So guys I have some sad news for you people, if you noticed, I've not been really active with my updates and I meant not be able to be active for various reasons, number 1, I've been sick lately and number 2, my exam is coming up so I will be busy with that especially since my exam is back to back so I hope you people can understand, love you.
The carriage rumbled softly as it moved through the cobblestone streets leading to the imperial palace. Inside, Vivian sat by the window, her gaze locked onto the passing scenery. The capital was bustling as always—vendors shouting, noblewomen strolling in extravagant gowns, knights patrolling the streets—but her mind barely registered any of it.
She had nothing to say to Leonard.
For most of their marriage, they had shared little more than forced conversations mostly the original Vivian doing the talking and it usually ended badly most times, their interaction this morning and last night was the most peaceful they've had in years of formalities, and unspoken resentment.
Now, on the day they were finalizing their divorce, she believes there was even less to talk about.
And yet, when Leonard suddenly called out her name—"Vivian"—she stiffened in surprise.
Her red eyes flickered toward him, finding his expression unreadable. But something about the way he was looking at her made her uneasy. There was a heaviness in his gaze, a weight she couldn't quite decipher.
What now?
She had already noticed how the mood had shifted ever since they left the garden. Earlier, everyone had seemed… different. Anna had that smirk on her face—the one that only appeared when she was about to make someone's life miserable. Alaric, who was usually composed, had looked visibly distressed, casting her glances filled with pity. And Leonard—while usually expressionless—seemed to harbor more resentment toward Anna than usual.
Something had happened.
Vivian wasn't stupid. She had seen Alaric and Anna speaking in hushed tones in the garden before they left. Later, when she confronted Anna about it, her lady-in-waiting simply shrugged and said, "Nothing important." But the tension in the air now made it clear that was a lie.
Did Alaric reveal something to Anna? Or worse, did Anna discover something she could use to manipulate Leonard?
She was still piecing things together when Leonard spoke again.
"Vivian, what's your plan after our divorce?"
His voice was calm, but something about the question sent a ripple of unease through her.
Vivian turned fully to face him, her lips parting slightly in surprise. Why did he care? The moment their divorce was finalized, they would become nothing more than distant acquaintances—familiar strangers bound by nothing but a shared past.
Why did it matter to him what she planned to do after?
Still, she saw no harm in answering honestly. "I was planning to travel," she admitted, leaning back against the cushioned seat. "There are so many things I never got to do before my marriage. I rushed into it without thinking, and now that I have the chance, I want to enjoy my youth."
Leonard's brows furrowed slightly, but he remained silent.
Vivian hesitated for a moment before adding, "I'm not planning on remarrying anytime soon, if that's what you're asking. But who knows?" She tilted her head, watching him closely. "I might meet a handsome, kind man while traveling, and if I fall in love, I might consider marrying again."
The words were meant to be playful—perhaps even teasing—but the reaction they provoked was anything but.
The air inside the carriage seemed to shift.
Leonard's face darkened instantly, and a cold aura seeped into the space between them. The temperature felt like it had dropped several degrees, and for a brief moment, Vivian almost shivered.
Did he… not like that answer?
She knew Leonard. The man before her was calm, rational, and composed. But the way his jaw tightened and his fingers curled slightly against his lap told her that he did not take her words lightly.
Why?
Was it because of noble expectations? Because in high society, a woman without a husband was seen as incomplete?
Noble women are known to rely on their father and brother before marriage, their husband during marriage, and their son when their husband dies so it is rare to see a noblewoman who is not married since they are expected to always rely on men, and unmarried noblewomen are frowned upon.
Or was it because… he didn't like the thought of her with someone else?
Impossible.
Leonard was the one who initiated the divorce. He had made it clear from the start that he had no interest in her. It was all forced on him, a marriage of transactions. If he truly cared, he wouldn't be letting her go.
So why did he look so… displeased?
Before she could say anything, Leonard finally spoke.
"Vivian," he said, his voice lower than before. "Let's make a promise."
She blinked. "A promise?"
His fingers twitched before he slowly reached out, gently taking her hand in his. His touch was warm—contrary to the coldness in his expression—and for a brief moment, she felt her pulse quicken.
"Let's promise not to marry or get involved with another man or woman for now," Leonard said. "We should take the time to enjoy all we missed in our youth before thinking about our next partners."
Vivian stared at him.
She had expected many things from this conversation—but not this.
What kind of ridiculous proposal was that?
He wanted them both to stay single after the divorce? For what reason? To atone for the years they wasted in a loveless marriage? To relive their youth in some twisted attempt to turn back time?
Or…
Did he not want her to belong to anyone else?
Vivian opened her mouth to question him, but something in his expression made her pause.
This wasn't a simple request.
There was something deeper beneath his words—something unsaid.
She wasn't in love with Leonard. Not anymore. The original Vivian might have been, but she will definitely bury those feelings beneath layers of self-preservation and there is no way she would allow those feelings to control her.
So why was she hesitating?
She had no plans to remarry, no real desire to seek out another relationship. She just wanted to live freely for once in her life.
And since her plans didn't contradict his request…
"Okay," she said softly, a small smile curving her lips. "I promise."
Leonard almost looked relieved.
Almost.
He quickly schooled his expression, but she caught it—the brief flicker of tension easing from his shoulders.
What was he thinking?
As the carriage rolled forward, Vivian turned her gaze back to the window, her mind swirling with questions.
She had expected her marriage to end without any lingering attachments.
So why did it feel like this was just the beginning of something else?
The grand gates of the imperial palace loomed ahead, their golden embellishments glistening under the afternoon sun.
Vivian sighed.
Their divorce was supposed to bring her freedom.
But something told her that things were about to become far more complicated than she had ever anticipated.
Another important thing, my application got rejected but I will still continue writing so you people should not worry about me running away.