48. GRUDGES

~ Violet ~ Despite the tension in the air, dinner went by without a hitch. There was just mostly small talk, conversations about food, babies, or the weather, and nothing else. Everyone was pretty much walking on eggshells, not wanting to stir any drama.  After dinner was over, Violet helped Barbara back to her room as everyone else also retreated back to their places. The big house felt empty now as the lights went down. Violet passed the dining room on her way back and noticed how everything was already cleaned up by the maids. It felt like such a stark difference after having more than ten people in one room to having none. It felt kind of lonely. Standing in this huge place all alone.  Violet stopped for a moment and stood by the large glass window overlooking the garden. Once her family leaves and Damon’s let go of most of his hired men, there wouldn’t be too many people around here anymore. It was just gonna be Damon, Talia, Liam, and Beau… and maybe her too. But that was it. Jus