Chapter 190

Vivian pushed open the door and immediately sensed something unusual in the room.

Her fingers quickly found the light switch on the wall.

As the lights flickered on, the tall silhouette of a man came into view.

Ethan Roscente sat on the edge of her bed, his pajama collar slightly open to reveal sharp collarbones.

He raised a hand to rub his temples, clearly startled by the sudden brightness.

His usually immaculate hair now fell softly across his forehead, casting delicate shadows.

"What are you doing here?" Vivian's voice carried suspicion.

Ethan lowered his arm and met her gaze with burning intensity.

"Waiting for you."

Two simple words that sent an unexpected tremor through her.

Her eyes caught the faint outline of muscles beneath his pajamas, making her look away.

"Did waiting require lying on my bed?"

Ethan stood up, the hem of his pajamas swaying gently.

"I fell asleep by accident."

He took two steps closer and suddenly frowned.

"You've lost weight."

Vivian instinctively touched her cheek.

Days of relentless missions had drained her completely. All she wanted was to collapse into bed.

"We'll talk tomorrow."

She moved past him toward the bed, too exhausted to even remove her jacket.

Ethan remained motionless.

For days, he'd felt an emptiness inside that only disappeared when he saw Vivian.

"Fine."

As he turned to leave, the sound of steady breathing stopped him.

Glancing back, he found Vivian already curled up in sleep.

Ethan exhaled softly and returned to the bedside.

With utmost care, he removed her shoes as if handling fragile porcelain.

His fingers accidentally brushed against her ankle—icy cold to the touch.

His brow furrowed as he reached to pull the blanket over her.

Just as he leaned down, Vivian's eyes flew open, her hand snapping around his wrist.

Their gazes locked until the wariness in her eyes gradually faded.

She released him, rolled over, and sank back into sleep.

Ethan stood watching her peaceful face, transfixed.

Moonlight streamed through the window, bathing them both in its silver glow.