Chapter 853

Vivian Laurent finished her nightly routine and slipped into bed. Since becoming pregnant, she usually fell asleep quickly.

But tonight was different. The day's events replayed in her mind, keeping sleep at bay.

She just wanted Ethan Roscente to stay out of her life.

Midnight found Vivian still awake. A faint growl came from her stomach.

She threw off the covers and headed to the kitchen.

At the staircase landing, a thermal container on the dining table caught her eye.

Vivian frowned. Who left this?

The mansion stood silent around her, amplifying her heartbeat.

The moment her fingers touched the container, she knew.

Inside held two simple dishes and soup. The presentation was amateurish at best.

No ginger shreds. Undercooked. These culinary failures could only be Ethan's work.

Vivian checked the security feed. Thirty minutes ago, Ethan had sneaked in like a thief.

He'd placed the food here, glanced upstairs, then left quickly.

This time, his car didn't linger.

Her chest tightened. The mighty CEO of Roscente Group, cooking for her.

Each attempt showed slight improvement.

How did he know she'd be hungry? Since when did this oblivious man become so attentive?

The spoonful tasted predictably mediocre.

But every bite carried warmth. Vivian's eyes stung, her heart aching strangely.

She finished everything without realizing.

Returning to bed, sleep felt further away than ever.

...

Morning revealed dark circles under Vivian's eyes.

Dominic Atlante waited in the living room when she descended.

"Seems my advice went in one ear and out the other," he remarked, raising an eyebrow.

Vivian blinked. "What advice?"

Dominic sighed. He'd explicitly told her to rest.

"Brought you breakfast." He gestured to the table.

Vivian shook her head. Last night's snack still sat heavy in her stomach.

"Not hungry? Think I poisoned it?" Dominic joked halfheartedly.

"I had a midnight snack." She answered honestly. "Shall we leave now?"