Chapter 128 - The Marchioness

Vivien spoke to Victoria over a video call with Harriet as they spoke about a few things. The party is tomorrow. Vivien was a little nervous however, Victoria and Kenzo will be sleeping in their castle. She was over the moon that she couldn't sleep last night because they are coming today. 

"I'll be there in a few hours," Victoria said. "I have to go cause my hubby needs some head massage." She giggled. 

"Alright, we are ready here and waiting for you," Harriet said excitedly. 

"Have a safe trip dear," Vivien said and Victoria waved and hung up. 

Vivien felt butterflies in her stomach. Her daughter is going to sleep in the same house and she would cook for her, take her to bed or probably kiss her good night. But she kept forgetting that she's not little anymore. That she's married and an adult. Although she wished to go back in time to take her away and live with her… there are still possibilities. She might not have met Hansen or she might not have met Kenzo. 

"Mom, you okay?" Harriet asked and rubbed her mother's back. 

"Yes, dear." She gently squeezed Harriet's hand. 

"Mom," Harriet asked softly. Vivien hasn't spoken to them about Victoria. But maybe it's time. So, she kissed Harriet's forehead and stood. 

"Why won't you call your brother? I have something to tell you both." 

Harriet was a little uncomfortable that her mother sounded so serious suddenly. 

"Alright?" She smiled as Harriet left. 

The time that Vivien was left alone. She held both of her hands that started shaking. It felt like a cold sweat breaks from her forehead. She breathed in and out and after a few moments, the siblings entered and Hardin hugged her and kissed her forehead. The two sat down on the sofa in front of her. She stood as she knelt in front of them and held their hands. 

"You might not remember but I did not marry your father right away when I came as a nanny. I want to tell you this since my babies are all grown up." 

Harriet who was on the left while Harden was on the right in front of Vivien, they are holding Vivien's hands on each side with both of their hands. That time Vivien's hands weren't warm but they were cold. 

"I have a daughter." She said and looked at Hardin then at Harriet. "I didn't leave her on purpose. Your dad saved me from a near-death experience. I was running away from my killer." 

The two kept quiet as they comforted her by holding her hands. 

"She's a daughter from Parson… one of the sons of Baroness Regina impregnated me." 

The two seemed to freeze and Vivien nodded at them. 

"You were ten days older than my Victoria… She was still a newborn when taken from me." Her eyes started getting hot as tears rolled down her cheeks. Hardin quickly wiped her cheek. "I should have said this… but I love both of you and I love your dad." 

"Mom," Hardin smiled and kissed her temple. "I know. Please, don't cry." 

Vivien nodded and looked at Harriet who seemed to understand her. 

"This is the first time that I heard about this. But no matter what your past, you are still our mom after our biological mom. And if Victoria is your baby, then, she's our sister." 

Vivien sobbed and nodded at them. She sniffled and pursed her lips. 

"She will be here later… I just want to let the two of you know that. In case that you might get annoyed with how I nag Victoria. I just couldn't help myself." She sniffled. 

"I don't mind," Harriet said. "I won't get jealous. Besides, Victoria mentioned that she envies me to have a mother like you. Now that I know the truth, I think I envy her a little bit. We will do our best to welcome them as a family." Harriet wiped her tears. "So, don't worry, mom." 

Vivien's chest felt that soothing warmth that she never thought that she would feel after confessing them about herself. Because of love, it's easy for them to accept it. Also, Harriet was one way that she had met her only biological daughter. She hugged her children although they didn't come from her. 

"What's with the drama?" Hansen came with that playful grin and he joined their group hug. 

What Vivien never expected in her life to have a beautiful family was accepted by them. She never thought that she would receive so much love from them. She has no insecurities now after they meet them. She was only once a lonely mother who sought for her child. 

"Now, love." Hansen pulled out and scooped her face and wiped her cheeks and nose with his handkerchief. "Your daughter, the Duchess of Westeria will be here soon. You need to look your best and greet her warmly." 

She nodded at him and hugged him tightly. 

<><><><> 

Victoria somehow imagined that the castle might look too old and hunted. But seeing plants and flowers everywhere, plus a castle that was mixed with modern style is something really interesting. She loved seeing big butterflies around as they passed by the bushes. There is also a fountain for birds where they can drink freely. 

"There were beautiful birds," Victoria told her husband and Kenzo nodded as he joined his wife admiring the nature around the castle. 

Stacey was too busy scribbling on her tablet. Drawing some drafts of the story plot that Victoria made. 

"We are staying here for like three days? Do you want to extend it?" 

"If that wouldn't bother your work. I am okay with anything." She said and kept admiring the birds perching to the trees. They also have birdhouses everywhere and it is said that the family loves nature very much. 

The car carefully maneuvers around the fountain to the great entrance. They are waiting downstairs. Kenzo came out first as he extended his hand to his wife and Stacey followed. Harriet squealed in almost unladylike and hugged Victoria tightly. 

Victoria was taken aback by that hug but she smiled and hugged her back. Then, Harriet hugged Stacey as they weirdly giggled after murmuring at each other. 

Hansen cleared his throat and Harriet apologized and bowed her head. Then, she stood next to his brother to his left and gentlemen bowed as ladies curtsied. 

"Welcome to our humble house, Duke Kenzo, Duchess Victoria, and Lady Stacey." Lord Hansen said politely. 

"Thank you." Kenzo bowed his head. 

"Let's go inside?" Lady Vivien suggested as everyone nodded. And Lady Vivien reached Victoria's hands as they chatted about small things and how Victoria loved the birdhouses, trees, and garden on the driveway. 

Lord Hansen spoke to Kenzo while Hardin approached Stacey and asked about the travel and what she liked. 

"You can tour me around personally if you want?" Stacey suggested. "I need a new setting…" 

"Setting?" He smiled. "What would you like to see?" He asked. 

Victoria glanced at Hansen and Stacey who were already discussing personal touring while Harriet hung up with her and Lady Vivien. 

"I'd like to see everything," Stacey said, sounding a little flirtatious. Hardin smiled at him in such a handsome way. "Are you single?" 

"Yes, and ready to mingle." Hardin flirted back. She giggled and grinned. 

"I am not up to any romantic relationship but fling would do." 

Hardin shrugged. 

"If that's what you like, milady." 

Victoria knew that Stacey wasn't ready with any romantic relationship besides Maverick. Her plans wouldn't go to waste. 

"I like art," Stacey told Hardin. 

"And so I am." 

The two continued with their conversation while Kenzo and Lord Hansen were already discussing a few businesses. 

"So, let's go to your room?" Vivien asked.

"Sure," She nodded as they went to separate halls. 

Victoria watched as the staff put their things in the walk-in closet. 

"Please, I'll arrange those," Victoria said. 

"Dear, you don't have to," Vivien said. Harriet smiled at them. 

"I'll check on the snacks," Harriet told and left quickly. 

"No. I already bother you so much." Victoria squeezed her hand gently. 

"Then, I'll help you," Vivien suggested. She nodded at the maids as they bowed and left the room. 

Victoria unpacked a few clothes that were set up and Vivien helped them hang them. 

"I feel embarrassed," Victoria said uncomfortably. 

"I'm sorry, dear," Vivien said. "When I told you to be a mother to you, I mean." 

Victoria nodded as she set up Kenzo's clothes. 

"Thank you." 

"Don't thank me." Vivien was careful and organized as she hung the clothes perfectly and arranged a few shoes that she bought with her. 

"I~~" Victoria mumbled. "I think you knew about the issue that I am not Lady Dana's daughter." 

"I heard." 

"Doesn't that bother you? Some nobles would pity me and~~" 

Vivien stopped and turned to her. Her emotions were masked and so she wouldn't burst in front of her daughter. 

"I wasn't born as a noble. I was a maid when Hansen took me here. He saved me. And so, I become his children's nanny. After that, we fell in love. He treated me like a real person." 

"I'm happy to hear that your husband loves you." 

"He does. His wife just passed away before he met me." Vivien told as she reached another dress. 

"And Harriet is not your biological daughter? Sorry, if that's rude to ask." 

"No, dear." She shook her head. "The two of them aren't mine. I tried hard to get pregnant but both of my ovaries were ruined." 

"Ruined?" Victoria's mind went to the time that the doctor wanted to remove her ovaries back in the hospital. 

"When I said that Hansen saved me, I was on the verge of death. I was stabbed like three times…" She pursed her lips. 

"I~I'm sorry.." Victoria quickly hugged Vivien.