Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 121

Chapter 121 

Wrenley had always had a soft spot for Briana. 

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Briana lost her parents when she was just a kid, and her brother was a hopeless case, a real troublemaker. Naturally, Wrenley took extra care of Briana. 

Her grandson was never thoughtful, and Sophia had her parents spoil her, but Briana only had Wrenley. 

This marriage was Wrenley’s gift to Briana. 

Someday, Wrenley would grow old and pass away. But even after she was gone, Briana would still have Shepard and the Carter family to have her back. 

But now, hearing about the divorce, Wrenley felt a heavy weight crushing her chest. 

Evelyn jumped in to explain, “They’re not divorced, not at all. Bana is just having a spat with Shepard, trying to get under his skin. 

“Young folks these days, they threaten divorce at the drop of a hat, even run off to the courthouse. It all looks dramatic, but really, it’s just a storm in a teacup.” 

Wrenley asked, “Are all those rumors online just nonsense?” 

“Come on, you know you can’t trust anything online,” Evelyn replied. 

Wrenley stared at Briana. “Spill it. What’s really going on? If you don’t explain yourself, I’m really going to be mad at you today.” 

Briana muttered, “Grandma, people get married because they’re in love, and they split up when they’re not anymore. That’s all there is to it, really.” 

Wrenley said, “Marriage is a big deal, and the bond between husband and wife isn’t something you can just throw away because you’re feeling emotional. 

“Love might fade as the years go by, but what really matters is sticking together, supporting each other, walking side by side through life…” 

Before Wrenley could finish, she started coughing uncontrollably, her words caught in her throat. 

Briana quickly moved to gently pat her back and offered her some coffee. 

Seeing her grandma’s face all red from coughing, her wrinkles dep, and her whole look so fragile, Briana couldn’t help but feel her heart soften. 

Briana thought, ‘Whatever, I’ll just humor them for now. It’s not like we’re getting divorced any time soon anyway. 

‘Can’t let the two old ladies get so upset that they end up sick! 

Briana said, “Alright. Honestly, I was just throwing a bit of a tantum and went to the courthouse just to stir things up. I never really wanted a divorce. 

“Shepard just picked me up and brought me straight home. He’s off at work now, and I was getting restless at home, so I thought I’d come see you two.” 

Wrenley pressed, “So, is Vivian the reason you and Shepard are having all this drama about splitting up?” 

Before Briana could say anything, Evelyn cut in, “Yes, that’s right I came here myself to set Vivian straight. And Shep swore 

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to me, right there in the hospital, that as long as Briana doesn’t ask for a divorce, he’ll never bring it up again.” 

“Really?” Wrenley asked. 

“Swear on it,” Evelyn said. 

Wrenley finally let out a tiny smile. 

Vivian was still standing there, frozen in place. 

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. 

Shepard had promised her he’d marry her. 

Vivian wondered, ‘Why did he make a different promise in front of Evelyn 

‘Does he actually want a divorce or not?‘ 

Vivian was completely lost. 

Evelyn turned to Vivian and called out, “Alright, Vivian, it’s about time. Have you thought it through?” 

Vivian straightened up, posture rigid and proper. 

Briana could charm anyone she wanted, always landing on her feet thanks to her powerful support system. 

Vivian thought, ‘But what about me? 

‘Now that Shepard isn’t around, I am completely on my own. 

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Vivian said, “Mrs. Carter, I love Shep. I can’t live without him, I just can’t. You can’t just tear us apart, always taking Briana’s 

side. 

“Unless Shep himself tells me to leave and never see him again, I’m not leaving Belaris, not even for a second.” 

Vivian was so done with life overseas. 

Belaris was just so much better. 

Back home, the Fletchers pampered her like she was royalty. Whatever she wanted, she got. 

And now that Shepard’s feelings for her seemed to be fading, she was even more desperate to keep Shepard hooked, to make sure his heart stayed with her. 

Evelyn’s eyes flashed with anger. “Watch your mouth. I’m giving you a chance here, out of respect. Don’t be stupid. Don’t make me get tough.” 

“You can’t make me leave,” Vivian retorted. “I only care what She says.” 

Vivian thought, “There is no way I am backing down that easily. 

‘I am just one step away from becoming Mrs. Carter. No way am letting go now! 

Wrenley shot her a look full of disdain. “A woman has got to know her own worth. 

“If Shepard was truly crazy about you, he never would’ve marrie Briana. He would’ve moved heaven and earth to be with you, given you respect and a real place in his life. 

“But now, when Briana mentioned splitting up, he rushed straight to the courthouse, showed up with flowers, and swept her 

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right off her feet. 

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“That tells you he’s still fighting to keep his marriage with Brian Vivian, don’t just listen to what a guy says. Pay attention to what he actually does. 

“If you ask me, Shepard just feels he owes you for saving his life and he just can’t bring himself to cut you loose. 

“You need to know when to quit, or you’ll be totally blacklisted in Belaris. None of the big families will ever take you in, and you’ll lose your shot at a good marriage, for good.” 

Vivian knew the truth in her heart. 

Shepard’s attitude toward Briana had really changed. He wasn’t the same as before. 

But she’d never admit it, not in a million years. 

She wanted power, she wanted status, and above all, she wanted to be recognized as his wife, to have the title and everything that came with it. 

“I’m not leaving Shep,” Vivian repeated stubbornly. “Even if it kills me, I’ll stay by his side till the very end.” 

Evelyn grabbed her cup and slammed it to the floor right beside Vivian. 

Shards of porcelain flew everywhere. 

Then, without hesitation, Evelyn snatched up the lid and hurled it straight at Vivian. 

Vivian didn’t even flinch. 

The lid struck her forehead, and a swollen, bloody mark instantly appeared as blood started to seep out. 

“I’ve never seen a woman as shameless as you,” Evelyn snapped. Latching onto our family, trying so hard to tear Shep and Briana apart. Vivian, let me make this clear. As long as I’m alive, you’ll never be part of this family. 

“And don’t you forget how your Fletcher family clawed its way up. With just one word from me, not only you, but your whole family will have to cough up every last thing you’ve ever gotten. 

“I tried to talk sense into you, but you just wouldn’t listen. So don’t blame me for what happens next!” 

Blood was running down Vivian’s forehead. 

It looked pretty scary. 

Wrenley said, “I can’t stand the sight of blood. It makes me nervous. Vivian, go stand outside. Think it over out there. When you finally get it, you can come back in.” 

Evelyn absolutely loathed Vivian, and Wrenley wanted nothing do with her. 

Vivian was downright pitiful, like a dog that had just been kicked to the curb. 

“Didn’t you hear me?” Wrenley snapped. “Get out.” 

Vivian stayed rooted to the spot. “If Shep ever finds out how youre treating me, how you’re degrading me like this…” 

“Oh? Are you threatening me now?” Evelyn shot back. “Vivian, with a woman like you, maybe I should just throw you out of Belaris right now instead of bothering to show you any respect!” 

Vivian wiped the blood from her face. “Respect? Look at me. What respect do I even have left?” 

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Chapter 122