Vivienne skipped in joy as she walked down the hallway. It was adorned with elegant and enchanting decorations, signaling that an important ceremony was about to take place.
'Today is the day of the wedding!' Vivienne thought happily as she looked around, doing a final checkup before the ceremony began. 'My freedom is near. I've already prepared my resignation letter, and I'll hand it to the crown prince after his honeymoon.'
Vivienne reached her destination and knocked on the door. The door opened, revealing Ava in her stunning wedding dress, with her makeup perfectly applied to her face. Vivienne was left speechless, feeling like she had just seen a Goddess in front of her.
"You look absolutely beautiful," Vivienne complimented, making Ava smile with happiness.
"Are you ready?" Vivienne asked, extending her hand.
"Yes, I'm ready," Ava replied, accepting Vivienne's hand.
Side by side, the two walked together, with Vivienne confidently leading the way for Ava.
"The hall looks absolutely stunning," Ava said in awe, her eyes glimmering with excitement and admiration as she took in the elegant decorations. "I can't believe this is all for our wedding. It feels like a dream come true."
"I am glad it's to your liking," Vivienne answered, a warm smile on her face.
"Thank you for all your help along the way, Vivienne," Ava said gratefully.
"I'm just happy I could be of assistance," Vivienne replied humbly.
"I hope we can be friends forever," Ava said, her eyes shining with sincerity.
"I'd be honored to be your friend forever," Vivienne said, feeling touched by Ava's words.
As they both reached the grand doors, Vivienne was reminded of her first day arriving at the palace.
'I used to struggle walking around this place, and now I know it like the back of my head. Not only that, I'm not even tired from walking around here anymore,' Vivienne thought, reflecting on how much she had grown and adapted to her surroundings.
"The crown prince is waiting for you. I hope you two will be the happiest couple," Vivienne said with a warm smile, gently letting go of Ava's hand.
"Thank you. I am very nervous," Ava replied, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and anxiety.
"Take a deep breath in and out. And walk out there with confidence," Vivienne encouraged, giving Ava a reassuring smile. "I'll have to go now. See you later."
Ava nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for her friend's support. As Vivienne quickly walked away to take her seat in the audience, Ava took another deep breath, mustering the strength to step forward into her future as she approached the crown prince, who stood waiting at the altar.
When Vivienne sat down at her seat, Ava was already halfway down the aisle. Vivienne's heart swelled with joy as she watched Ava walk down the aisle. The whole scene felt surreal like a dream come true. Seeing her friend, whom she had grown so close to over the past few months, radiate happiness on her special day brought tears of happiness to Vivienne's eyes.
"The bride looks like a true goddess," Vivienne heard someone whisper from the audience, and she couldn't agree more. Ava's grace and beauty captivated everyone in the room, including the three men who had once argued over her wedding arrangements. Now, they all stood in awe, realizing that their beloved Goddess Ava was about to become someone else's beloved wife.
Vivienne's mind wandered back to the day she had arrived in this world, not knowing what her role would be or how her life would unfold. And now, as she witnessed the culmination of the story she had unknowingly stepped into, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the journey she had taken.
As the ceremony progressed, Vivienne's heart was filled with happiness and a sense of fulfillment. She had not only survived this fantastical world but had played a vital role in shaping the course of events. The wedding had been a success, and her journey navigating the story was over.
But despite knowing that her time as a secretary was over, Vivienne didn't feel sad. Instead, she felt contentment and joy. She had made wonderful friends, helped create a beautiful wedding, and witnessed love bloom between two people destined to be together. And most importantly, she had found her own path to happiness.
As the crowd erupted into applause when the couple exchanged their vows, Vivienne smiled through her tears.
'It is finally over. I am finally free,' Vivienne thought with relief, 'My role is over.'
After the wedding vows, everyone gathered in the dining area to start eating. The royal couple went around greeting guests, engaging in small conversations as they enjoyed the festivities.
"Your Highness, would you like some water?" Vivienne asked Ava, holding a pitcher of water.
"Yes, please," Ava replied with a smile.
Vivienne poured water into Ava's glass and handed it to her. Ava thanked Vivienne and took a sip, relieved to quench her thirst after engaging in numerous conversations with the guests.
Suddenly, Ava started coughing uncontrollably after taking a sip of water and then collapsed to the floor.
"The crown princess has been poisoned!" someone from the crowd shouted in alarm.
"Block the entrance! Call the doctor, and secure the person responsible for giving Ava this water," the crown prince commanded urgently while embracing Ava, trying to hold back tears.
The palace guards immediately sprang into action, following the prince's orders, while Vivienne stood there in shock and fear, still held by one of the guards.
"I swear I had no idea there was anything wrong with the water," Vivienne protested, her voice trembling.
The crown prince's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation, trying to make sense of what had just happened. His concern for Ava was evident, but he couldn't ignore the possibility that someone might have tried to harm her.
"I don't know if you're involved, but we'll get to the bottom of this," the crown prince said sternly, instructing the guards to take Vivienne to a holding area while they investigated the incident.
Vivienne's mind raced with confusion and disbelief. 'What is going on? I thought nothing bad would happen after the wedding. Isn't this supposed to be the happy ending scene?' she thought, feeling disoriented as the course of the story suddenly shifted.
As Vivienne was led away, her heart sank, knowing that her freedom had suddenly turned into a nightmare. She could only hope that the truth would come to light and that Ava would be safe.
In the holding area, Vivienne was left to her thoughts, wondering if there was something she had missed or if she had unintentionally played a role in the unfolding tragedy. She knew she needed to remain composed and find a way to prove her innocence, but the weight of the situation felt overwhelming.
Meanwhile, the palace guards, under the crown prince's direct orders, were conducting a thorough investigation. The atmosphere in the palace had turned tense as everyone searched for answers and hoped for Ava's recovery.
As time passed, Vivienne's anxiety grew, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility. She had always been dedicated to her role as a secretary, but now she felt like she was drowning in uncertainty and fear.
Vivienne's heart pounded in her chest as she heard the footsteps approaching. The crown prince and Milo appeared with guards behind them, indicating that the investigation was over. Her heart leaped with a glimmer of hope, thinking that they had finally found the real culprit and that she would be cleared of all accusations.
"Vivienne, you are deemed guilty of attempting to assassinate the crown princess. Your punishment is death," the crown prince's words hit her like a sudden blow, leaving her stunned and speechless.
"No, that can't be true! I would never do such a thing!" Vivienne pleaded, her voice trembling with disbelief and fear. She couldn't comprehend how the situation had turned against her so drastically.
Vivienne felt shock and betrayal surge through her veins as the unexpected outcome unfolded before her. All her efforts to assist the crown prince seemed to have been in vain, and she couldn't fathom how she had ended up being accused of such a heinous act.
"YOUR HIGHNESS!" Milo intervened, stepping protectively in front of Vivienne. "Please, you must investigate further. Vivienne is innocent. We agreed to hear her side of the story before making any judgments," he urged, his voice filled with determination.
The crown prince's face hardened, and he seemed unwilling to listen. "What is there to hear? The evidence is against her," he retorted. "Witnesses in the hallway claimed Vivienne was envious of Ava and that she used this opportunity to harm her."
Vivienne's heart sank as she realized that she was up against the biases and misunderstandings of those around her. The people's misconceptions had clouded the truth, and she now found herself trapped in a web of accusations she couldn't escape.
"Milo, thank you for defending me, but I fear it may not be enough," Vivienne whispered, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over her. She knew the situation was dire, and without concrete evidence, her plea for innocence might fall on deaf ears.
Milo's eyes locked with hers, filled with unwavering support. "We won't give up, Vivienne. We will find a way to prove your innocence, no matter what it takes," he vowed, his words providing a glimmer of hope in the darkness.
"Milo, it's best not to let your personal feelings get in the way. A quick death is the most fitting punishment for her betrayal after all the hard work she put in as a great secretary," the crown prince coldly stated.
Anger flared in Milo's eyes as he retorted, "You're the one letting your personal feelings cloud your judgment."
The tension in the room escalated as Milo's defiance clashed with the crown prince's unwavering stance. Vivienne felt like a pawn in their power struggle, her life hanging precariously in the balance.
'Vivienne, you've practiced this scenario before. Come on, use that now,' Vivienne thought, trying to muster up the courage to defend herself. She attempted to recall all the times she had imagined defending herself in various situations, but her mind felt clouded, and fear paralyzed her. No words came out of her mouth, leaving her in an unsettling silence.
The crown prince's harsh glare intensified, putting immense pressure on Vivienne. The weight of the accusations and the impending judgment seemed insurmountable. At that moment, she felt like all her preparation had gone to waste, and her confidence had deserted her.
Feeling defeated and overwhelmed, Vivienne's gaze instinctively darted toward Milo, hoping to find some reassurance or support. To her surprise, she saw a look of unwavering determination in his eyes, as if he was silently urging her to stand strong.
Milo's silent encouragement served as a lifeline for Vivienne, reigniting a flicker of determination within her. She took a deep breath, pushed aside her fear, and found her voice.
"Your Highness, please, give me a chance to explain. I would never harm Ava or anyone in this palace. I have been devoted to my duties, and my loyalty lies with the royal family," Vivienne spoke with a newfound sense of confidence, her words laced with sincerity.
The room fell into a tense silence, and the crown prince's expression softened slightly as if he was willing to hear Vivienne out. Milo's supportive presence gave her strength, and she continued to explain herself, recounting the events of the day leading up to Ava's sudden illness.
With every word, Vivienne's voice grew steadier, and her defense became more coherent. She presented her side of the story with clarity and honesty, providing a detailed account of her actions and interactions with Ava throughout the day.
As she spoke, Vivienne noticed some of the guards and palace staff nodding in agreement, recognizing her dedication and genuine concern for Ava's well-being. Her sincerity and devotion were evident to those who knew her best.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Vivienne's defense came to an end. The room was filled with an air of anticipation, and all eyes were on the crown prince as he deliberated. The crown prince's stern expression softened, catching Milo's attention. Seeing the prince's softened expression, Milo decided to speak up.
"Remember how you said I can always ask you a favor? Then grant me this one. Give me just one week to investigate," Milo said firmly, determination gleaming in his eyes.
After a moment of contemplation, the prince reluctantly nodded, giving his approval.
"No one dares lay a finger on her," Milo warned, his voice firm and resolute. He was ready to protect Vivienne at all costs and would stop at nothing to prove her innocence.
With the prince's reluctant agreement and Milo's unwavering determination, Vivienne felt a glimmer of hope reignite within her. She knew she had a true ally in Milo, someone who would fight for her until the truth was exposed.
Over the next week, Milo tirelessly investigated every lead, leaving no stone unturned in his quest for the truth. As the days passed, his determination never wavered, and he worked tirelessly to clear Vivienne's name.
Finally, after a week of relentless efforts, Milo gathered enough evidence to prove Vivienne's innocence beyond a doubt. The true culprit was exposed, and the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, revealing a carefully orchestrated plot against Vivienne.
With the evidence in hand, Milo confronted the crown prince once again, this time with irrefutable proof of Vivienne's innocence. The prince was left with no choice but to acknowledge the truth and offer a heartfelt apology to Vivienne.
Gratitude welled up in Vivienne's heart as she witnessed the lengths to which Milo had gone to defend her. His unwavering loyalty and determination not only saved her life but also strengthened their bond even further.
From that day on, Vivienne knew that she had found a true companion in Milo, someone she could rely on no matter the circumstances. The palace's trust in her was restored, and she could finally breathe freely, knowing she was valued and respected.
As for the true culprit, justice was served, and they faced the consequences of their deceitful actions. The palace returned to a sense of harmony, and Vivienne's faith in the world she now called home was restored.
After Ava's successful recovery from the poison, Vivienne reached a pivotal realization – it was time to tender her resignation as the palace secretary. The wedding might have marked a significant chapter, but Vivienne had come to understand that it was far from the end of the story. Remaining at the palace posed too great a risk to her safety.