Chapter Sixty-Six

Vivan looked away, a flicker of sadness crossing her face before she managed a weak smile.

"I... I've been dealing with some health issues," she admitted, her voice carrying the weight of her struggles.

"But you're not here to check on me, right?" she asked, her brows slightly raised.

Clarissa sighed, stepping forward and clasping and unclasping her hands. "No," she said quietly, her eyes filled with sincerity.

"I'm here to apologize. I regret how I acted last time, the things I said... They were uncalled for."

Vivan's eyes narrowed, studying Clarissa with confusion.

"I'm sorry, but did Reynold put you up to this? Because if so, you really don't need to..."

"No, he didn't," Clarissa interjected.

She sighed, licking her lips before continuing, "When I found out that you had returned to town and considering the problems I was having with Reynold, I thought you were the cause... but the harsh truth is that I am... the cause."

"And I allowed my insecurities and frustrations to cloud my ju