Chapter 313
Vivian Laurent stood in the walk-in closet, her fingers trailing over rows of neatly hung garments.
Her gaze lingered on a particular drawer.
"Strange..."
She murmured to herself, brows slightly furrowed.
The drawer slid open to reveal empty space.
Vivian turned toward the vanity.
The jewelry box had been thoroughly searched.
"How could it not be here..."
A faint tremor of panic laced her voice.
The bedroom door creaked open.
"Looking for something?"
Ethan Roscente's deep voice came from behind her.
Vivian's fingers stilled.
"Our marriage certificate."
She turned to face him directly.
"Where did you put it?"
Ethan leaned against the doorframe, his shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbows.
"Is it important?"
He arched an eyebrow.
Vivian pressed her lips together.
"Of course it is."
Her fingertips absently traced the edge of the vanity.
Ethan stepped into the room.
"I remember after last using it..."
His words abruptly cut off.
Vivian's heartbeat stuttered.
"Using it?"
She caught the phrasing with sharp precision.
Ethan closed the distance between them.
"The company needed a copy."
His explanation came calmly.
Vivian tilted her head up to meet his gaze.
"When was this?"
Her voice was soft.
Ethan reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face.
"Last month."
His dark eyes held hers.
Vivian took a step back.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Her nails dug into her palms.
Ethan withdrew his hand.
"It wasn't significant."
His tone remained even.
Vivian drew a slow breath.
"Our marriage certificate isn't significant?"
A slight quiver betrayed her.
Ethan studied her for a silent moment.
"You've been preoccupied with this lately."
It wasn't a question.
Vivian averted her face.
"I just want to know where it is."
Sunlight slanted through the window.
His shadow enveloped her.
"I'll find it for you."
He finally conceded.
Vivian didn't respond.
Only the ticking of the wall clock filled the silence.