CHAPTER 381: HARDEST THING TO DO

Vicky’s POV

I flinched when a soft voice broke through the quiet. "Why are you hiding here?"

I turned, startled, and found Ella approaching me from the stairs. I forced a smile and lifted a shoulder like it was nothing. "I’m not sure. My legs just... walked me here," I joked weakly, leaning against the cool back wall of the kitchen.

Ella stepped closer, eyes narrowing with that annoyingly perceptive look of hers. "Or maybe," she said, "you’re worried. Not just about your brothers... but about Oliver too. Right?"

My smile faltered. I exhaled, letting the truth slip out in pieces. "Maybe. I just..." My gaze drifted past her, toward the open dining where the men were gathered, drinks in hand, the sun catching their laughter. "I just wish Oliver had chosen a different path. Don’t misunderstand, I’m thankful. He’s been with us for years, carrying more weight than he ever should’ve. But this life? It’s dangerous, Ella."

Her brows pulled together. "Dangerous how?"

My stomach twisted. Memories I had buried deep began to stir. "People died," I whispered. "My father’s lawyer, his best friend, was killed. His father, too, was the head of security at that time. They were both protecting my family." My throat tightened as the story from the past resurfaced in my memory. "I can’t watch Oliver walk the same road."

Ella moved behind me and gently rubbed my shoulders, grounding me. "You’re carrying too much fear," she murmured. "Things were different back then. They didn’t have half the systems we have now. Now there are cameras everywhere, real-time monitoring, and trained security teams. Your family is more prepared than ever. Times have changed... maybe you can breathe a little easier."

I glanced at her and gave a small, grateful smile. She was right, partially. But she didn’t know everything. Neither did my father nor my brothers. And I intended to keep it that way, at least for now.

Some secrets weren’t mine to reveal. Some truths would shatter people in ways no security system could prevent.

I looked back at Oliver, laughing, loyal to a fault... Still punishing himself.

I had spent years protecting everyone from a truth that could destroy the ground we stood on.

And if the day ever comes when that truth threatens to surface...

Then I might have no choice but to betray the very man I’ve spent my life keeping safe.

Ella and I were still tucked in our little corner when a sharp voice sliced through our quiet moment.

"What are you two doing over there?"

We both straightened like guilty teenagers. My mom stood on the stone pathway coming from the lush forest, hands on her hips, eyes narrowed in that way only a mother could perfect.

"Oh, just chatting," Ella said quickly, flashing her sweetest smile.

"Yeah," I added, trying not to look like I’d been spiraling into the depths of my trauma thirty seconds earlier.

Mom’s gaze flicked between us, unconvinced but letting it go. "Mm-hm."

I quickly changed the subject. "Do you happen to know where Wendy and Evelyn ran off to?"

"They were supposed to help me prep," Mom sighed dramatically. "But now they’re out there picking fruits with the staff. And from what I heard, they’re enjoying it a little too much." She rolled her eyes fondly. "I swear, those two see one mango tree and they forget the world exists."

Ella laughed. I couldn’t help chuckling too, yeah, that sounded exactly like them.

She clapped her hands lightly, signaling the shift in mood. "Anyway. Since my helpers have apparently abandoned me for fruit-harvesting adventures..." She gave us a pointed look. "...do either of you want to help me prepare some food?"

"Menu changed again?" I guessed.

"Oh yes." She huffed but smiled. "Your sister-in-law’s nose is in full diva mode today. Georgia walked past the fresh catch and almost threw up. So anything that even smells like it came from the sea is out."

Ella giggled. "Poor Georgia."

Despite everything simmering under my skin moments ago, I felt myself relax. This small chaos, this loud, loving domestic madness, it was familiar. Safe.

"Alright," I said, stepping away from the wall. "Tell us what you need."

Mom’s eyes lit up as she ushered us to the kitchen counter. "Perfect. I need slicing, marinating, and someone to taste-test the dishes that won’t make a pregnant woman throw up."

Ella nudged me. "That’s you."

I groaned but followed them in, grateful, at least for now, for the distraction.

For a moment, the clatter of knives and the rhythm of slicing really did distract me. The kitchen smelled of ginger, garlic, and something citrusy Mom had just zested. It kept my thoughts from drifting back to the shadows I’d been avoiding.

Then the air shifted. Heavy footsteps.

I didn’t even have to look up to know who it was.

"Need a hand?" Oliver’s voice came from right beside me, warm and steady in that way that always, always got to me.

I blinked at him, surprised. "You? Here? Offering help in the kitchen?"

He smirked. "I’m full of hidden talents."

Before I could get a word in, more footsteps approached, several, actually. The men filed in like a pack of oversized puppies who heard there was something fun happening inside.

"We saw you’re short on hands," Liam said, leaning against the counter. "Need backup?"

Steven chimed in, "Yeah, what can we do?"

Even Nick showed up behind them, tall and quiet, but clearly ready to pitch in.

Mom’s face lit up. "Finally! Actual help!"

She snapped into command mode instantly, classic Mom.

"Benjamin!" she called out.

"Yes, ma’am?" Dad appeared like he’d been waiting for orders his whole life.

"Prep the grill outside. We’re switching the menu."

"Yes, ma’am!" Dad replied with a salute.

Then, she turned to my brothers next. "Nick, Liam—go help the staff with the chicken and pork. They need to be marinated and skewered. Don’t let them do all the hard work."

Nick nodded and was already moving. Liam followed with a dramatic salute.

Then she pointed at Steven. "You—go find Wendy and Evelyn. Tell them to stop harvesting half the island and help carry the fruits and vegetables back to the villa."

Steven groaned. "They’re probably climbing trees again."

Prudence shot him a look. "Then climb with them. Go."

He muttered something under his breath but complied.

"And as for you," she said, turning to Oliver with a pleased expression, "you’re helping my daughter."

My chest tightened. "He—he doesn’t have to—"

"Yes, he does," Prudence declared without letting me finish.

Oliver only chuckled and stepped closer, picking up a spare knife. "Tell me what to slice."

Ella raised her hand from the other side of the counter. "And I’ll peel whatever you two don’t want to deal with."

The warmth of it all hit me at once—too tender, too peaceful for the storm in my chest. But at the same time... comforting.

Oliver stood beside me, close enough that his shoulder brushed mine every now and then as we worked. I tried to focus on the vegetables, the rhythm, the normalcy.

But with him right there, helping me like it was the most natural thing in the world...

Distracting myself suddenly became the hardest thing to do.

******

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