Chapter 170

Vivian's eyes welled up with exhausted tears the moment she saw Evelyn Whitmore, the woman who had been like a mother to her.

"Evelyn, I'm in so much pain!"

She collapsed into the older woman's embrace like a lost child, sobbing uncontrollably.

For four long years - through her family's downfall, her grandfather's death, even her divorce from Nathaniel - she hadn't shed a single tear. She'd stood strong as granite.

But being unbreakable was exhausting. She was just twenty years old! She didn't want to be strong anymore!

Evelyn was startled. Seeing Vivian in such a vulnerable state twisted her heart. Tears pricked her own eyes as she gently stroked Vivian's back. "Hush now, Miss Lockhart. I'm here. You're safe with me."

Like a wounded puppy finding shelter, Vivian melted into Evelyn's comforting embrace. For the first time in years, she felt peace. The tension drained from her body.

Evelyn had been Vivian's nanny since birth, with generations of midwifery knowledge in her blood. One glance at Vivian's pale complexion and protective hand over her stomach told her everything.

"Miss Lockhart...are you expecting?" Evelyn asked carefully.

"I—" Vivian hadn't planned to confess, the denial already forming on her lips.

But Evelyn took her wrist, fingers finding the pulse point. "Nearly three months along, unless I'm mistaken?"

"You always know," Vivian admitted with a weak smile.

The Whitmores were legendary healers. Vivian's grandmother had personally recruited Evelyn to care for the Lockhart women. Her medical wisdom surpassed most doctors.

Evelyn's fingers remained on Vivian's wrist, her brow furrowing. "You've overexerted yourself today. Your pulse is erratic. To bed with you - I'll prepare something to help."

"Thank you, Evelyn."

Vivian obeyed without question, retreating to her bedroom.

Evelyn brewed an ancient family remedy, the same that had sustained Lockhart women for generations. She returned with a steaming cup.

"Drink this, child. The pain will ease."

Vivian swallowed the bitter liquid without hesitation. She trusted Evelyn more than anyone - more than Liam, more than Sophia.

Warmth spread through her abdomen instantly. The cramping dulled to a faint ache.

"It's working! You're amazing, Evelyn!" Vivian's eyes shone with admiration.

"Naturally. My great-grandfather was the legendary Sage of Willowbrook. Though I inherited but a fraction of his skill, protecting an unborn child is simple."

Pride laced Evelyn's voice as she spoke of her ancestry.

"The miracle worker who could cure the dying? That was your ancestor?" Vivian's respect deepened. She'd known Evelyn came from healers, but not this legendary lineage. It dwarfed even the Lockhart legacy!

A question burned in Vivian's throat. "Evelyn...if your family was so renowned, why become a nanny? Why not practice medicine?"

Evelyn smiled mysteriously. "I was entrusted with this path. Caring for you and your mother wasn't a waste - it was my destiny."

"Entrusted? By my grandmother?" Vivian's curiosity sharpened. "Tell me about her, Evelyn. Please."