Chapter 866

Ethan stormed out of the room.

He needed to clear his head.

After finishing his third cigarette at the end of the hallway, he finally pushed the door open again.

Vivian remained motionless against the headboard, eyes closed.

Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting delicate patterns across her face.

Ethan studied her for a long moment.

It was never her exquisite features that captivated him.

It was the woman who'd sheltered him with an umbrella on that rainy night.

These past two days, he'd replayed his actions endlessly.

He'd gone too far.

But letting her walk away now...

His fists clenched involuntarily.

The image of Vivian leaving without a backward glance terrified him.

When he reentered, her eyes were open and watching him.

No anger burned in that gaze.

Only a chilling calm that made his blood run cold.

Two days had visibly taken their toll.

Her cheekbones stood sharper, her refusal to eat or speak carving hollows beneath them.

A fist of panic tightened around Ethan's throat.

"Vivi..."

His voice cracked.

She lifted her gaze.

The look in her eyes pierced him like shards of ice.

"I'll let you go."

The words tasted like ash on his tongue.

Vivian's lashes fluttered.

"Conditions?"

Her whisper barely stirred the air.

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed.

"Be my girlfriend."

"One week."

"Just like any normal couple."

"After that, you can leave. No strings."

Her brow furrowed.

She couldn't fathom his obsession.

She was ordinary in every way.

"Three days."

The counteroffer slipped out before she could stop it.

"Five."

Ethan's voice roughened.

"Five it is."

She nodded finally.

"But swear it."

"If you harass me after five days, may lightning strike you dead."

The vow lodged like a stone in Ethan's chest.

Five days. That's all he had left.

"Eat first."

His gaze traced the sharp angles of her face.

"Then I'll return your phone."

Vivian picked up the bowl.

Hunger gnawed at her resolve.

Ethan watched her eat, an unbidden smile tugging at his lips.