Chapter 868

"You'll have to endure it. Otherwise I'll revoke your boyfriend privileges immediately."

Ethan Roscente fell silent at once.

These five days together were hard-won. If even this brief period disappeared, he'd truly have nothing left.

"Then keep your distance now."

"Not a chance. You're my girlfriend now. What kind of couple maintains distance? We're going on our first date."

Ethan forced himself not to think beyond these five days. He'd treat each day as the happiest moment of his life. Perhaps by the end, Vivian Laurent might change her mind about leaving.

"I don't feel like moving." Vivian wished these five days would pass in a blink.

Freedom awaited when this brief captivity ended.

"If we're not dating, I don't mind alternative activities."

"What alternatives?" Her guard shot up instantly.

Ethan's lips curved. "Adult activities, naturally. Kissing is child's play, Vivian. We've done far more."

Vivian sprang to her feet. "Fine. Let's go out."

Satisfaction warmed Ethan's smile as he bundled Vivian in warm layers. The autumn chill worried him.

Once she was snugly wrapped, their fingers intertwined as they stepped out. A faint smile lingered on Ethan's lips.

"You went sightseeing with Dominic Atlante but never with me. Today we'll make up for lost time."

He took Vivian to scenic spots where golden leaves danced across lakes. They boated and fished together. Though out of season, Ethan miraculously produced a kite.

Every effort was made to create joyful memories, to make her cherish this day.

Vivian played along, though impending separation loomed beneath their laughter.

Ethan considered ice skating but feared her falling. The idea was abandoned.

"Vivian, let's go skiing together someday?"

Her absentminded "Hmm" sent euphoria through him. "You agreed! You actually agreed!"

"It's just skiing. Why the excitement?"

Ethan's gaze turned solemn. "Promises are binding. I'll hold you to this—you must ski with me someday."

Vivian had no rebuttal.

A casual remark treated as sacred vow. But after the baby's birth, one ski trip wouldn't hurt.

Twilight descended as streetlights flickered to life.

Vivian noticed the snaking queue at a roadside stall selling baked sweet potatoes.

"I want that. Go queue."

"Gladly. But you're coming with me." Ethan's grip tightened.

His icy fingers made her instinctively recoil, but he held fast.

"Can't even buy me a sweet potato alone?"

Ethan's whisper carried vulnerability. "I'd buy you the world. But I fear you vanishing. Holding your hand is my only anchor."

Even with five guaranteed days, the terror of her disappearing haunted him.

Only their interlaced fingers offered fleeting reassurance.