Chapter 119

Vivienne Archer's tears fell like scattered pearls, each drop landing on Aria Bennett's hand.

"I was hurting," she choked out. "So I went drinking."

"Never again." The night's events had shaken her to the core.

Aria handed her a tissue. "You seemed fine this afternoon."

"Do you need help?"

Perhaps it was gratitude for being saved, or perhaps years of pent-up emotions—Vivienne suddenly felt the urge to confess.

She spilled everything about Owen Archer.

Instinct told her Aria could be trusted.

Listening to the story, Aria smirked inwardly.

That scumbag again.

The plot had already deviated from the original story, and Vivienne's reaction was far more decisive than in the book.

"You did the right thing," Aria said firmly. "The sooner you dump trash like that, the better."

"Imagine finding out after marriage—that would've been worse."

Vivienne curled into herself. "But I loved him for so long..."

"And he chose someone like Serena Blake? How?"

It made no sense to her.

Aria scoffed. "Proof he's blind."

Though influenced by the storyline, Owen was rotten at his core.

Damian Cross and Nolan Reed had resisted temptation—why couldn't he?

Vivienne clenched her fists. "I can't swallow this."

"Then don't." A glint flashed in Aria's eyes. "Make them regret it."

Vivienne looked up, dazed. "But... I still love him."

Aria saw her struggle.

If this continued, that toxic pair would manipulate her again.

"Get some sleep," Aria said abruptly. "You'll have answers tomorrow."

Vivienne shook her head. "I can't."

Aria embraced her gently. "Just close your eyes."

"Will you... stay with me?" Vivienne grasped her hand.

"Okay."

Under Aria's soothing pats, Vivienne gradually drifted off.

Aria rose, spiritual energy gathering at her fingertips.

A dream talisman took form silently.

She'd make Vivienne see the future.

Revenge was always sweetest when served personally.

After texting her mother, Aria meditated cross-legged on the windowsill.

Moonlight bathed her in silver.

At dawn, Vivienne bolted upright.

Drenched in cold sweat—the dream had felt too real.

Her gaze swept the room, landing on Aria asleep on the couch.

Everything had changed.

Had it all started with Aria?

Suddenly remembering Aria's fate in the dream, her heart clenched.

Could it be...?

Her eyes softened with newfound protectiveness.

Thank goodness they'd met.