Unveiled Secret

CHAPTER 15

The once-vibrant streets of Paris now seemed drained of color, a pale reflection of the city Steven had come to love. He stood at the edge of the Seine, watching the murky waters swirl beneath him, mirroring the turmoil in his heart.

"I can't stay here any longer," he whispered to the river. "Every corner, every cobblestone... they all remind me of her."

The weight of Vivienne's absence pressed down on him, an invisible force threatening to crush his spirit. He closed his eyes, memories flooding his mind - her laughter echoing through the hospital corridors, the determined set of her jaw as she tended to patients, the warmth of her hand in his...

A voice cut through his reverie. "Doctor Bennet?"

Steven turned to find Louis de La Rouge, his face etched with worry and fatigue. "Monsieur de La Rouge," he acknowledged, his voice hollow.

"I had hoped to find you here," Louis said, stepping closer. "You've been... scarce these past weeks."

"I apologize for my absence," Steven replied, his gaze drifting back to the river. "I've been... preoccupied."

Louis nodded, understanding in his eyes. "We all have. Vivienne's disappearance has left a void in all our lives."

The mention of her name sent a fresh wave of pain through Steven's chest. "I've made a decision, Monsieur de La Rouge. I'm leaving Paris."

Louis's eyebrows shot up. "Leaving? But surely there's still hope. The search parties-"

"Have found nothing," Steven interrupted, his voice sharp. "It's been months, Louis. Months of searching, of hoping, of praying. And what do we have to show for it? Nothing but Philipe's cruel words echoing in our ears."

"You can't truly believe she's..." Louis couldn't bring himself to say the word.

Steven's shoulders slumped. "I don't know what to believe anymore. But I do know that I can't stay here, surrounded by these constant reminders of what I've lost."

"Where will you go?"

"England," Steven replied, a hint of determination creeping into his voice. "My family is there, opportunities to continue my work. Perhaps... perhaps a fresh start is what I need."

Louis placed a hand on Steven's shoulder. "And what of Henri? Have you spoken to him?"

Steven's jaw clenched at the mention of Henri's name. "No," he said curtly. "And I don't intend to."

"Steven," Louis began, his tone gentle but firm. "I know there's been... tension between you and Henri. But he's suffering too. Perhaps if you both-"

"Both what?" Steven snapped, whirling to face Louis. "Commiserate over our shared loss? Pretend that we're not both responsible for what happened to her?"

Louis took a step back, startled by the outburst. "That's not fair, Steven. Neither of you could have known-"

"Couldn't we?" Steven's voice was bitter. "I should have been there for her. I should have protected her. And Henri... Henri pushed her away when she needed him most."

"You're both grieving," Louis said softly. "Don't let that grief turn to anger. It won't bring her back."

Steven's shoulders sagged, the fight draining out of him. "No," he agreed. "Nothing will bring her back."

A heavy silence fell between them, broken only by the gentle lapping of the river against the stone embankment. Finally, Steven spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper.