Chapter 718

Ethan Roscente's fingers trembled slightly.

His gaze fixed on Vivian Laurent's flat abdomen as his mind raced through the timeline.

Five months ago.

The Kingdom of Eudora.

Princess Fiona Grandelle's surgery.

That secluded island.

Their passionate encounter in his memories.

All clues pointed to one undeniable truth—this child was his.

Ethan's breathing grew ragged.

He had never imagined becoming a father.

Least of all with Vivian as the mother.

"Mr. Roscente?"

The doctor's voice snapped him back to reality.

Ethan shot up from his chair, the legs scraping harshly against the floor.

"I'm going to be a father," he murmured, his voice thick with disbelief.

The medical staff exchanged uneasy glances.

"Dr. Laurent is stable now, but she needs more rest—"

Ethan barely registered the rest.

His thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.

Vivian had been avoiding him.

Her cold words.

Her sharp dismissals.

Now he understood why.

She'd been carrying this burden alone.

Assuming he'd shirk responsibility.

His fists clenched.

Never again would she face anything alone.

"Nutritionist!" He barked at his assistant by the door. "Get the best prenatal specialist immediately. And remodel the estate for pregnancy safety."

The assistant scrambled to take notes.

Ethan returned to the bedside, carefully cradling Vivian's limp hand.

Her fingers felt icy.

He rubbed gentle circles, willing warmth into her skin.

"You knew," he whispered. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Only the steady beep of monitors answered.

Outside the window, dusk settled.

Ethan's bloodshot eyes remained fixed on her face, refusing to blink.

He couldn't risk missing the moment she woke.

When Vivian's lashes finally fluttered, Ethan nearly leaped from his seat.

"Vivian!"

Joy cracked through his controlled tone.

Her eyes opened slowly, finding Ethan's face hovering inches away.

And something unfamiliar in his gaze—

A tenderness she'd never seen before.

"You—" Her dry throat caught the words.

Ethan instantly brought a glass of water, handling her like precious porcelain.

"Easy. Take your time."

His voice held an uncharacteristic softness.

Vivian froze.

This version of Ethan was entirely new.