Chapter 845

"Big brother spoils me the most!" Vivian's eyes curved into crescents, dimples appearing on her cheeks.

Nathan handed her a thermos with a smile. "How could I neglect Master's orders? If anything happened to you, the old man would break my legs."

The warmth from the thermos seeped into her palms. "Take care of Master for me while I'm gone."

"Don't worry." Nathan thumped his chest. "He's obsessed with fishing lately—spends all day by the lake. His spirits are high."

Her lips quirked before she lowered her voice. "One more thing. Ethan mustn't know I'm leaving."

Nathan frowned. "Has he been harassing you?"

"No." She shook her head. "This is my decision."

He studied her for a long moment. "Will you tell me why?"

Her fingers absently traced the cup's surface before she spoke. "I'm pregnant."

"What?" Nathan nearly dropped his tea. "You? Pregnant?"

His gaze swept over her slender frame, struggling to reconcile it with motherhood.

"Six months along," she added softly.

Nathan sucked in a breath. "You kept this hidden all this time? Running around in your condition is dangerous!"

"I know my own body." Vivian cradled her barely-there bump, expression softening. "Next time we meet, you'll be an uncle."

He sighed. "The father—"

"Ethan." She cut him off. "But this child has nothing to do with him. Promise me you won't tell him. No matter what."

Reluctantly, Nathan nodded. "Call me if you need anything."

"Obviously." She winked. "I never stand on ceremony with family."

After parting ways, Vivian had barely entered the General Surgery hallway when she spotted Ethan leaning against the wall, feigning interest in a medical chart.

"What a coincidence." His eyes lit up.

She turned on her heel.

"Vivi!" He caught up swiftly. "I really am here for a checkup."

She stopped, eyeing his chart with disdain. "Gastroenterology is on the second floor."

Ethan tucked the chart away with an awkward laugh. "I... might have come to see you."

"Was I unclear yesterday?" She crossed her arms.

"Crystal clear." He raised his hands in surrender. "No disturbances. Just... serendipity."

Vivian took in his faux-innocent expression and snorted.

As if she'd believe that.