Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 69

Chapter 69 

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“So… so,” Vivian asked, her voice shaking, “Shep, you’d choose Briana, right?” 

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If that was true, then everything he claimed about loving her had been a lie. He had been willing to divorce for her, turn his back on the Carter family for her, give her all his affection, and even support her family. 

She had always believed she was the one he loved most. Vivian never questioned it before, and she even felt proud of it. 

She always thought Briana would be the one who lost to her. But now, Vivian felt helpless, like she could no longer hold on to Shepard. 

Shepard said, “You’re my wife. This is your responsibility.” As he spoke, he gently lifted her chin. “Isn’t this what you always wanted? Briana, when we first got together, you wanted to give yourself to me.” 

Back then, they were young. Briana wore all her feelings for Shepard right on her face. After she got into Aetherton University, the first thing she did was go find him and confess to him. 

And he accepted. A boy in a white shirt and a girl in a white dress walked hand in hand down a long, tree- lined path. 

The day after they started dating, Briana showed up with two bottles of beer. She didn’t know how to drink. It was her first time, and she couldn’t even open the bottle. Shepard opened it for her. 

She chugged almost half the bottle. Her face turned red instantly. Once she got tipsy, she got bold. She leaned into him, wrapped her arms around him tightly, her eyes bright and fearless. She told him they could do what adults were supposed to do. 

Shepard didn’t say a word. He just looked at her flushed face and slid his fingers through her hair, smoothing it again and again. Those memories had stayed with him for years. He had never forgotten them. 

Vivian clenched her teeth. She saw that far–off look in his eyes and forced down her jealousy and frustration. “Yeah, I dreamed about it. Shep, make that dream come true tonight.” She lifted herself and leaned in to kiss him. 

Shepard said, “You’re still so bold.” He slipped a hand behind her neck, didn’t use much force, and pushed her back onto the pillow. “Briana, aren’t you embarrassed at all? 

“When we first started dating, you already wanted to sleep with me. After we got married, you drugged me just to get me into bed. And now, when I’m drunk, you try again. Do you really like me that much? 

“If you like me that much, why did you insist on divorcing me? What do you think I am? Someone you get to love when you feel like it and toss aside when you don’t?” 

His hand slowly tightened. Vivian felt her breath catch. She could barely pull in air. “Briana, you…” He stopped. He stayed silent for a long time, searching for words, and then let out a long, exhausted sigh. 

He rolled over, got off her, and lay on the bed, drained. “Get out.” 

Vivian stared at him, stunned. He repeated, louder this time, “Get out.” Then he shoved her hard, pushing her 

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Chapter 69 

off the bed. 

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He used a lot of force, and Vivian hadn’t steadied herself. She fell straight onto the floor. Her forehead hit the corner of the cabinet with a heavy thud. 

It reddened immediately and started bruising. Vivian pushed herself up off the floor, and the pain brought tears to her eyes. 

Shepard seemed to realize what he had done. He sobered a little and looked toward the edge of the bed, but he was too drunk to see clearly. His vision was blurry, and Vivian had purposely dimmed the lights to set the mood. 

Vivian said, “Shep, how could you push me? I’m hurt.” She pointed at the bruise on her forehead, tears shining in her eyes. 

Shepard reached out immediately, wanting to touch her gently. But almost instantly, he froze, his hand stiff in midair. The tenderness on his face disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by cold hardness. 

“So what?” Shepard said. “Do you think I would feel sorry for you?” 

Vivian called out, “Shep-” 

“Briana, even if you fell to your death, I wouldn’t even flinch,” he said, lying back down. “You are not Vivian. You don’t deserve any of my pity.” 

Vivian spoke quickly, “I am Vivian. Shep, look at me closely, you—” 

“I’ll say it one last time, get out,” he interrupted, thinking to himself that she was pretending to be Vivian to trick him. It was ridiculous. 

Even if she really were Vivian, he would not touch her. Only after he got the divorce papers and became officially single could he be with Vivian openly. That was his promise and responsibility to her. 

Vivian got up, realizing there was nothing else she could do but leave. She had never expected things to end this way. 

Shepard lay on the bed, shirtless, and the blankets and sheets were in a tangled mess. His face turned up to the ceiling, his brow deeply furrowed. Soon, his breathing evened out. 

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The next morning at Evergreen Estate, Briana drove her mini electric car back home. The moment she opened the door, someone rushed over in a few quick steps and yanked the door wide open. 

“Why are you back so early? Where were you last night?” Edward asked. “You weren’t with some random man, were you?” 

Briana jumped in surprise. When she saw who it was, she frowned immediately. “Uncle Edward, it’s so early. Why are you at my house?” 

“I waited for you all night,” Edward said. “And you still haven’t answered my question.” 

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Chapter 69 

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“I don’t have to report my whereabouts to you,” she said. “Where I go is my business. No one can control me. Besides, I slept in the gallery last night.” 

Leonard was right in saying that pain was the source of artistic inspiration, especially late at night when everything was quiet. 

Briana sat in front of her easel with her brush in hand. She was completely absorbed in her art and lost track of time. If she hadn’t left a change of clothes at the gallery, she probably wouldn’t have come home in the morning. 

“Do you realize you are a married woman? You can’t just spend the night out,” Edward said. 

Briana laughed. “Uncle Edward, you didn’t forget, did you? I made it very clear on the phone yesterday.” 

“Until you get the divorce papers, it doesn’t count,” Edward waved his hand. “You and Mr. Carter are still in the cooling–off period.” 

“How do you know it’s still the cooling–off period?” she asked. 

“If you got the papers, you wouldn’t hide them,” said Edward. 

Briana pursed her lips and thought Edward actually understood her pretty well. 

“Enough,” Edward said, not wanting to waste time with small talk. “I’m asking you straight. Did you make this decision in anger? Is it some strategic move to pull back and tempt him?” 

Briana denied it immediately. “No.” 

“Don’t keep pretending. I don’t want to go in circles. I already spoke with Mr. Carter and pleaded on your behalf. If you go in front of him, act soft, and say a few gentle words, this will all be over,” said Edward. 

Briana pointed to her nose. “Me? Go beg Shepard?” 

Edward said, “Yeah. I already lowered myself and fought for this chance. It’s your step down. Just go with it. Keep fighting, and you’re overdoing it.” 

Briana laughed to herself, thinking, ‘Shepard cheats and keeps a mistress. He’s the one at fault. Why should I be the one to bow first? Besides, I don’t want to reconcile at all. I have no intention of getting back together.’ 

AD