Across a Lifetime, Never Again

This time, I was just... done.

Should've figured it out ages ago—if someone's hell-bent on not believing you, nothing you say will ever change their mind.

***

After the banquet, I headed back to my old place in the slums.

The alley was narrow, dark, and smelled the same as always. I was about to push the door open when a voice stopped me cold.

"Dad, Mom, I'm begging you, just leave!"

Through the crack, I saw Elodie yanking at my aging adoptive parents—her real parents—Brigitte and Donald. Her tone was razor-sharp.

"In a few days, I'll be Stanley Hamilton's wife. If people find out YOU'RE my parents, how am I supposed to keep my place in the Hamilton family?"

Brigitte, all guilty eyes, clutched Elodie's hand. "Elodie, it's my fault. For your happiness, I'll do anything..."

Watching her cry into Elodie's arms was like getting dropped into an ice bath.

They'd always known exactly who she was.

What happened back then wasn't some twist of fate—it was Donald and Brigitte's plan to swap me out so their real daughter could live the good life.

Elodie was still telling them to get out of Southport when I shoved the door open.

Brigitte froze. "V-Vivienne... W-What are you doing here?"

Before I could say a word, a shadow loomed behind me.

Stanley stepped closer—just in time for Elodie to jab her finger at me, all fake outrage. "Vivienne, how could you try to drive my parents away?"

She clung to Brigitte, crying like her heart was breaking. "Mom, I'm useless. I couldn't get myself a good marriage, couldn't protect you. But no matter what, you and dad raised Vivienne for eighteen years——how could she toss you out of Southport just to save face?"

I looked straight at Brigitte, my voice low. "Is that true?"

Even if it was a lie, I'd treated her like my mom for eighteen years.

Brigitte's gaze flicked to Elodie before she closed her eyes and said nothing.

Stanley let out a cold laugh. "Vivienne, what's left to explain? Elodie's about to get married, and you're trying to toss out her real parents? How low can you go?"

His fingers gripped my chin, all that earlier guilt gone—just pure disgust.

I'd had enough. "Stanley Hamilton, are you that sure I'm gonna marry you?"

I sank my teeth into the base of his thumb. He hissed and let go.

Then my eyes cut to Elodie.

She looked away. "I- I don't know what you're talking about..."

"Don't know?" My smile went razor-sharp.

I pulled a fresh betrothal contract from my bag and tossed it at Stanley. "Go on—read it."

***

For a second, Stanley just stared at it like his brain had short-circuited.

His hands shook as he reached for it, but before he could open it, Elodie's face drained of color and she crumpled.

The contract hit the floor as he scooped her up and bolted.

As he brushed past me, his voice was rough. "Vivienne, I'm taking Elodie to the hospital first. We'll talk later."

I figured he'd let her wrap him around her finger again.

But not long after, Stanley showed up in front of me.

"I checked the security footage from the banquet," he said. "I came to apologize."

I kept my head down. "Don't bother. I can't afford your apology."

I turned to go, but he grabbed my arm, looking rattled. "I misunderstood you about Elodie. She's not a bad person, just... scared. Vivienne, you already took her marriage. You two are even now."

I let out a sharp, mocking laugh, yanked my arm free, and walked off.

After I packed my stuff, word came that Elodie wanted to see me.

"Vivienne," she said, "your mom's locket's still with me. If you want it, come get it."