Chapter 871
Vivian Laurent lay in bed after her shower, unable to fall asleep.
Moonlight streamed through the window like liquid silver, yet her thoughts were more turbulent than the night itself.
Having slept excessively these past days and napped against Ethan Roscente's shoulder that afternoon, her mind was unusually alert.
Memories always grew sharper in the quiet of night.
Images from today's shopping trip with Ethan kept flashing through her mind.
The same streets and stores that felt dull with Dominic Atlante now came alive with Ethan by her side.
He protected her with quiet vigilance, naturally taking her hand when crossing streets.
That cherished feeling made her heartbeat quicken.
Four more days.
In four days she'd regain her freedom.
Ethan had promised to let her go.
Yet the thought of leaving made her chest tighten inexplicably.
She shouldn't dwell on this.
Ethan's future wasn't her concern.
But his determined gaze always softened her resolve.
A faint sound came from downstairs.
Ethan must still be awake.
Vivian rose quietly, easing her door open.
She just wanted to check on him.
"Vivian?"
Ethan's voice startled her nearly out of her skin.
"I...I was thirsty."
She stammered the excuse, hurrying downstairs.
He must never know she'd come specifically to see him.
That man would become insufferably smug.
Cold water filled her glass.
Before she could drink, Ethan took it from her.
"Cold water harms your stomach in winter."
He expertly added hot water, testing the temperature before returning it.
When their fingers brushed, Vivian's heart skipped.
The cup's warmth reminded her of his palm.
"Thank you."
She drank without meeting his eyes.
The warm liquid soothed her throat and something deeper.
At the stair landing, she glanced back.
Ethan watched her retreat with heartbreaking tenderness.
She fled to her room.
Now sleep felt even more impossible.
Ethan's image lingered stubbornly in her mind.
Give this a chance?
Or cut her losses now?
The question tormented her as she tossed and turned.
Moonlight through the curtains fell as gently as his gaze.