Chapter 8
Chapter 8
When Vivian finally awoke, it was several days later. Sebastian sat by her bedside, a cloud of discontent. shadowing his face. “You just received a ticket confirmation on your phone. Where are you planning to go?”
In that instant, Vivian found it almost laughable. She had been on the brink of death because of him, nearly drowning in that pool. Yet, upon waking, there was no guilt or concern from him–only questions about her plans.
“I’m not going anywhere in particular. Just thought I’d take a little trip,” she replied nonchalantly, offering a flimsy excuse. But then she raised her gaze to meet his directly. “Are you here to make me confess again? I won’t. If she dares touch my things again, I’ll retaliate.”
“It was just a necklace. Was it really worth it?” Sebastian’s brow furrowed deeply. His question was cut short as he saw her tears burst forth like a dam breaking, her voice rising in volume.
“Yes, it was worth it! It was a gift from the person I loved most. It’s precious to me!”
Vivian didn’t want to continue the charade with him. But unexpectedly, Sebastian’s expression froze at her words. His demeanor shifted, becoming slightly awkward, his gaze softening somewhat. “That necklace? I just picked it up randomly. If you like it so much, I can get you another.”
She was momentarily stunned. Over the years, he had only ever given her one gift–a necklace. Had he confused it with the one she cherished?
“Vivian, I can let it slide this time. Vanessa is my… friend. If you harm her again, I can’t predict what I’ll do.” With that, he stood up and left without another word. As he departed, a nurse coming in to change Vivian’s bandages passed him, eyes alight with curiosity, whispering excitedly as she went by.
“That’s Mr. Balfour, right? The one who rented out the entire floor to take care of his girlfriend? They said it was just a few slap marks, but he insisted on a full check–up. So devoted!”
“That’s not all. The nurses say he applies her ointment himself every day, feeds her like she’s a treasure.” Vivian heard their words, but they felt like a story about someone else entirely. Indifferent to the tales of Sebastian’s devotion, she waited for the nurse to finish before quietly discharging herself.
In the days that followed, Sebastian didn’t return home. Yet Vivian was keenly aware of his whereabouts, thanks to Vanessa’s taunting messages–how Sebastian took her to the seaside one day, watched fireworks with her the next, and even rented out an amusement park.
Every time, Vivian merely glanced at the messages before ignoring them, busying herself with packing and researching the man who had received Lucian’s heart transplant.
A new beginning awaited her in Cresthaven, a chance to reclaim her place beside her “Luc.”
On the final day of the divorce cooling–off period, Vivian left the house, returning with their freshly issued divorce certificate.
Upon her return, she found Sebastian sitting on the living room sofa. Seeing her, the tension in his brow eased slightly.
“Where have you been?”
Surprise flickered in her eyes. He had been with Vanessa the past few days; she hadn’t expected him to be home today.
“You’re back. Not busy anymore?”
“Don’t you remember?” It was a casual inquiry, but her response made his face darken.
“Remember what?”
“Today is our third wedding anniversary.” Her apparent forgetfulness irked him
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suppressed his irritation. “I made a reservation. Let’s go out for dinner.”
Vivian considered refusing but, recalling the divorce certificate in her bag, nodded in agreement. She would be leaving soon anyway. This would be the perfect moment to discuss their separation.
As they reached the restaurant, her phone chimed with a message. It was from Vanessa.
[Today is your anniversary, right? I’m planning on telling Sebastian today that I’m willing to be with him. Do you think you’ll be thrown out right after I do?]
! Chapter 9
