Noah did not expect to hear this from Vivienne. He had a complicated look in his eyes when he glanced at Vivienne. For years, he really thought she left because of him. It made him feel guilty at times too. He did not expect that his rejection had nothing to do with her departure. "Is that true?" asked Angelina but the question was directed toward Aurora who shrugged indifferently."It is true," responded Aurora. "It's not like intentionally hid it from you. I did tell you that Vivienne was supposed to leave anyway, don't be so hostile to Noah. Remember?"Angelina vaguely recalled having such a conversation with Aurora in high school right after Vivienne left. But she was too emotional at that time and did not take her words seriously, especially when everyone around them had something else to say about it. A lie spoken a thousand times starts feeling like the truth and rumors are the same. Angelina sighed to herself and drank the cocktail from the cocktail glass feeling the need to
"Vivi, you have to tell me how you made this tiramisu and why I am unable to stop eating it," Angelina had long forgotten about her diet plan as she could not put down any dish that she tried. She felt like this was the first time she couldn't even restrain herself despite having such great self-discipline. She had to believe in Aurora's words that she could never say no to Vivienne's food. "Just teach my husband how to make it."Vivienne looked over at Liam who nodded in agreement, "Yes, please do. I'd love to know how you managed to make it this delicious.""It's Vi's secret recipe," said Aurora proudly. She was not only proud of her best friend's creations, but she was even more proud of the fact that only she had tasted Vivienne's food before today. At least, there was no one at this table that had the honor of tasting Vivienne's food."What secret recipe?" Vivienne laughed at her words. "I just learned it from an old grandma in Italy when I was traveling there. I'll write the reci
Liam gave his cousin a very interesting look as he mentioned, "It's such a coincidence that Noah's dad also wanted him to study law so he could take over the Sullivan family's law firm. But Noah had other plans and dreams." Noah pursed his lips slightly as he took small sips of the drink in his hand. He also found it quite fateful that Vivienne had studied law. Although he didn't know why she wasn't practicing anymore, he was certain that she'd have been a very good lawyer. Someone as smart and empathetic as she was meant to study law. She had always been good at arguing but tried to restrain herself. She also was defensive, critical, and analytical thinking. All of those qualities are needed in a lawyer. Her fleeting emotions did not go by him but he intentionally didn't question anything else. Everyone had their own secrets and he had no reason to pry into her privacy when they weren't close enough.Anyway, he had one very good quality and that was his patience. He didn't think any
"Let's play," said Vivienne as she picked up the cue stick to examine it carefully.Although Noah was expecting this answer, he was still happy when he heard it. "So, you agreed to the bet?""Hmm..." Vivienne hummed in response. "So easily? It makes it seem like you're also looking forward to our date," teased Noah on purpose as he couldn't hold himself back again. He felt like he was really beginning to act a little childish with her around. It was like being free of everything that's been weighing down on him as he could be just himself with her. Because he knew, she won't be the one to judge him.Vivienne threw him a stinky eye saying, "It's just that I believe you won't be the one winning. Your biggest mistake today is that you're underestimating me."Noah gave an 'oh' as an answer which implied something deeper.The pool table was positioned right beside the huge glass windows with sunlight falling over it perfectly enhancing the atmosphere this afternoon. The pool table was an
Hearing the hint of exasperation in her voice, Noah found it quite adorable."Is that so?" Noah replied, stepping even closer until their shoulders touched. "Maybe I'm trying to rub off some luck from you."Vivienne managed to focus enough to make a shot, the ball sinking into the pocket. She turned to Noah, raising an eyebrow, "Nice try but I don't let anyone take anything from me. Even if it's luck."The game progressed, each move more intense than the last. They were neck and neck, each shot more crucial than the previous one. Noah's competitive streak came through, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride every time Vivienne made a good shot.Finally, it was Noah's turn again. He lined up for what could be the winning shot, his expression serious. He shed away his flirtatiousness and teasing demeanor. His attention was entirely on the ball right now with only one thought that he wanted to win. He hadn't felt this competitive in ages and today, he had to win this bet and take
Vivienne was stumped by his question and her hand on his head also stiffened. Only now did she realize what she was doing unconsciously. But she didn't take back her hand immediately in a fluster too, that would show that she was embarrassed. Besides, she loved the texture of his hair and really wanted to run her fingers through his hair like she did the other night.Thinking of the other night, her eyes flickered and she cleared her throat unnaturally as she replied, "I'm appreciating you for your effort and help."Noah raised his brow at her inquisitively, "Oh?""Don't look at me like that," Vivienne wanted to pull her hand back from his head but Noah placed his hand on hers and stopped her movement. "You can continue if you want," he said very naturally with a subtle smile in his eyes. "I don't mind this kind of praise. I was just taken aback that you were treating me like a kid.""That's not the case," retorted Vivienne. "You should know that I traveled a lot in the recent years s
"When did you become so self-deprecating?" questioned Vivienne when she noticed the change in his expression. Earlier, he seemed to be just jokingly or teasingly asking her but now, she could tell that he was genuinely curious about why she was so firmly refusing to go out with him. "The Noah Sullivan I loved would never speak about himself with such modesty."Noah raised his brow at her as he stepped back and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Oh? Then why don't you tell me more about the Noah Sullivan you loved? I'm intrigued now."Vivienne raised her hand to pat her chest and took a few deep breaths to calm her excited heartbeat. Now that he had taken a step back, she finally could breathe again. The feeling of suffocation that his proximity brought to her was lifted and she felt a little bit lost.She looked towards the sun that had almost dipped down making the sky turn darker and darker. Her silence made it feel like she had no intention of answering his question. For a mi
"Let go!" ordered Vivienne in a stern voice, but because of the breathless kiss from earlier, she didn't notice that her sternness was diluted.The tone of her voice only seemed to make Noah feel like someone was scratching his heart, making him want to do something. Noah was really reluctant to let go once he was able to wrap his arms around her. She didn't have a petite figure, in fact, she was rather on the taller side and yet, she seemed to be able to fit perfectly in his arms as if it was where she belonged. This thought made Noah smile in satisfaction as he licked his lips where he could still feel her soft lips' warmth and her sweet, intoxicating taste. "Can't we stay like this for a while?" "Huh?"Noah added, "Just for a minute."He really wanted to just take a break like this. And even if he had some dirty intentions, he didn't act on those impulses as he had already decided to take things slow. Since he couldn't deny that he was attracted to her, and it was a fatal attracti