[Vivienne]“You’re insane!” I tell him, shoving his hand off my face.He shrugs. “I’m just telling you the truth.”“You’re talking nonsense.”“Well, that’s not for you to decide.”I want to scream so bad. God! I knew he was arrogant and aloof and zombie-serious, but I didn’t expect him to be such an…such an…asshole!“You think I can only fall in love with you?” If that’s what he thinks, he’s damn wrong. “Well, then, I guess you’re in for a huge disappointment. Because I’m no longer in love with you. It was my biggest mistake in the first place, but twice? Please. I’m not that stupid.”He sits down next to me and takes out his phone, completely ignoring me.He calls someone. “Yes. What’s the status of the plane?”I can hear the voice from the other end, not clearly but enough to make out the person is talking something about the weather.I glance out the window and notice it’s raining.“Alright. Let me know when they give us the go,” he says, then hangs up.“Looks like we’re stuck here
[Vivienne]“Are you out of your mind?”I don’t know what else to say, what else to feel—about all this. This man has to have lost a few brain cells somehow to think I would actually kiss him.“Did you hit your head or something?” I ask, looking for some cuts and bruises around his face. “A very bad concussion perhaps?”Because this is definitely not something a normal Caden would ask of. Well, unless he had a huge memory loss after some tragic accident and he forgot an enormous part of his life. The part where he decided to be an asshole to his wife.Despite my crudeness, however, he doesn’t move or loosen his grip on my waist. Instead, his fingers dig deeper into my skin, making me gasp at the sharp, pinching pain.Leaning closer, he brushes his nose along my cheek, his eyes shamelessly glued to my lips.“Don’t pretend you’re not a little excited at the idea of something happening between us right now,” he whispers, his warm breath grazing my skin. My eyes squeeze shut as I press my
[Vivienne]I don’t know what to say to that.I mean, I can. There’s so much I can say, blame him back for this or that, or maybe hurl the insults back at him. Because that seems like the only thing we both seemed to be good at, now that there’s no relationship left between us.But I press my lips together and look away, refusing to get sucked into this vicious cycle of accusations being thrown around. I know that at the end of the day, I’ll be the one who’s hurt. Caden? He’ll just walk away, head held high, like he always does.“What? Nothing left to say? No comebacks?” he taunts, and if he thinks I don’t know what he’s trying to do, he’s dead wrong.But I’m not taking the bait. I’m not going to lose my temper more than I already have. Instead, I need to focus on getting out of this situation—that should be my number one priority right now.He scoffs. “Fine by me.”Silence follows.He places a plate in front of me, then another in front of himself, and we eat, as civilly as possible,
[Vivienne]“Fuck!” Caden limps toward the bed, sitting down with a groan. “Are you crazy?”I roll my eyes, wanting to do so much more than just crush his foot. “Well, two can play this game. Besides, what did you say earlier? You’re having quite a bit of fun, right? Well, this is me having fun too. And guess what? I’m just getting started.”His eyes widen at my words, but before he can even ‘think’ about ignoring his aching foot and rushing across the room to stop me, I’m already grabbing the showpiece to my right and hurling it to the floor. The china shatters completely, scattering broken pieces everywhere.Then, I just grab whatever I can reach and throw it either at the floor or against the nearest wall.Caden just watches, not saying a word, not even reacting.Though he’s definitely thinking something. Maybe he thinks I’ve gone crazy. And maybe that’s exactly what I need to be for him to get off my back.After I have successfully destroyed the whole room, I finally take a deep br
[Vivienne]“Why do you even care what man I’m with or not with?” I ask after he oh-so-casually tells me to stay away from ‘that’ man.I’m not going to pretend I don’t know who he’s talking about. There’s only one person he could mean, and that man happens to be Alexander Bane. I haven’t forgotten the way he kept glaring at him in that conference room, as if he wanted nothing more than to eat him alive.Then again, Caden always looks at everyone as if he couldn’t be more pissed off. He’s just not a very happy man.“I don’t care,” he shrugs as if that should be obvious. “I just don’t want you to regret it.”“And you know I’ll regret it because…?”“Because you’re not a very good decision-maker.”My eyes widen. “Are you serious right now? You’re telling me I’m bad at making decisions? Who the hell are you to say that?” I scoff. “Says the man who bangs his assistant behind his wife’s back. You know what? I don’t think you have the right to say anything at all. So maybe you should just shut
[Vivienne]This time when he gets off me and moves away, I feel so damn relieved, I don’t have words to express it. I feel like someone suddenly lifted a heavy weight off my chest, as if I can suddenly breathe.I sit up as soon as I can, pushing my stray hair into place.Caden opens the door and reveals his new assistant.She hands him something. “Got a room on the seventh floor. You can move whenever you’re ready, sir.”I roll my eyes. There’s no way I’m leaving this room and getting into another one with this man. I don’t know how, but I’ll find my way out.Caden shuts the door and turns to face me. “Come on, we are leaving.”He grabs something from the nightstand and shoves it into his pants pocket, before looking around, as if trying to make sure he didn’t forget anything.If only I had a phone right now. I could call my Rosita or my brother or even Alexander for help.Speaking of Rosita—shit! I still don’t know where she is. Alexander did tell me on the flight that she would be w
[Vivienne]Before I even turn around to see who it is, I feel a huge sense of relief in my heart.“Rosita!” I gasp, nearly running to her and throwing my arms around her. She hugs me back just as tightly, and we both start crying, maybe because, for a moment, we thought we might never see each other again.An irrational fear, but a fear all the same.She pulls away first. “How are you? Oh my God, I was so damn worried. I’m so glad you’re okay. You are okay, right? Did he hurt you? Anywhere? You need to tell me if that’s the case. I’ll slit his—”“I’m fine,” I assure her, and she takes a deep breath.“For now, I’m taking your word for it, but later, I’ll want proof.” She says this, but I have no idea what she means.Did she mean she’ll—“What’s going on here?” she asks, and I follow her gaze, only to realize I completely forgot about the audience I gathered to humiliate Caden.But now it’s my turn to frown, because Caden and his assistant are nowhere to be seen.As if sensing my confusi
[Vivienne]I sink to the floor, staring at the result, unable to believe my eyes. My fate. My luck.I can’t help but scoff at the irony of it all.For three years, I did everything to get pregnant. Everything. I kept logs of my days and nights, of my routine, of my cycle—everything. But not even by accident did I ever get pregnant.And now? When I’ve finally decided to move on—I am moving on—I get pregnant after one night of drunk sex.“Viv?” Rosita calls from outside.I don’t even have the strength to hide my emotions. “Y-yes?”“Uh… I was… I was leaving. You okay?” Her voice grows closer to the door. “You sound a bit… different.”I touch my face and notice the tears glistening on the tips of my fingers.I laugh through them. “Yes, yes. I’m fine.”“Ooookay! Are you saying that just so I don’t worry?”“Yes! I mean, no. I—I don’t know?”“Yeah, that’s what I thought. Alright, the plan’s changed. I’m here now. Tell me what’s going on. I’m all ears.”I check the result one more time—I don’t
[Vivienne]My feet come to a halt, and I freeze where I am.Did I just… hear that?I can’t even be sure. There’s so much going on in my head that if someone told me I was hallucinating, I wouldn’t even be surprised.The only difference? It doesn’t seem like I am.I know I heard that. And I know, I know that voice.I turn around, brows furrowed, and take another moment just to look at the woman on the bed.“Did you say something?” I ask, slowly walking back to her, curious as to how the hell she knows my name.But the woman is silent once again, the lines on the screen making no different patterns.Maybe I did hallucinate that…I shake my head, ready to leave, when, from the corner of my eye, I notice a small movement of her hand.Her fingers—trying to lift, trying to say something.I move closer to her bed.“Hey.” I reach for her hand, hoping to calm her down. “You’re okay. It’s all going to be okay.”I don’t know if the words coming out of my mouth right now are true or a lie, but sh
[Vivienne]The nurse leads me to the operating theater first but asks me to wait outside.My hands shake as I stare at the door, wondering how Harvey must be doing.How the hell did he get into an accident? Who was the woman with him? Why did he skip work? And what the hell was he doing on the west side of the city? We don’t even have any offices there.That area is basically filled with schools, colleges, and other educational institutes."If you need anything else, I’ll be at the reception," the nurse says, ready to leave and get back to her work.I don’t let her, though.I speak before she can even turn. "How long is it going to take?"She understands what I mean by it—she must face situations like this every day. "Nothing can be said for sure right now. And I understand that waiting feels difficult, especially when your brother is in there. But trust me, the best thing you can do right now is let the doctors do their job. They will tell you everything once they’re done treating yo
I decide to pick up my things from Harvey’s place and head back to our grandparents’ house.It’s the only place where I can think clearly and have some peace to myself.God knows I need a moment to just breathe.So much has happened in a single day—my body and brain both need a well-earned break.When I arrive at his place, Mimi still hasn’t returned from school.Good. Because if she had tried to stop me one more time with those big, adorable eyes, I probably would have changed my mind. That girl has some serious charm. No wonder Harvey can’t resist any of her demands—same goes for my parents.Dad once told me that when he took her to his office—back before he retired—she demanded to play loud pony-themed music and made everyone dance, as if the entire company had thrown a party just for her.Easy to say, the employees couldn’t have asked for a better break—or a better boss.Anyway, I grab my stuff and get back into the car, making sure to leave a text for Harvey so he knows my unexpec
[Vivienne]Once I’m far enough that Avery’s screaming fades into the background, I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself.God knows what’s up with these Lawrences lately. Have they all sworn to make my life hell? To never let me have a moment of peace?I shake my head and push some loose dark curls out of my face.When I return to the table, I find Theo sitting alone.And my anger flares all over again.How could he do this to me? Out of all the women he could have dated, he chose her—the sister of my ex-husband? Did he have no respect for me? Did I not tell him what that family did to me?How could he ignore all of that and fall for a girl who is neither right for him nor anything like him?She’s just like her mother. Like Sasha. Evil. Pure evil.I still remember the day she threw that scorching coffee in my face at the café…Anyway, I take a deep breath and make my way to the table.Theo sees me approaching, and before I can say a word, he stands up, hands braced against the tab
I stare at her, unsure whether to laugh in her face or take her seriously.“End me?” I tip my head to the side, pushing her off me at the same time. “Do you hear yourself? You sound unhinged.”“You think I’m joking?”“Nah, more like you’re trying to be something you’re not.”“You think I can’t hurt you?”I roll my eyes. “Oh, please. You? Hurt me? Avery, you’re a spoiled little brat from a family of professional liars and melodramatic wannabe royals. The only thing you’ve ever ‘ended’ is a shopping spree when Daddy cut you off. So, forgive me if I find it absolutely hilarious that you think you’re some kind of threat.”Avery’s mouth drops open.She probably didn’t expect me to say something like that.I’m not surprised. I was never this sassy in front of Caden’s family. I was good, loyal, and completely dedicated. But instead of appreciating any of it, they always assumed the worst of me.And—shockingly—they still do.Anyway, now that she has nothing to say, I turn to finally get the h
[Vivienne]Avery looks just as surprised to see me.Her eyes widen, and she jolts to her feet, her face slowly turning pale.Theo probably notices her odd reaction, but before he can say anything, Avery quickly grabs my arm and giggles over her shoulder.“You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for someone to arrive. I desperately need a lady’s help. Be right back!”And with that bizarre excuse, she drags me to the bathroom, shuts the door, and spins to face me—a crown of sweat already glistening on her forehead.“What the fuck are you doing here?” she snaps, glaring at me with those little brown eyes of hers.I raise a brow. “I could ask you the same question, couldn’t I?”“Oh, shut up!”“If that’s what you want.” I turn to leave. If she wants me to shut up, then I’d rather spend my time elsewhere.But of course, she doesn’t let me.She grabs my arm and yanks me back around—hard this time.I hiss and wrench myself free. “Are you crazy? You’re hurting me.”Instead of looking guilt
[Vivienne]When I reach the office building—invited by none other than Theo—I take the elevator to his office.His assistant meets me halfway and leads me inside.Surprisingly, the room is empty.“Sir is stuck in a meeting, but he assured me he’ll be joining you soon. Can I get you anything in the meantime? Juice, coffee, or something to eat?” the assistant asks courteously, a gentle smile on her pretty face.“Just water. Thanks.”She nods and steps out, leaving me alone.I take a deep breath and sink onto the sofa across the room—the only spot where my aching back might find some relief.Just then, I feel a small kick against the side of my swollen belly—a gentle reminder that my little one has started to move.I smile.It’s a feeling I can’t quite put into words.The baby kicks started a few days ago, and God knows I’ve been dying to talk to someone about it. Maybe that’s why I wanted to invite Rosita over or visit Mom—just to share this beautiful news with her.But then Caden showe
[Rosita]I don’t like surprises.Not when they keep me this on edge.Ever since we left my office, Harvey has been as silent as ever. He insisted on driving himself, and when I asked where he was taking me, he told me to have some patience.Well, it seems I don’t have the energy for patience either.“Are you sure you’re not about to push me off a cliff or something?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest and gazing at the scenery passing by outside the window.I hear him scoff out a small chuckle, the corner of his lips curving ever so slightly. “You have a bizarre sense of humor, you know that?”“You say that like it’s news to you,” I steal a glance at him—his hands gripping the wheel, his gaze steady on the road ahead. He’s always so composed, so frustratingly unreadable.I huff and lean back in my seat. “Are you planning to keep me in suspense forever, or are you actually going to tell me where the hell we’re going?”“Relax, Rosita. We’re almost there.”I don’t like that answer. I
[Caden]I walk out of the mansion and reach my car, already parked in the driveway.But I don’t get inside and move on with my day.No. I stop just before getting in and slam my fist against the roof of the car.Damn it! So close. I was so damn close to telling her everything. If only she had given me a chance.But can I really blame her? Is it really her fault for not giving me a chance now?The answer is no. I can’t blame her, and she isn’t at fault. I’ve wronged her in too many ways for her to believe that this time, when I speak to her, it comes straight from my heart. My words. My effort. My care.But does that mean I should just… give up?Absolutely not.I turn to face the mansion I just walked out of and mumble to myself,“You think I don’t want the child. But you couldn’t be more wrong. I have never wanted anything more in my life. But I have my reasons for holding back. I have a reason for not wanting to pass on my disabilities to our child—to keep them from suffering the sam