Tears welled up in Vivian’s eyes and her voice began to break. She could never forget the feeling of being falsely accused with no one to believe her. It had traumatized her for life.
“Therefore, I wanted Evelyn to know how it felt like not to be believed by others,” Vivian explained with a hateful tone. “I wanted Finnick and my adopted mom, people who didn’t believe me then to not believe her now. I want them to feel utterly disappointed with her and I want Evelyn ruined!”
Just as she spoke, Vivian could feel the rush of revenge fill her soul.
Does Evelyn still think I’m the same person that was easily manipulated by her years ago? Despite her hatred for Evelyn, Vivian was still cordial every time they met. What does she think I’m doing this for?
By getting close to Evelyn, she could set a trap for her. Just like how Evelyn sabotaged her in the past. Does Evelyn think that only she knows how to play this game? As of now, I do too!
Despite Vivian’s overflowing hatred, Hunter wasn’t disgusted nor frightened by it. Instead, all he felt was sympathy for her.
After spending so much time with her, he figured he had finally got to know her. Despite her indifferent attitude toward him, he understood that she was gentle at heart and still harbored feelings for Finnick. It was obvious from the moment she risked her life to save Finnick at the cruise ship.
What did Evelyn do to her to fill her with so much hatred? To the extent she would go against her own gentle nature just to ruin Evelyn? How deeply was she hurt then?
“Vivian,” Hunter asked in earnest, “why are you telling me all this? Aren’t you worried that I tell Evelyn?”
“Didn’t you say that you’re on my side?” Vivian replied with equal resolve. “I didn’t believe you before this. But now, I do.”
Having heard Vivian’s words, Hunter’s heart was inexplicably filled with emotion when he realized that she finally believed his feelings for her were true.
“I’m sorry, Hunter. All I wanted was for the man to pretend to attack me. I would avoid him at the last minute and then come away with light injuries,” Vivian explained with her face filled with guilt.
“However, I didn’t expect you to suddenly dash out and shield me from the knife. I’m sorry. It’s my fault that you got hurt. I’m really sorry. Will you ever forgive me?”
“Do you think I ever will?” Hunter threw the question back at her in an angry tone.
Taking a deep breath, Vivian bit her lip tightly. She wasn’t expecting Hunter to forgive her. “I’m sorry. I know you may not want to hear all these. But, all I can do now…”
“Do you think I’m blaming you because I got hurt? I’m angry at you for not knowing how to protect yourself!” Hunter interrupted Vivian’s apology.
“I can understand why you want revenge. But, there are so many other ways to do it. Why must you choose one that would get yourself hurt? Do you even think you have control over the situation? Given the chaos, what if the man accidentally stabs you? Have you ever thought of what the consequences are?”
His words only served to intensify Vivian’s guilt. She could sense his underlying concern for her while he was reprimanding her.
After all, he was lying in the hospital bed because of her. Instead of blaming her, he was still worried for her safety. She wondered how she was ever going to reciprocate his affection for her.
“Hunter, are you disappointed in me? I’m no different from Evelyn now. In fact, I’m just as vicious as her,” Vivian remarked with her gaze lowered.
After reflecting on the incident, she couldn’t believe that she was cruel enough to do something like that. How am I any different from Evelyn now?
However, I have no regrets as I am sick of always being the victim. Evelyn will never rest until I’m done for. Hence, for Larry’s sake, I have to strike before she does.
“From the eyes of the law, self-defense is not a crime,” Hunter replied with a smile. “Furthermore, you are a fool who chose to hurt yourself as a method of self-defense.”
