apter 21
Chapter 21
“Vivian, who truly holds a place in your heart?”
“And how much of what you say is true, and how much is a lie?”
The sudden questions made Vivian’s heart skip a beat, a flicker of panic crossing her eyes. Alistair caught that flash of fear and let out a derisive laugh.
She quickly regained her composure, forcing her emotions to calm as she met his gaze head–on. Her free hand daringly traced up his chest, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “Of course, it’s you who has a place in my heart.”
“Is that so?” He clearly didn’t believe her, yet he didn’t push her away. Instead, he moved even closer, his breath brushing her neck and causing her to shiver. Only then did he pull back slightly, but his eyes remained locked onto hers. “Did you tell Sebastian the same thing?”
The mention of Sebastian made her pause. It took a moment for her to process his insinuation, but instead of panicking, she laughed more freely. “Is Mr. Nollan jealous? I’m flattered, as it means you’re starting to care about me. But I assure you, Mr. Nollan, I don’t have feelings for him. I only have eyes for you.”
Her eyes sparkled with a brightness that seemed to draw him in despite himself.
If he knew nothing, he might truly have been captivated by her.
But for now, Alistair felt a tumult of emotions. For someone who had passed, she had truly gone to great lengths.
Such effort to learn his preferences, always being there when he needed her, the kind of partner anyone would find hard to refuse, be it a man or a woman.
Yet, the more Vivian did for him, the more bitterness he felt in his heart.
He pushed away from her completely, the last glimmer in his eyes fading to a cold, lifeless pool.
“I know you don’t love Sebastian,” Alistair said with a bitter smile. “But you don’t love me either. The one you have always loved is someone else, isn’t it? Lucian, your childhood friend of twenty years, who always said he wanted to marry only you, but died protecting you four years ago. His heart was donated to me.”
“You say you love me, but look closely. I don’t resemble him, except for the heart beating in my chest that once belonged to him. Vivian, should I praise you for your devotion, or call you heartless?”
Hearing Lucian’s name from Alistair’s lips, Vivian was stunned. His merciless revelation left her pale and reeling, a constant ringing in her ears.
Tears she thought long dried began to fall again. Her mouth opened and closed several times before she finally managed to whisper, “I’m sorry.”
“Vivian, I don’t want your apology. I just hope we won’t meet again.” Alistair watched as she slid down the door, tears streaming down her face. His heart wavered, unsure if it was his own emotion or Lucian’s lingering influence.
But he relented, gently lifting her from the floor and placing her on the soft, spacious bed. Her eyes were wide with confusion.
After arranging her comfortably, he turned to leave. At the door, he paused, looking sideways but not turning back. He sighed, “He’s gone, but he’s not the only one in the world who can love you. It’s time for you to step out of that closed–off world.”
With those words, he left without another glance back.
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