After Finnick left for work the next day, yet another unexpected guest appeared in Vivian's room.
He looked like he had not slept in days, and his clothes and hair were in a mess.
"Here. This is for you," Fabian said, handing her a bouquet of lilies. He knew how much Vivian loved lilies.
"Thank you," Vivian said as she set the flower down on the bedside table. "How's Ashley's funeral going?"
"We're preparing for her wake as of now," Fabian answered.
With her parents out of the picture and no close friends to help out, Fabian had to plan her wake and her funeral all by himself.
"Please give it your all, Fabian,” Vivian pleaded. "I may not like her, but she's my sister after all. I can't bear to see her leave this world without a proper funeral..."
She paused and sighed. "She really loved you."
"I know. I would have done it anyway," Fabian said. "By the way, Vivian, I'm here to tell you that..."
He hesitated and looked away.
"What's wrong?" Vivian asked.
"Vivian, I just want to give you and Finnick my blessings," Fabian said as he met her eyes again with much determination. "I used to think that the two of you chose each other out of necessity, and I used to believe that I was the one for you.
However, when I saw how Finnick volunteered to take your place when you got kidnapped, I realized just how much he loved you. I asked myself if I
would do the same, but I was too cowardly to say yes."
He lowered his head shyly. "Vivian, I realized that I'll never compare to Finnick. He's the one you deserve, so I wish you all the best."
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