Chapter 84
“Mae p>
Maeve instantly threw her arms around Vivian’s neck, resting her chin affectionately on her shoulder.
“Mom, it’s me. I’m finally home p>
Vivian turned around, her eyes instantly brimming with tears at the sight of her daughter’s face.
“You silly girl, why didn’t you tell us you were coming? Your dad and I would have picked you up p>
Maeve beamed. “I’m a grown woman. I can make my own way back p>
Vivian glanced out into the empty hallway.
“Where’s Frederick? Didn’t he come with you p>
Not entirely sure how to break the news of her marriage falling apart, Maeve averted her gaze and offered a vague answer.
“He’s still in the Capital p>
Thankfully, Vivian didn’t press the issue.
“That’s fine. Your dad can’t stand him anyway, so it’s better that he didn’t come p>
Maeve offered a bitter smile and stayed silent. Once Vivian gathered her things, Maeve had mostly reined in her emotions, and the two chatted happily all the way home.
That evening, the dinner table was a feast.
Every single dish was one of Maeve’s favorites.
Her parents constantly passed food to her plate, keeping up a steady stream of comforting chatter.
For the first time in ages, Maeve felt entirely wrapped in pure happiness.
That night, she slipped into fresh sheets that smelled like sunshine and slept more soundly than she had in years.
In the next room over.
Vivian sat at her vanity applying her nighttime skincare routine while Marcus stood behind her, massaging her stiff shoulders.
“Honey, why did you stop me from asking about Frederick at dinner Look how terribly thin he’s made her! We didn’t give our precious daughter away just so that Fairchild jerk could mistreat her p>
Vivian paused her routine and shot him a sharp glare through the mirror.
“You know she’s unhappy, so why on earth would you intentionally bring up the very person making her miserable? Can’t you just let her eat and sleep in peace? We have tomorrow and the day after to ask questions. Right now, her resting is more important than anything else p>
Women really were so much more observant. Marcus hadn’t even considered that angle, and he rubbed his nose sheepishly.
“I… I was just worried about her. She married into a family so far away, and we can’t be there to protect her. I’m terrified they’re bullying her p>
“Talking about it right now won’t fix anything.” Vivian sighed softly, a knowing look crossing her features.
“Let her rest. When she’s mentally prepared, she’ll tell us everything we need to know p>
The fact that their daughter had come home meant she needed a safe harbor to heal.
Their job was to offer quiet support, not rip open her fresh wounds and force her to relive her pain.
That would be no different than pouring salt directly on her injuries.
Realizing his mistake, Marcus nodded vigorously.
“Right, right. You’re absolutely right p>
The next morning.
Maeve woke up feeling refreshed. Having brought absolutely nothing from the city, she slipped into one of her old sundresses. It gave her a youthful glow, and her previously pale cheeks were visibly flushed with color after a solid night’s sleep.
Walking into the dining room, she found both her parents at the table. She pulled out a chair, took a deep breath, and looked them squarely in the eye.
“Dad, Mom. There’s something really important I need to tell you p>
Vivian and Marcus exchanged a quick glance before locking their attention entirely on her.
Maeve pressed her lips together, speaking with absolute gravity.
“My marriage with Frederick is over. I’ve already asked him for a divorce. But I’m pregnant with his child, and I want to have an abortion. I need to know what you think p>