Chapter 804

"Have you lost your mind? Talking about such things in front of a child!"

Vivian's face flushed crimson. She shot Ethan a glare before anxiously glancing at Theo.

The little boy remained engrossed in his building blocks, oblivious to the adult conversation.

"Theo didn't hear a thing," Ethan smirked, his roguish charm on full display. "So, have you made your decision?"

"Not a chance!" Vivian hissed through clenched teeth. "I don't do second chances. Get out of my sight."

"Then I'm staying," Ethan declared, sprawling across the sofa. "I'm not going anywhere without you."

Vivian stomped her foot in frustration. Since when had this man become so shameless? And why couldn't she shake him off?

She grabbed her coat. "I have work. No time for your nonsense. Watch Theo."

"Where are you going?" Ethan sprang to his feet. "I'll drive you."

"No need." Vivian didn't turn back. "Medical reports await at the hospital."

"Call me when you're done," Ethan's voice followed her. "I'll be waiting."

Vivian paused mid-step. This man never interfered with her choices, yet always appeared when she needed him most.

She gently ruffled Theo's hair before exiting the ward.

The hospital lab glowed under fluorescent lights. Vivian immersed herself among vials and test results. Today's complex case demanded an immediate treatment plan.

The clinking of glassware echoed in the sterile silence. She meticulously measured ingredients, jotting down data in her notebook.

Compared to terminal cases, these symptoms were manageable—just requiring aggressive medication and careful rehabilitation.

The wall clock ticked past 2 AM. After twenty consecutive hours, Vivian massaged her stiff neck as her vision blurred.

"Age catches up," she muttered. Once capable of working three sleepless nights, now exhaustion crept in.

For the baby's sake, she needed rest. A yawn escaped as her eyelids grew heavy.

She slumped over the lab table, surrendering to sleep.

...

Ethan checked his watch—3 AM. With Theo sound asleep, he headed to check on Vivian.

At 9 PM, he'd glimpsed her focused profile through the glass door. Not wanting to disturb, he'd lingered in silence.

Now the lab stood eerily quiet. Pushing the door open, he found the usually energetic woman curled up asleep at her workstation.

Her petite frame looked fragile under the white coat. Hair spilled across the table like a tired child's.

Ethan's heart melted. He tiptoed closer.

"Vivian," he whispered. "You'll catch cold like this."

Her steady breathing didn't falter.

Noticing her slightly rounded abdomen pressed against the table edge, Ethan frowned. Gently, he scooped her into his arms.

Vivian instinctively nuzzled against his chest in her sleep. Smiling, Ethan carried her toward the restroom.