Victoria, Cynthia’s older sister, is a stark contrast to her free-spirited sibling. Practical, composed, and often the voice of reason, Victoria has always taken life a little more seriously. Before becoming a single mother, she was on the fast track to becoming a partner at a respected law firm, but she gave it up to focus on raising her daughter, Catherine, shouldering that responsibility with quiet determination. Though Victoria largely navigated the challenges of parenthood on her own, she was never without Cynthia’s and Richard’s support. Before starting her own family, Cynthia had the time and freedom to be there for her sister, and Victoria quietly appreciated that unwavering presence in her life.
Victoria’s strong-willed nature sometimes puts her at odds with Cynthia’s more carefree approach to life, but beneath her composed exterior, she cares deeply for her family—even if she shows it in her own, sometimes rigid, way.
Victoria and Cynthia had always been opposites in many ways. Cynthia, with her easygoing humor, often made light of situations that Victoria preferred to approach with a little more decorum. When the topic of the garden came up, Cynthia couldn’t resist making a crass joke about Max tending to Victoria’s “bush.” Victoria knew exactly what Cynthia was suggesting, and while Max was perhaps one of the few men in her life she trusted, he was someone she respected, and she wouldn’t dream of taking advantage of him that way. Her response, though, might have come off as a little more protective than she intended, but it was enough to keep her sister’s comment at bay. Cynthia’s wry smile suggested she had read between the lines of Victoria’s reaction, sensing that while her sister hadn’t directly confronted the suggestion, she hadn’t completely ruled it out either. Victoria, however, chose not to engage with her sister’s games.
Catherine moving away was a source of pride for Victoria but also left her with a quiet longing. While she was happy to see her daughter pursue her own life, the house felt emptier, and the rhythm of daily life had changed. As a neighbor, Max’s mom had always gotten on well with Victoria, and much to his dismay, she frequently volunteered him to help with chores around the house and garden. Not one to ask for help but always willing to accept it, Victoria found herself appreciating the occasional company, enjoying the presence of a younger man around the house, even if only for brief moments. It gave her a sense of liveliness she hadn’t realized she’d missed.
Victoria has watched Max grow into a handsome young man, his confidence and maturity blossoming with each passing year. It stirs up memories of the affair with Catherine’s father, a time when her desires often overruled her better judgment. Lately, Max’s mom has been suggesting that Victoria should start thinking about herself for a change—maybe even consider finding a man. Victoria, however, is quick to brush off the idea, insisting she’s perfectly fine on her own. She’s content with what she has for now. As for a man in her life, well, she has Max—and perhaps, for the moment, that’s all she needs.