Vivian swiftly settled into the back seat of Louis's private car, heading straight to the hospital. Inside, she sat anxiously, her emotions a whirlwind of unease and confusion. Pulling out her phone, she began to compose a text message to Otis.“Otis, Kristen is at the hospital. She just fainted. You need to get here right away.” Vivian pressed send, feeling her worry intensify. She had chosen to inform Otis, understanding that Kristen’s habitual hesitance could prevent a swift resolution.Finally, the car pulled up to the hospital, and Vivian quickly got out, nodding in gratitude to the driver, “Thank you! Please wait for me for a moment.”Vivian, following the directions, made her way to Kristen's hospital room. She opened the door to find Kristen lying still on the bed, her face pale but breaking into a smile upon seeing her. Vivian's heart sank, but almost immediately, a wave of relief flooded through her, knowing that Kristen's ability to smile meant she still had strength.Appro
Arriving at home, Kristen swiftly moved to the bedroom, her body sinking into the soft embrace of the bed. Otis, with a gentle touch, began to knead her back, his fingers delicately working to relieve her fatigue. Kristen let out a deep sigh, the sound heavy with the day’s exhaustion. “Just relax, I’ve got you,” Otis whispered, his voice acting as a soothing salve to her weary soul. She smiled in contentment, basking in his care. Her shoulders loosened, and the stiffness in her neck gradually eased. As the last vestiges of her tension dissipated, Otis leaned down, pressing his lips softly to hers. It was a kiss filled with unspoken words and emotions that had built up over the past two weeks, a kiss he longed to give her every day. But just as quickly, Kristen broke the kiss, placing her finger on Otis’s lips with a serious gaze. “I’m hungry,” she stated simply. Otis smiled, planting a tender kiss on her forehead before leaving the bed. “Alright, my love. Stay here and rest. I’ll
The next day, propelled by her promise from the previous night and a nagging curiosity, Vivian made her way to the restaurant where Rachel was already waiting. As she sat down, a warm smile played on her lips, radiating like the morning sun as she greeted Rachel, "Have you ordered anything yet, Rachel?" Rachel extended the menu to Vivian, responding, "I've made my choice, it's your turn now." After a moment's contemplation, Vivian decided, "This is my first time trying Vietnamese cuisine, so I think I'll go with Pho." "I chose Pho for my first Vietnamese meal too, it's really delicious," Rachel reassured her with a smile. The waiter took their orders, and with a deep breath, Vivian ventured into the topic that had been haunting her thoughts, "Rachel, do you know Lucy Hart?" Rachel’s eyes widened in surprise at the question, "Lucy Hart..." she paused, seemingly contemplating how to proceed, yet chose to speak the truth, "Yes, I know her." Vivian held her breath, feeling her palms
Vivian’s phone trembled in her hand, snapping her out of her chaotic reverie. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw Louis’ name flashing on the screen. With shaky hands, she answered, trying to steady her voice. “Bae, where are you right now?” Louis’ voice, laden with worry, resonated through the phone. “I’m on my way to meet Kristen,” Vivian lied, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn't bear the thought of letting him know what was truly happening until she had answers for herself. “Alright, Bae.” Louis responded, his voice carrying a hint of relief. “Call me if you need anything.” “I will,” she hastily said and hung up before he could ask any more questions. Taking a deep breath, Vivian turned on her heels and headed in the opposite direction, towards her home. She needed answers, and she needed them fast. Her steps quickened as she approached the nearest pharmacy, her mind in turmoil. Purchasing a pregnancy test, her hand trembled as she handed over the money. This small
Vivian looked into the mirror, touched by the reflection staring back at her. Draped in the stunning wedding gown, she could feel the luxurious fabric caressing her skin. The delicate lace and pleated silk hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her femininity. Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction and a hint of wonder at her own reflection.“I never thought I could look this beautiful!” Vivian whispered to herself, a gentle smile playing on her lips. She turned gracefully, the smooth silk swirling around her.Kristen clapped her hands and couldn’t help but lavish praise on her friend. “Vivian, you look absolutely breathtaking! Louis won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”Vivian blushed, feeling a warmth spread through her. "Do you really think so?""Absolutely! This dress is made for you. It's perfection," Kristen exclaimed, her words filled with awe.Vivian looked at herself once again, her smile fading slightly. She thought of Louis and her dream wedding, a twinge of anxiety flic
Louis tenderly kissed Vivian's cheek, his eyes brimming with an immense gentleness as he looked down at the love of his life. Gently, he placed his hand on her belly, his lips curving into a warm smile. In that moment, he found his answer."I love you."He wrapped his arms around Vivian once again, pulling her close with a firm yet gentle hold. Vivian, feeling the warmth and strength emanating from his embrace, couldn’t help but smile, her heart swelling with a profound sense of contentment and joy. She understood what was transpiring in his mind, feeling it in the way he held her, realizing he was silently communicating his acceptance and love."I love you so much."For Louis, this moment marked a pivotal turn in his life. His paternal instincts kicked in, overshadowing any thoughts of vengeance he might have harbored. He realized he could not bear to harm the woman he loved. He understood that love and family were now his utmost priorities.Vivian gracefully stepped back from Louis'
The car collided with Vivian with devastating force, sending her delicate frame sprawling to the ground, unconscious and drenched in her own blood. Vanessa, gripping the steering wheel, was engulfed in a tidal wave of panic, her senses overwhelmed. "Damn it!" She screamed, pounding her fists against the wheel. Her heart thudded wildly as she realized the severity of her actions. In a state of utter terror, she floored the accelerator, fleeing the scene at a dizzying speed. Bystanders watched in horrified disbelief, witnessing the brutality of the moment unfold before their eyes. The air was thick with cries of shock and the frenzied sound of people pulling out their phones, dialing emergency services and reporting to the police. Chaos reigned, punctuated by a sense of urgency and disbelief. Amidst the pandemonium, Louis arrived, his face draining of color as he took in the horrific sight before him. Vivian, the woman he held dear, lay in a pool of her own blood, her body seemingly
An hour later, Louis was granted the permission to see her. He sat beside her, his gaze settling on the cheeks that once bloomed with health, now pallid and lifeless. Her breathing was faint, almost imperceptible. The bloodshot threads in his eyes stood out starkly.He kept her company through the night, as though his presence could somehow bind her soul to this realm. The night pressed on, and he remained, unable to tear his eyes away for even a second. Fatigue enveloped him, yet he stayed, watching over her. He feared that the moment he succumbed to sleep might be the very moment she slipped through his fingers."Vivian, I love you deeply. I am sorry for everything."What if her memories of them had been irretrievably lost? Would she despise him, pushing him away, denying him the chance to be close to her?Louis's mind was a tempest of confusion, yet his heart clung to hope, ready to do anything for her happiness.The longest night in Louis's life had ebbed away. Vivian finally bega
Two months had slipped by since Vivian retreated to this peaceful corner of the world, a decision shrouded in silence. As she sat on the bench, hands gently resting on her growing belly, she whispered apologies to the life stirring within her. "My dear child, I'm so sorry. I'm just so afraid that your father might not truly love me," she confessed to the soft breeze, her voice a blend of love and fear.Her solitude was interrupted by the rustle of the newspaper she picked up, the headlines grabbing her attention with a shock so profound it felt physical. Emma and Steven, caught in a web of conspiracy and attempted murder against Brian. The reality seemed too surreal, too distant from the life she once knew.The phone rang, pulling her further from her thoughts. Kristen's voice crackled through, tinged with disbelief. "Vivian, have you heard? Emma and Steven were arrested for trying to kill Brian.""Yes, I saw," Vivian replied, the weight of the news settling in. "I can't believe they w
Louis returned home to a silence that was unsettling. The absence of Vivian's presence turned the once comforting space into a void that echoed with his growing concern. He waited until nightfall, hope dwindling with each passing hour, but there was no sign of her. Desperation clawed at his chest as he dialed her number, only to be met with the cold indifference of a voicemail. Kristen's line was equally unyielding, offering no solace, no clue to Vivian's whereabouts.Panic set in, a relentless tide that washed over him, urging action. He drove to Kristen's house, the urgency of his mission fueling his speed. But the house stood silent, its windows dark, a mute testament to his deepest fears. Vivian was nowhere to be found.His mind raced as he contacted his private investigator, the words tumbling out in a frantic plea for assistance. "Find her," he implored, the command a lifeline thrown into the vast uncertainty that had engulfed him.Attempts to reach Otis, Kristen's boyfriend, yi
Louis shattered the stillness, his whisper slicing through the gloom, "I love you, Viv. Beyond anything else." His tone, a tender stroke, acted as a balm to the storm of sentiments raging within Vivian. Silence was her response, her heartbeat a drumbeat of confusion, as she navigated through her maelstrom of apprehensions and longing. Her memory of their shared past was a blank slate.In a surge of impulsivity, Vivian cast aside the pillow, her action louder than any spoken word. The chasm between them closed as Louis encircled her in his embrace, pulling her to him. Vivian sought refuge in his arms, her head against his chest, attuned to the consistent beat of his heart. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, the reason for her weeping unclear, possibly the purest expression of her soul.Louis's hand gently swept across Vivian's back. "Life without you is unimaginable," he murmured, his breath a warm caress on her nape.Elevating her gaze to his, the anguish in his look, the unfiltered sinc
The kiss persisted, and neither of them appeared to want to break it. However, as the tension grew, Vivian softly pushed Louis away, bit her lip, and murmured, "Just one kiss. That's all there is to it.""Thanks, bae," Louis muttered as he took a step back, his hand caressing his lips. "It's quite tasty."Vivian's cheeks turned pink, and she muttered, "You smudged my lipstick!"Vivian motioned for Louis to stand still after the kiss; her hands intended to continue applying his makeup, but she paused for a second. His fierce and scorching look made her uneasy. "Close your eyes," she said, trying to temper the fire in his gaze, which threatened to distract her.Louis closed his eyes and surrendered to her touch. Vivian worked painstakingly in the silence that followed, her hands steady as she etched the image of a skeleton onto his skin.Vivian took a step back after thirty minutes, when it was completed satisfactorily. "Open your eyes," she said, motioning with her hand. When Louis agr
Vivian's recuperation was visible two days after she was released from the hospital, a gentle return to the world she previously knew. Louis tentatively approached the subject of their living arrangements after finishing the discharge formalities. "Would you mind staying with me? I want us to be close so you can recall our shared memories more quickly," he said, his words tinged with hope. Vivian shook her head, watching the expressions on his face. His brief disappointment tugged at her emotions, and she knew the depth of his adoration was genuine. "I'd rather you stay with me at my place," she finally added, expressing a need for routine and some sort of control in a life that had suddenly been turned upside down. Louis's face lit up, a stark contrast to the stern mask he usually wore. The powerful guy, who was always so composed, reveled in the simple confirmation of a lady he adored. He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek, a show of love. He contacted his assistant righ
"I will never leave you alone." Louis assured her, the corners of his mouth lifting into a reassuring smile.His assistant made arrangements to move them to the hospital's most luxurious suite—a room that felt almost like home and had space for him to remain by her side.Before granting them privacy, Kristen shared a secret with Louis, her eyes clouded with sadness. "When she was fifteen, a burglar broke into her house on a night she was alone," Kristen confided. "Ever since, Vivian has been terrified of sleeping alone. It took years for her to overcome that fear. Please be patient with her."Louis nodded in understanding. "I will," he promised, a solemn vow made to both Kristen and himself. For the first time, he was privy to the shadows that lingered in Vivian's past.That night, as Vivian lay beside him, her breaths deep and even, her brow would occasionally furrow in her sleep, as if she were fending off nightmares. Louis watched over her, a silent guardian against the darkness of
Kristen burst into the room, her quick steps and tears streaming down her cheeks saying more than the words she could say. As she lay down, her gaze was fixed on Vivian's eyes. Otis also hugged Kristen tightly, as if to tell her not to worry too much because it would harm the baby in her womb. "Are you ok?" Kristen's voice was a trembling whisper, a stark contrast to the strength she usually exuded. Vivian smiled softly, relieved to finally meet the only person she remembered. "No problem, Kristen. I'm perfectly fine!" Vivian's gaze then shifted to Louis, and she made a suggestion. "Could you please step outside, Louis?" "I need to talk to Kristen." She just wanted this conversation to be private so she could confirm a few things. Louis nodded and walked away with Otis, leaving the two women alone with their thoughts. Kristen sat down next to Vivian's bed and gently held her hand. Her eyes welled up with tears as she remembered the moment she learned the bad news. Her heart clench
An hour later, Louis was granted the permission to see her. He sat beside her, his gaze settling on the cheeks that once bloomed with health, now pallid and lifeless. Her breathing was faint, almost imperceptible. The bloodshot threads in his eyes stood out starkly.He kept her company through the night, as though his presence could somehow bind her soul to this realm. The night pressed on, and he remained, unable to tear his eyes away for even a second. Fatigue enveloped him, yet he stayed, watching over her. He feared that the moment he succumbed to sleep might be the very moment she slipped through his fingers."Vivian, I love you deeply. I am sorry for everything."What if her memories of them had been irretrievably lost? Would she despise him, pushing him away, denying him the chance to be close to her?Louis's mind was a tempest of confusion, yet his heart clung to hope, ready to do anything for her happiness.The longest night in Louis's life had ebbed away. Vivian finally bega
The car collided with Vivian with devastating force, sending her delicate frame sprawling to the ground, unconscious and drenched in her own blood. Vanessa, gripping the steering wheel, was engulfed in a tidal wave of panic, her senses overwhelmed. "Damn it!" She screamed, pounding her fists against the wheel. Her heart thudded wildly as she realized the severity of her actions. In a state of utter terror, she floored the accelerator, fleeing the scene at a dizzying speed. Bystanders watched in horrified disbelief, witnessing the brutality of the moment unfold before their eyes. The air was thick with cries of shock and the frenzied sound of people pulling out their phones, dialing emergency services and reporting to the police. Chaos reigned, punctuated by a sense of urgency and disbelief. Amidst the pandemonium, Louis arrived, his face draining of color as he took in the horrific sight before him. Vivian, the woman he held dear, lay in a pool of her own blood, her body seemingly