Chapter 523

Hot water cascaded over Vivian's skin as she stepped out of the shower. She dried herself and slipped into her pajamas.

A yawn escaped her lips. Fatigue washed over her like a tidal wave.

Lately, she'd been inexplicably drowsy, though her medical reports showed nothing unusual.

Shaking her head, Vivian pulled back the covers and settled into bed.

Darkness swallowed the room as the bedside lamp flickered off.

She jolted awake in the dead of night.

In her dream, Ethan Roscente stood bathed in moonlight, waiting for her. The vision made no sense.

Her throat felt parched. Vivian rose to fetch a glass of water.

A sliver of streetlight seeped through the imperfectly drawn curtains, painting a pale stripe across the floorboards.

Her gaze drifted to the window.

A black Maybach sat motionless beyond the gate.

Beside it stood a tall figure, the ember of his cigarette pulsing like a firefly in the darkness.

Vivian ducked behind the curtains.

Ethan.

Her phone screen glared 2:43 AM.

How long had he been standing there?

Why hadn't he rung the bell?

Her fingers twisted the curtain fabric until her knuckles whitened.

She told herself to ignore him.

Yet her legs carried her downstairs against her will.

The night air stung her cheeks before she realized she'd stepped outside.

Ethan was lighting another cigarette.

The lighter's flame danced between his fingers.

When he looked up and saw Vivian, the cigarette tumbled from his lips.

The flame died.

They stared at each other across the shadows.

Vivian could hear her own heartbeat pounding in her ears.

She should hate him.

But her heart betrayed reason.

Ethan stood frozen, afraid this was another illusion.

Until Vivian whispered, "What are you doing here?"

Her quiet words made his eyes redden.