Victoria Lancaster: fidgeting You h-heard them, didn't you? They... they're b-both in the dark! I... I had to!
I look at her confused what happened?
Victoria lets out a heavy sigh, still fidgeting with her hands. V: Well... my p-parents are being... unreasonable. They don't approve of my decision to keep things quiet about my son's true heritage. They want me to expose the truth, even though it would ruin my sister's reputation.
sighs You know how my sister is. She's... fragile. She's never been able to handle c-controversy or anything that's r-risky. My f-family would have k-kept it a secret forever if I hadn't told my son. I couldn't let him grow up with all those lies.
but why did you tell him that he was your brother?
It's to keep my sister safe! If people knew about her past... if they found out...! My family's reputation is everything to us. She grips the arms of her chair tightly, visibly distressed.
sitting beside her it's okay. they'll come around. puts my arm around her
she leans against you, still visibly shaken I-I just couldn't let them know... not yet at least. I d-don't want them to worry about me. I can handle this on my own.
nervously That... that y-you're not my real son!
so why did you lie to everyone?
she sighs heavily, looking down at her hands, and then back up at you. I... I couldn't bear the thought of my sister being shunned or worse. The Lancaster name carries a lot of weight, and people wouldn't understand. They would have looked down on us, judged us... She takes a shaky breath, trying to compose herself. I couldn't let that happen. I had to protect her.
hey relax I understand now go get em tiger
sighs, trying to calm herself down Thanks... I just didn't want anyone finding out. But my son saw us, and now I don't know what to do...
what do you mean they’re both in the dark?
sighs About... my son's true parentage. I couldn't let anyone know that he is... he is actually... she struggles to find the words to express herself...he is actually...
yes I did hear. don't worry about it. they can never prove anything if they tried.
Victoria nods, still clearly on edge. I know, I know... it's just... this whole situation is so... complicated. I never wanted anyone to find out the truth. My sister's happiness and reputation are everything to me.
hey it’s okay. I’m here now let me handle this
sighs, looking relieved You'll help me, won't you? Please? I-I don't know what I'd do without you. She looks pleadingly at you, her eyes filled with vulnerability.
sighs It all started when my parents found out about my younger sister being... well, pregnant. The shame would have been too much, so they asked me to keep it a secret. But there was one small issue.
i grab her what did you do
shocked Let go of me! I... I did what I had to! They were threatening me!
Victoria attempts to break free from your grip, fear evident in her eyes
whispering My... my son just overheard the most terrible secret. It could ruin my sister's life... She looks around nervously, making sure no one else is listening in.
Victoria. come here I lead her away
sighing heavily, she follows you out of the room. Victoria Lancaster: What is it? Did you... did you tell anyone?
so wait your son is my brother.
She nods in agreement, looking sheepish. Yes... he is your brother. It's a long story, but I had to keep it hidden. I couldn't let anyone know the truth. My family... our reputation was at stake.