Chapter 180) Personal Growth

“Growth is a process.
You gain, you lose, you cry, you grow, you learn, you try, you fail, but you keep trying.”

San Myshuno
Senator Suites Apartments

The cloud dissipated around them as Vivien looked into her mother’s eyes, a slight worry overshadowing Scarlett’s encouraging smile.

“Want me to hang around here, just in case?”

“No, mom, I’ll be fine. I need to handle this alone.”

“All right, my big little brave girl. Call me if you need me and I will be back in a jiff.”

A brief hug, a peck on the cheek, the customary dark cloud, and Scarlett was gone, Vivien alone in the hallway to Liam’s penthouse. No, Liam’s and her penthouse. Right?

Vivien stepped towards the door, raised her hand, balled to a fist to knock, halted, shook her head and aimed her pointed finger at the doorbell button, then halted, dug out her key, slid it into the keyhole, halted, inhaled, then turned it. As she pushed open the door and entered, Liam came into the room.

Staring at each other from a safe distance, Vivien suddenly felt many emotions at once. Fear of losing, happiness to see him, a warm feeling of love, appreciation of this attractive man in her life, who was beautiful not only on the outside, but with a heart of gold, sometimes overcast by his quick temper, matching hers. The one thing she no longer felt was anger, only regret.

Her feelings boiled over, her voice cracked when she offered a quiet.

“Hi …”

“Hi.” was the response.

“I am so sorry …”

“Me too …”

“Am I still welcome here?”

“What a dumb question! Yes, of course, you live here, and I am glad you finally came home!”

He stepped towards her, she matched his speed until they reached one another. Without the need for words he just enveloped her in his arms, she wrapped hers tightly around his neck, as the tears began to flow.

“So very sorry Liam.”

“I missed you, babe …”

“Missed you more!”

“Are we gonna fight about that now?” Liam chuckled faintly, apparently trying to lighten the mood.

“No … no more fighting. Never again!” she giggled back weakly.

“Now that is impossible, Viv. We always fought. We’re both type A personalities, we’ll butt heads. It’s how we react to it that needs work. We need to learn how to have proper disagreements – quick. I can’t do this again. Done it too much before we ever became official.”

“I know. And I am so so so sorry …”

“Yeah … I am too. But we need to quit apologizing now. It was a traumatic day and not the right time to bring such stuff up. We both screwed up. Let’s get over it. You’re home, we’re together, fuck the rest.”

“You were right though. I didn’t see it or didn’t want to see it, but you were right and I am so sorry I didn’t believe you. My parents confirmed it. About Malik and Nikki, I mean. I want you to know that I am one hundred percent Team Liam. I am such an idiot!”

“Hey, watch how to speak about my fiancée! And it’s Team Vivien & Liam. We’re the team, Viv. You are wearing the ring to prove it. I am glad you still are wearing that ring, by the way.”

“I am so sorry, I didn’t believe you!”

“Okay, we established that now. Let’s get over it then. I have something to discuss with you anyway, as soon as you are ready. As much as I wish I didn’t have to bring this up now, sadly, it’s time-sensitive and can’t wait too long. No worries, it’s not about us, but it would indirectly affect you. About my work. I need to make a decision by tomorrow morning.”

“Okay … let’s talk.”

After more reaffirmation of their love, they made coffee and sat down in the living room, where Liam told her that he had been contacted by a headhunter for a job at another law firm, higher paying and partner level. Still in San Myshuno. A great opportunity, an easy choice, but not one Liam wanted to make without Vivien, which filled her with an even stronger sense of belonging and importance to Liam.

Sulani
Vacation Rental on the main island
Two days later

After Vivien agreed and encouraged Liam to take the new job, Liam decided his exit would be burning up his unused vacation time – and they both rekindled their love at a beach vacation.

Both healed their last battle scars by having fun and romantic times together.