Vivienne nodded wearily.
At this point, she was running on fumes, her mind a blank slate with the sole desire to crash into bed and sleep for an eternity.
Percival wrapped an arm around her and guided her to the car, signaling to Thomas, "Let's hit the road."
Thomas glanced back at the house, noticing Leopold still inside, "Percival, what about Leopold...?"
He had been outside and was clueless about the happenings within.
Snuggled in Mr. Wolf's embrace, Vivienne closed her eyes and murmured, "No need to wait. He's probably over the moon with his lady love, lost in his own world by now."
Thomas was speechless.
Some say ignorance is bliss, and Leopold was living proof, blissfully unaware of his dumb luck.
With Vivienne and Finnian on their side, this plan was bound to succeed without the Sterling family lifting a finger.
Back at their place, Vivienne hurried through a shower, intending to hit the sack, but Percival had other plans. He dragged her to the dining table, "Hold up, eat something first. Your favorite strawberry cheesecake is waiting."
Barely keeping her eyes open, Vivienne's protest died on her lips.
She let Mr. Wolf lead her to the table.
In the end, she was spoon-fed by Mr. Wolf himself, too drained to even lift a spoon.
She slept till the wee hours, waking only to quench her thirst and sift through a work email from Matthew before plunging back into sleep.
The next morning, Vivienne returned from her run, refreshed and energetic.
Upon entering, she heard Mr. Wolf from the kitchen, "Vivienne, you've got a call."
She hummed in acknowledgment, having left her phone at home during her run.
Checking her phone, she called back, "Cordelia, what's up? Is Thaddeus feeling alright?"
Cordelia's voice came through, tinged with embarrassment, "Vivienne, Thaddeus is fine now. I was actually calling to see if you're free lately. I need your help with a medical issue."
"Medical issue?"
Vivienne paused, "Who's the patient?"
She knew Cordelia wouldn't reach out unless it was someone close in need, but Dorian and Thaddeus were not critically ill.
No need for her intervention.
Hearing no refusal, Cordelia felt even more indebted, "It's my sister's child!"
"My sister has been living in the countryside for years, out of touch. She must be desperate to reach out. The local clinic has given up on the kid, and I had no one else to turn to but you, Vivienne."
Without hesitation, Vivienne agreed, "Sure, pick a time, Cordelia."
Cordelia was momentarily stunned, her gratitude deepening, "I'm free anytime, Vivienne. I know you're busy, so whenever suits you."
After checking her schedule, Vivienne responded, "I'm free today, can make it by 2 PM."
Cordelia was overjoyed, "Great, no rush. I'll be waiting at home."
Hanging up, Vivienne headed to the kitchen.
She found Percival alone, effortlessly whipping up her favorite dish, donned in a floral apron, exuding a cozy, husbandly vibe.
Touched, Vivienne hugged him from behind, "Mr. Wolf, have I been neglecting you these past days? You've been handling everything on your own, even cooking daily."
Percival continued his task, unbothered by her embrace, "Only now you feel guilty?"
Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "Didn't I please you the other night?"
Percival hummed, glancing sideways, "Was it just me who was satisfied?"
Blushing, Vivienne retorted, "Mr. Wolf, don't play the victim. We've only been married for three days. Are you planning to make up for the last thirty years all at once?"
Percival patted her hand, "Who's playing the victim? Who told their mom I couldn't cut it?"
Narrowing her eyes, Vivienne chose not to confess, "There are many ways to interpret words. Maybe you should reflect on whether your past actions led her to think that way."
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