The Villainess Became The Male Lead's Secretary

Chapter 25

Amidst the quiet of the room, Vivienne cradled the baby in her arms, her thoughts a swirling sea of uncertainty. 'Did I make the right decision?' she questioned herself, her gaze fixed on the child with golden hair and piercing blue eyes.

Across the room, Ava lay unconscious; her still form a stark contrast to the crown prince who wept by her side, a portrait of sorrow and desperation. The weight of the moment hung heavy in the air, a delicate balance between hope and despair.

Vivienne's attention returned to the baby in her arms, a small life entrusted to her care. As she prepared to bottle-feed the child, her mind drifted back to the path that had led her to this moment.

9 Months Ago...

A full week had passed since Ava had asked Vivienne to consider the weighty responsibility of caring for her unborn child. Vivienne had kept her thoughts closely guarded, unsure of how even to broach the topic with others.

However, as days turned into a week, Vivienne realized that her silence was causing Ava undue concern. The weight of her indecision began to take its toll, and she found herself grappling with the discomfort of the situation. It was with a heavy heart that she arrived at a decision – a decision she believed would bring her closer to declining the request.

Upon entering the palace, Vivienne wasted no time in seeking out Ava. She knew that it was time to provide an answer, even if that answer carried a sense of reluctance. But as she approached Ava's location, a pang of worry gripped her heart.

Ava appeared frail and sickly, her normally vibrant demeanor replaced with one of exhaustion. Without a second thought, Vivienne rushed forward, her reflexes kicking in as she steadied Ava, preventing her from falling.

"Ava, are you alright?" Vivienne's concern was evident in her voice as she supported her friend.

Ava managed a weak smile, though it was clear that she was struggling. "Vivienne, I'm glad you're here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vivienne's apprehension momentarily faded, her focus shifting entirely to Ava's well-being. "Save your energy, Ava," she insisted gently. "Let's get you to a more comfortable place first."

With Ava's arm draped around her, Vivienne guided her towards a nearby sitting area where they could talk without the added strain. She could see that Ava's condition had deteriorated more than she had realized.

In a rush of insight, Vivienne's mind began to connect the dots, forming a complete picture of the puzzle that had eluded her until now. Understanding dawned upon her, shedding light on the depths of Ava's request.

'Ava must have believed that her own life was at risk during childbirth,' Vivienne realized, the pieces falling into place. Her mind raced through the implications of Ava's plea, each thread of reasoning weaving a narrative that explained the urgency behind the request.

Ava's delicate health, the evident strain it had placed on her, and the crown prince's unwavering concern – they all converged to form a tapestry of concern that Vivienne had been blind to until this moment.

As she contemplated the gravity of Ava's situation, a new realization struck her. 'Ava wants to protect her child, even if it means facing the possibility of her own mortality. Isn't Ava the female lead? I thought the female lead was supposed to live happily ever after with her children.'

The weight of her thoughts settled heavily upon her, casting a shadow over her understanding. Vivienne's contemplation was interrupted by her own voice, spoken aloud, a reflection of the tumultuous storm within her mind.

"Ava, did you request me to be the child's guardian because you fear for your own life during childbirth?" Vivienne's inquiry held a mix of concern and empathy, her words laced with a sincerity that resonated in the room.