Chapter 453

Morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Ethan Roscente propped himself up on one elbow, gazing at Vivian Laurent asleep in his arms.

His fingertips brushed aside the stray strands of hair from her forehead. A faint smile played at the corners of his lips.

Vivian's eyelashes fluttered. She jerked awake, her eyes flying open.

"Morning," Ethan murmured, his voice still rough with sleep.

Vivian slapped his hand away and rolled to the edge of the bed, dragging the sheets with her. She glared at him like a bristling cat.

Ethan chuckled low in his throat. "Running away?"

"Who's running?" She grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him. "I need to get dressed!"

He obligingly turned his back. The rustle of fabric followed, then the sharp slam of the door.

Alone in the empty room, Ethan reached for his phone and dialed his assistant.

Thirty minutes later, he stood before the mirror, adjusting the tie of his custom-tailored suit. The memory of Vivian's hasty escape made his throat tighten.

In the café, Emily Garnache was video-calling a friend when she spotted Ethan. She fumbled to end the call.

"Mr. Roscente?"

His gaze flicked to the two coffee cups on her table. "Have you seen Vivian?"

Emily nearly choked on her drink. Vivian? The affectionate nickname sent shivers down her spine.

"N-no," she stammered, her eyes darting to a sliver of fabric peeking out from behind a potted plant.

Ethan followed her glance. The shadow behind the foliage immediately shrank back. Amusement flickered in his eyes as he turned to leave.

Vivian emerged from behind a decorative column and plopped into the seat across from Emily.

"What's going on between you two?" Emily pushed a coffee toward her.

Vivian took a large gulp. "He's insane."

"Last night—"

"Nothing happened!" Vivian's voice rose sharply, drawing glances from nearby patrons. She lowered it to a hiss. "I slept in the guest room. He had the master bedroom."

Emily eyed her friend's flushed ears skeptically.

Vivian suddenly stood. "I'm going back to sleep."

"Your room's the other way."

"Feel like using your bed today." Vivian strode off without looking back.

Emily watched her retreating figure, sipping her coffee thoughtfully.

Vivian locked the door behind her and collapsed onto the soft bedding. Staring at the ceiling, her fingers absently drifted to her abdomen.

Fragments of last night's recklessness flashed through her mind. No precautions. No defenses. Like a sudden storm.

She pulled out her phone and searched for the time limit on emergency contraception. Seventy-two hours. Still time. She'd get it tomorrow. Right now, she needed rest.

Ethan stood on the yacht's deck, the sea breeze tousling his hair. Theo's wails pierced through the phone.

"Daddy's coming home," he said before hanging up. Then he texted Emily.

As the setting sun painted the ocean gold, the yacht cut through the waves, leaving the island behind. Ethan glanced back at the shrinking villa, his expression unreadable.