CHAPTER 3 — The Truth Vivienne Tried to Hide
The canceled wedding dominated French headlines for days.
Most people believed it ended because of a cruel bride.
They were only seeing the beginning.
Two days later, Julien visited the villa's security office.
He requested every camera recording from the wedding weekend.
Hours of footage revealed something disturbing.
Vivienne had not simply locked Leo away.
She had spent months trying to erase him from Julien's life.
There were videos of her telling household staff not to mention the boy.
Footage of her canceling father-son outings without Julien knowing.
Messages recovered from her phone instructed the wedding planner to seat Leo in a separate room during the reception.
One message stood out.
"Once we're married, Camille and the child won't be part of our future."
Julien stared at the screen in disbelief.
He finally understood.
Vivienne hadn't feared a child ruining her wedding.
She feared sharing Julien's heart.
That evening he drove to Camille's home.
She opened the door cautiously.
Leo peeked around her leg.
Julien knelt.
"I owe both of you an apology."
Camille looked confused.
"You warned me."
"I thought jealousy would disappear after marriage."
"I was wrong."
Leo quietly stepped closer.
"Are you still mad?"
Julien smiled sadly.
"At you?"
"Never."
He reached into his jacket.
Inside was a small velvet box.
Not an engagement ring.
A house key.
"I bought a home months ago."
"I hoped we'd all live there one day."
Camille looked at him in surprise.
"I was waiting until after the wedding."
"There won't be a wedding now."
"But..."
May you like
He smiled at Leo.
"I still hope there can be a family."
