Chapter 1900

chapter1900

Bonnie was overcome with gratitude. "This is wonderful! I finally won't be tormented by nightmares anymore. Thank you, Mr. Atkinson!"

Crispin and Vernon joined in expressing their thanks.

They warmly invited Manfred to stay for dinner, but he declined without hesitation. His mind was elsewhere, entirely preoccupied with thoughts of Vivian. Staying meant she might go hungry tonight; he couldn't allow that.

Manfred politely declined, offering a quick excuse to leave. Before departing, he instructed them to send the copper mirror to the Atkinson residence as soon as possible.

Then, he and Vivian exited Nash Residence together. Once inside the carriage, the two finally had a moment to talk.

Without a word, Manfred pulled Vivian into his arms.

At that moment, concerns about propriety or boundaries meant nothing. What mattered was that Vivian had returned. She was real, tangible, and right before

his eyes.

Vivian stiffened at first, caught off guard, but soon relaxed. She gently patted his back, her voice soft. "When I left last time, I didn't mean to disappear without saying goodbye. I didn't even know why I left so abruptly."

"I know," Manfred said softly. He trusted every word she spoke. He knew she wasn't the kind of person to leave without an explanation.

But this time, her absence had been far too long.

Vivian let out a small sigh of relief. "I was gone for just one night. How long was it for you?"

"One and a half years," Manfred replied in a low voice.

"That long?" Vivian frowned. The realization hit her hard-leaving and returning

might not be as simple as she thought. Time here slipped through her fingers like sand.

"Yes, it's been a long time."

Though reluctant, Manfred

eventually loosened his embracez Holding her any longer might make her uncomfortable, and he didn't want her to think he was

overstepping.

Vivian suddenly thought of Bonnie. "Do you and the princess get along? Do you like each other?"

Manfred arched his brow. "I hardly

know her. My connection to her

father is tenuous at best. They

sought me out because of my grandfather's reputation."

In his heart, no one could ever compare to Vivian.

"I see." Vivian was about to mention that Bonnie might have feelings for him, but she quickly stopped herself. That was not something she should be

nting on.

Moreover, she realized her own feelings were rather complicated.

Hearing Manfred deny any affection for Bonnie brought a sense of relief to her.

Noticing Vivian's unspoken thoughts, Manfred added softly, "I truly have no interest in her."

Vivian let the subject drop. "Is it far from your home?" she asked instead.

"About one hour. Are you thirsty?" He reached for a glass, noticing she hadn't eaten or drunk anything since they left.

The carriage was well-stocked with refreshments. There were tea and snacks available.

Vivian was indeed thirsty, so she took the glass of water and drank it. "Thank you."

Manfred smiled slightly. "There's no need for thanks between us."

He didn't like it when she was too polite. Politeness created distance, and that was the last thing he wanted.

Vivian suddenly remembered something.