Chapter 9 - I like someone else

Vivienne's POV🥀

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‎That afternoon we left Ashford Manor together. The car moved slowly through the busy streets while silence filled the space between us. 

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‎The tension inside the car felt heavy and uncomfortable. I sat quietly for a while trying to gather my thoughts before finally speaking. I told Alexander that he had seen Pop Pop's attitude clearly and that Grandpa would not support our divorce at all. I asked him directly what he planned to do next because avoiding the topic would only make things worse.

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‎Alexander looked out of the window for a long time before answering. His expression stayed calm and distant. After a while he sighed and said we could quietly get the divorce decree first without telling Pop Pop. 

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‎He said we could explain everything later when things settled down. His answer did not surprise me. Even after Grandpa spoke strongly to him he still chose the same path without hesitation. 

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‎He did not show even a small sign of changing his decision. Hearing his words felt like a heavy weight pressing on my chest. Breathing became difficult and every breath felt painful but I forced myself to remain calm.

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‎I lowered my head and nodded slowly. My voice sounded rough when I asked him when we would go to finalize the divorce. He opened his phone and checked his schedule as if he was discussing an ordinary business meeting.

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‎He said he was very busy recently and suggested next Monday. I answered with a simple okay but inside my heart trembled slightly even though my face remained calm.

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‎He glanced at me several times as if he was trying to read my thoughts. I knew very well that I was not unattractive. My appearance had always been considered beautiful. My almond shaped eyes could look soft or sharp depending on my mood. 

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‎When I smiled, people often felt drawn to me without understanding why. My face was balanced and delicate and my dimples appeared whenever I laughed. My body was slim and well maintained because I exercised regularly and practiced yoga every week. 

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‎I always cared about my health and appearance. Alexander knew every detail because we had been married for three years.

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‎During those years I often noticed that he reacted strongly to me physically and emotionally. I still remembered his touch and the way he looked at me during intimate moments.

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‎Those memories stayed clear in my mind even though our relationship was falling apart. Beyond my looks my abilities were also strong. 

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‎I had excellent academic records in university and won several scholarships and design awards. At work I was organized and responsible and V&R had grown quickly under my leadership. 

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‎Many people respected my skills and my dedication.

‎Alexander suddenly interrupted my thoughts by asking if I had someone I liked. 

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‎His question surprised me and my heart skipped for a moment. I turned toward him and answered softly that yes I did. 

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‎The person I liked was actually him but I did not say it directly. For ten years my feelings had been focused on him since the day I entered the Ashford family after losing my father. 

‎Back then I was weak and lonely and unsure about life.

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‎I felt like an outsider living under someone else roof. When Alexander appeared he gave me warmth and support and slowly I began to depend on him emotionally. 

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‎I worked hard to stand beside him and tried to become someone worthy of him but his heart already belonged to someone else and I could only watch quietly from the side.

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‎When he heard my answer he looked tense and asked if that person liked me back. 

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‎I shook my head and said no because he loved someone else for many years. My words changed his mood slightly. He asked why I continued to like someone who did not return my feelings. 

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‎I forced a small smile and said there was no reason.

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‎Inside I knew nothing would change now. No matter what questions he asked the ending remained the same. I told myself to slowly detach from him emotionally.

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‎Soon after our conversation ended I went directly to the studio because the endorsement shoot was scheduled to begin. I arrived early to check everything and ensure the staff were prepared. The photographer Ariana Wells and makeup artist Sophie Lancaster arrived on time. 

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‎They had worked with me for years and understood my instructions easily. We prepared the set carefully but half an hour passed and Isabella and her team still had not arrived. The assistant had already contacted them once with no result.

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‎Ariana complained that Isabella had too much attitude. Sophie added that Isabella believed she was untouchable because the CEO supported her. Everyone knew Alexander personally selected her as the brand ambassador.

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‎Normally I had full authority to manage campaigns but in this situation my power was limited. Even if Isabella behaved badly I had to remain patient.

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‎I called Eliza several times but each call was disconnected quickly. After many attempts with no response I concluded they would not arrive before noon. I told Ariana and Sophie they could leave for now and return later when needed. 

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‎They complained about Isabella behavior but eventually left the studio. I moved to the break room with my laptop and continued working quietly while waiting.

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‎At around eleven thirty I heard noise outside and checked the time. I expected their arrival at that hour and my guess was correct. The assistant informed me that Isabella and her team had finally arrived. 

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‎I closed my laptop calmly and walked out to meet them.

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‎Eliza approached me with a polite smile and gave an excuse about an early meeting running late and her phone being handled by an assistant who disconnected my calls. 

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‎Her apology sounded empty and insincere. Isabella also apologized casually, I smiled calmly and said it was fine because I was about to leave. Eliza told me not to worry and that they would handle everything themselves. 

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‎I clarified that there would be no filming that day. Her expression changed immediately and she asked what I meant.

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‎I explained calmly that the photographer and makeup artist were unavailable and that I had tried to contact them earlier but could not reach them because my calls were disconnected. 

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‎I told them I stayed only to inform them personally so they would not arrive to an empty studio. Both women looked uncomfortable after hearing my explanation.

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‎I told them I had other matters to handle and reminded them to be punctual for the next day shoot. I picked up my laptop and left confidently without looking back. 

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‎Behind me I could hear their frustrated whispers and complaints about my actions but I did not stop walking. I knew they were angry but they could not openly blame me because everything I said was reasonable.

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‎Isabella's POV

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‎After Vivienne left I felt annoyed but also impressed by her strategy. I admitted to Eliza that Vivienne was not easy to manipulate and reminded her that winning Alexander trust was not something an ordinary woman could do. 

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‎Eliza worried about how to handle the next day shoot because we had already used our excuse for being late. 

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‎I decided to call Alexander because he was the only person who could influence the situation.

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‎🥀Vivienne's POV🥀

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‎As I left the studio I reflected on everything that happened. I knew I was strong and capable and that most people could not easily hurt me. 

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‎The only person who could truly wound me was Alexander because he was the one I loved deeply. Even though I appeared calm and confident on the outside my heart still carried the pain of knowing our marriage was ending.

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