Unveiled Secret

CHAPTER 3

The gentle notes of Chopin's Nocturne drifted through the de La Rouge mansion as Vivienne's fingers danced across the piano keys. Her grandmother, Madame de La Rouge, sat nearby, a contented smile gracing her weathered face.

As the final chord faded, Vivienne turned to her grandmother. "Grandmère, I've been thinking..."

"What troubles you, my dear?"

Vivienne's fingers traced the intricate carvings on the piano. "I'm grateful for this life, truly. But I feel... incomplete."

Louis entered the room, his footsteps echoing on the polished floor. "Is everything alright?"

"Vivienne seems to have something on her mind," Madame de La Rouge replied, her eyes never leaving her granddaughter.

Vivienne took a deep breath. "Louis, I want to work at the hospital with Dr. Bennet."

Louis's brow furrowed. "The hospital? But why?"

"I need a purpose, something beyond these walls. Dr. Bennet saved my life. I want to give back, to help others as he helped me."

Madame de La Rouge reached for Vivienne's hand. "My dear, are you certain?"

Vivienne nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "More than anything, Grandmère. Please, Louis, will you allow it?"

Louis's expression softened. "If this is truly what you desire, how can I refuse? But promise me you'll be careful."

A radiant smile lit up Vivienne's face. "Thank you, Uncle Louis. I promise, I won't let you down." Louis chuckled, his usual seriousness melting away. "Very well, then. Just remember, the hospital isn't a playground."

Vivienne's laugh filled the room, a sound like chimes dancing in the breeze. "I'll keep that in mind," she replied, her enthusiasm bubbling over.

With her resolve firm, she stood up, smoothing her dress. "I'll go speak with Dr. Bennet now. There's no time to waste."

Louis leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "You might want to prepare yourself for his reaction. He's a busy man."

"Vivienne raised an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Dr. Bennet will be surprised, not dismissive. I think he'll welcome the help."

Madame de La Rouge chuckled softly. "Your confidence is admirable, but don't forget that he bears the weight of many lives in his hands. He may see it as a burden."

Vivienne squared her shoulders . "Then I'll show him that I can be an asset, not a liability."

She tiptoed past Louis, her heart racing with anticipation. As she strode through the opulent halls of the de La Rouge mansion, Vivienne's mind buzzed with possibilities. The grand chandeliers glinted above her as she moved, their light offering a sense of clarity that contrasted with the storm brewing in her heart.

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The hospital loomed ahead, its stone façade, a blend of warmth and austerity. As she stepped inside, the air tinged with antiseptic and the sounds of bustling activity surrounded her. Nurses hurried past, their voices a hurried symphony of urgency and reassurance, while the faint echo of distant patients filled the air.

Vivienne approached the reception area, where a nurse glanced up, her eyes widening in recognition. "Miss de La Rouge! What brings you here?"

"I'm looking for Dr. Bennet. Is he available?" Vivienne replied, her voice steady despite the flurry of nerves within her.