldn’t give them any more material with which to fabricate tales that weren’t true. She would tell her sister everything, but only once they were safely home, in the only place she knew she could reveal everything without any fear.

“I’ve been better.” She smiled nervously. “I think it’s just too chaotic in here. There are too many people, and I feel like I can’t breathe.”

“Let’s go out to the balcony for some fresh air,” Aurelia suggested.

Vivianne nodded. “That is a splendid idea.”

Her sister guided her through a side door and onto the nearest balcony. Fortunately for them, it was devoid of any people, offering comfort and at least a semblance of privacy. Hearing the doors close, Vivianne exhaled deeply. The night air was cool and soothing, especially after the hellish heat of the ballroom. Aurelia gestured for them to sit on a small bench in a quiet corner.

Vivianne sank onto it, her shoulders slumping forward as she did so. She desperately tried to gather her thoughts.

“Did something happen?” Aurelia asked tenderly. “You know you can tell me anything, Viv. I am here for you.”

Vivianne took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words. Her heart was still racing, and she felt overwhelmed by the depth of her emotions. She shook her head, unable to articulate the full extent of her pain.

“It’s... it’s nothing,” she said finally, barely above a whisper. “Just… a lot to process. I want to tell you everything, but I just don’t know where to start, and I don’t want to talk here. I don’t know what I would do if someone overheard us…”

She threw a concerned glance around as if expecting to see a crowd of people listening in.

“I know I’m being paranoid,” she added with an awkward smile.

“No, not at all.” Aurelia shook her head. “If it’s something personal, it is best that we go home. Just take your time, if you need it.”

Vivianne appreciated the gesture, finding some solace in Aurelia’s quiet support. As she looked out over the garden, the cool night air helped to clear her mind, even if only slightly. She remained silent, allowing herself to be enveloped by the calm of the evening and the comforting presence of her sister.

She had no idea how she would endure this heartache. Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap as she tried to steady her racing heart. Taking slow, deliberate breaths, she focused on the soothing rhythm of the wind and the distant sounds of the garden, instead of on the nightmare unfolding inside her mind over and over again.

She was grateful for her sister’s presence, her silence, her willingness not to press Vivianne to talk. Aurelia had always understood that sometimes, just being there was enough. Vivianne closed her eyes. She concentrated on the simple, calming act of breathing, each inhale and exhale grounding her in the present.

She needed a distraction. She turned to Aurelia with a smile. “Did you see Jonathon this evening?”

Aurelia seemed taken aback by the question, but she quickly realized what Vivianne needed. So, she nodded, starting to talk. “Yes, we had a chance to dance together.”

Vivianne’s composure was already beginning to settle somewhat. “And?”

Aurelia’s eyes lit up with warmth. “It was wonderful. I’m finding myself more and more in love with him.”

Vivianne smiled with genuine interest. “That’s lovely to hear. Jonathon is such a kind and considerate man. I’m glad to see you so happy.”

Unlike his friend, a little voice inside of her raged angrily, but Aurelia’s voice interrupted it.

“Yes, he is. He makes me feel so cherished and understood. It’s like I’ve finally found someone who truly sees me, understands me. I feel like myself, completely, when I am with him.”

Vivianne could see the genuine affection in Aurelia’s eyes, and it warmed her heart despite her own turmoil. “It sounds like you two have a special connection.”

They continued to talk, their conversation taking on lighter tones, and Vivianne could finally breathe properly. She was still heartbroken. She still refused to go back inside and face Edward. But at least she had peace in her own heart, knowing that she had given all she had to give. If one did not know how to appreciate it, it was their own loss. And her heart would remain closed and broken forever.

***

Edward had shouted Vivianne’s name several times, but it was too late. She had seen everything. And worst of all, she had misunderstood everything.

With a decisive push, he separated himself from Catherine, his face flushed with anger. He needed to find Vivianne and explain everything to her, if she would even listen to him. The circumstances were dire. Who in their right mind would believe him, a rake, that he was truly trying to reject a woman who was throwing herself at him? It sounded ridiculous even to himself. But he had to try.

Edward turned on his heel and rushed to the door, determined to make things right. But just as he was about to exit, Reginald stepped into his path.

“I know this is all your fault!” Edward grabbed him by the collar, almost lifting him into the air, but all Reginald did was grin back at him.

“You can’t prove that,” he said simply, enraging Edward even more. “You can’t prove anything.”

Edward had two choices. He could remain there and beat the living daylight out of that smug wretch of a man, or he could run after Vivianne and try to explain everything. Whichever he chose, the alternative would immediately become impossible.

Revenge or love? It was a simple question, and a simple answer shone through the dark haze of Edward’s rage.

“This isn’t over,” he snarled at Reginald through clenched teeth, releasing him from his grip. Reginald’s face twisted in frustration as he watched Edward turn around and disappear behind the corner.

Edward barreled through the ballroom, eyes searching the crowd for a glimpse of Vivianne. His heart pounded in his chest, each thud echoing his urgent need to find her and make things right. She wouldn’t be in the ballroom.

He scoured the garden, the shadows, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. The quiet of the night was punctuated only by the distant sounds of the ball continuing inside, making his feelings of isolation and urgency even more pronounced.

As he entered the ballroom again, he looked through the crowd with a renewed urgency. He searched for Vivianne’s sister or her parents, but they were nowhere to be seen. Amidst the crowd of well-dressed guests, he spotted Jonathon talking with a group of friends. Edward made his way over immediately.

He placed his hand on Jonathon’s shoulder, and his friend turned around. The smile on his face faded away upon seeing Edward. He hastily excused himself, leading Edward away from the crowd.

“Have you seen Vivianne?” Edward asked breathlessly. “I need to find her.”

Jonathon seemed to take in his disheveled appearance. “No, not recently. I know she left the ballroom with Aurelia, but I’m not sure where they went.”

Edward raked his fingers through his hair nervously. “I have to find her, John.”

Jonathon’s brows furrowed in concern. “They might have gone somewhere private to talk. Now that I think of it, Vivianne seemed a bit… upset. Do you know something about that?”

Edward sighed heavily. “Yes. I am the cause of it. But I can’t explain anything right now. Just, please, if you hear anything or if you find out where they went, let me know immediately.”

Jonathon nodded, recognizing the gravity of the situation. “I’ll do what I can.” He thought about it for a moment. “Have you tried the garden?”

“Yes.” Edward nodded.

“All of the balconies?”

“How many are there?” Edward frowned.

Jonathon shrugged. “In a place like this, there could be a million. Do you want me to help you look?”

Edward hesitated. “Are you sure I won’t be keeping you away from your company?”

“Aurelia and you are my company,” Jonathon assured him. “You need my help. That means I am exactly where I need to be.”

Edward smiled, squeezing his friend’s shoulder. “Thank you, old friend.”

“Let’s go.” Jonathon nodded. “I think there’s a balcony just over there. We can start with that one.”

They found it occupied by a few guests enjoying the evening. But none of them were Aurelia or Vivianne.

Edward felt a pang of frustration but managed to keep his composure. “They’re not here. We need to keep looking.”

Jonathon nodded, his face reflecting his concern. “Let’s check the others. They could have gone to another part of the estate or even outside.”

The two men quickly left the balcony, their search becoming more urgent. Edward’s mind raced with worry. Each moment felt like a ticking clock as he and Jonathon moved through the estate, hoping for any sign of Vivianne and Aurelia.