Chapter 5
As soon as she replied, the room erupted into a storm of whispers and shocked glances were cast in her direction.
Even Sebastian, who had always seemed indifferent to Vivian in everyone’s eyes, looked visibly unsettled.
The tension hung thick in the air, and it took a while before someone awkwardly changed the topic, trying to smooth over the awkward moment. However, the mood was irreparably dampened, and the gathering soon came to an inconclusive end.
Sebastian remained silent throughout, appearing as though he hadn’t given the incident much thought. But once he got into the car, his gaze fixed intently on her.
“What did you mean by your answer back there?”
She met his eyes, about to speak, but he interrupted, “Are you still upset about the time I bailed on you during the sunset?”
Only then did Vivian realize that, in his mind, she still deeply loved him and couldn’t even fathom the idea of not caring for him. He assumed her earlier words were just out of spite.
But now, she couldn’t be bothered to explain. Let him think what he wants, she decided.
Seeing her silence, Sebastian took it as confirmation, and his frustration eased slightly.
After a moment, he added, “The weather’s been pretty bad lately. Let’s catch a sunset together another time.”
Vivian nodded noncommittally, as if in agreement, though she knew there would be no “next time” for them.
The car soon arrived at the Balfour estate. After washing up, Sebastian lay down next to her, instinctively reaching out to hold her, but she pushed him away once again.
“No need, I can sleep on my own without listening to your heartbeat now.”
This was the second time Vivian expressed she didn’t need the comfort of his heartbeat. In the past, he would have felt relieved hearing those words, but strangely, now they only stirred an inexplicable irritation within him.
Unwilling to hear more, he leaned in to kiss her, hoping to silence her, but she turned her head away, evading him. Her eyes remained closed, her voice weary.
“I’m tired. Let’s just sleep.”
Sebastian, the proud CEO of Balfour Enterprises, who was used to being pursued and doted on, found himself repeatedly rebuffed today. His expression darkened, and he turned away, ignoring her.
The next morning, Sebastian left early for the office. Vivian, still recovering from her injuries, stayed home to
rest.
Just after lunch, her phone rang. It was his assistant.
The call connected, and the assistant’s anxious voice came through, “Ma’am, Mr. Balfour’s having heart trouble, and we’re out of medication at the office. Could you bring some over?”
This wasn’t the first time the assistant had asked Vivian to deliver medicine. In the past, she didn’t even need prompting; she’d ensure the supply was always replenished. Whenever Sebastian felt unwell, her worry was palpable to anyone who saw her. But this time, she listened to the assistant’s request calmly before responding leisurely.
“The office is too far from the estate. You’ll need to buy them yourself.”
“What?!”
The assistant’s voice was full of surprise, having never expected Vivian to refuse. Hesitant, he continued, “But I
don’t know which ones to get. Didn’t you always handle this? Every time Mr. Balfour wasn’t well, you were
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Chapter 5
always so concerned…”
Before he could finish his rambling, she cut him off.
“Not anymore,” she said, her voice steady, lacking any of the previous urgency. After listing the necessary medications, she added, “You’re his assistant. It’s your responsibility now.”
With the call ended, the assistant stood there, slightly embarrassed but grateful he’d managed to jot down the needed medications. He quickly arranged for someone to purchase them.
That evening, when Sebastian returned to the estate, he immediately saw Vivian sitting peacefully on the couch, watching TV.
His expression darkened noticeably. “I wasn’t feeling well today. Didn’t you know?”
The familiar voice, edged with accusation, didn’t even cause Vivian to shift her gaze from the television.
Without looking up, she replied bluntly, “I did.”
He seemed stunned by her frankness, his face a mask of disbelief. “You knew and still didn’t come?”
“I told you, it’s too far.”
