Chapter 856
"You can hug me anytime you want, Theo." Vivian's voice was tender as morning dew.
"Then I'll hug you forever!" Theo clung to her like a koala.
Ethan stood nearby, his lips curving unconsciously.
Theo always knew how to melt Vivian's heart with his childish charm.
"Well, isn't this cozy?"
A lazy male voice drifted from the doorway, freezing Ethan's smile.
Dominic leaned against the doorframe, his shirt collar carelessly open, his gaze locked on Vivian.
"What are you doing here?" Ethan's voice turned glacial.
"Hospitals aren't Roscente property." Dominic strolled toward Vivian. "Our date isn't over, sweetheart."
Theo jerked his head up, face scrunched in displeasure. "Auntie's going on a date with this uncle?"
He burrowed deeper into Vivian's arms. This man smiled like a hungry wolf.
Vivian knelt to meet Theo's eyes. "Adult relationships are complicated. But remember—I'll always love you."
She hooked her pinky with his in their secret promise.
"Then you'll always be my auntie, right?" Theo's eyes shimmered with hope.
Vivian hesitated. "I'll always be family to you, okay?"
Ethan's expression darkened.
She'd never corrected Theo before. Was Dominic changing everything?
An invisible fist squeezed his chest, stealing his breath.
He wanted to lock Vivian away.
Somewhere only he could reach.
The poisonous thought coiled around his sanity.
Pain from his clenched fists anchored him to reality.
"Yay! We're family!" Theo cheered, throwing himself at Vivian.
Ethan watched her fingers card through Theo's hair, his throat working.
What did she mean by temporary separation?
Was she really leaving?
Dominic draped an arm over Vivian's shoulder. "The movie's starting soon, darling."
Ethan's eyes turned lethal.
"Remove your hand." He seized Dominic's wrist.
Electric tension crackled between the two men.
Vivian frowned. "What's wrong with you both?"
Theo clutched her leg fearfully. "Uncle Ethan..."
Ethan released Dominic but kept his dagger-sharp glare.
Dominic rubbed his wrist, smirking. "No need for violence. Vivian and I are just friends."
"Friends go on movie dates?" Ethan scoffed.
Vivian nudged Theo toward Ethan. "Take him home first."
"You're going with him?" Ethan's voice roughened.
Vivian avoided his gaze. "I need to speak with Dominic privately."
Ethan's knuckles cracked audibly.
He scooped up Theo and strode out without looking back.
At the doorway, he paused.
"Vivian." His back remained turned, voice gravelly. "Remember our promise."
Her fingers trembled slightly.
Only when footsteps faded did Dominic speak. "He's quite possessive of you."
"Not your concern." Vivian massaged her temples.
Dominic leaned close, whispering, "Consider switching teams. I'm much gentler."
Vivian recoiled. "Mind your manners."
"Just joking." He shrugged. "But my offer stands. Anytime."
She grabbed her purse. "Cancel the tickets. I'm not in the mood."
Her pulse hammered as she hurried out.
At the corridor's end, Ethan stood holding Theo, his gaze heavy upon her.
She froze.
He hadn't left.
Theo reached for her. "Auntie..."
Ethan closed the distance, seizing her wrist. "We're going home."