Chapter 873

After lunch, Ethan Roscente took Vivian Laurent to the cinema.

It was their first movie date. The screen played a romantic comedy that blended laughter with tears, making the audience alternate between bursts of laughter and quiet sobs.

Tears glistened at the corners of Vivian's eyes. Silently, Ethan handed her a tissue, gently wiping away the traces of her emotions.

As they exited the theater, Ethan suddenly spoke, "I shouldn't have chosen this film."

"Was it bad?" Vivian's heart tightened.

Did he not enjoy watching movies with her?

"It was wonderful."

Truthfully, he hadn't paid attention to the plot at all. His gaze had remained fixed on Vivian's face throughout the entire film, unwilling to miss even a single frame, as if etching her every expression into his bones.

"But I don’t like seeing you cry," Ethan murmured, his voice low. "I only want to see you smile."

"Who was crying?"

She had merely been moved!

"Right, my mistake."

Outside the cinema, the mall was brightly lit. Passing by the arcade, Vivian's eyes lit up.

"Want to play a few rounds?"

"Whatever you say." Ethan didn’t hesitate.

Vivian exchanged tokens and pointed at the basketball machine. "Two minutes. Highest score wins."

"Any stakes?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"What scheme are you plotting now?" Vivian took half a step back, wary.

She feared he might propose something like getting back together.

"Just a small reward." Ethan leaned closer, whispering near her ear, "If I win, I get to kiss you?"

"Dream on!"

"Then play by yourself." Ethan crossed his arms and stood aside.

After a few shots, Vivian lost interest. His intense gaze made her even more restless.

"Fine, let’s do it." She gritted her teeth. "But if you lose, our five-day agreement gets shortened to four."

Ethan's smile froze instantly.

"Are you that desperate to leave me?" His voice trembled. "Is every second with me that unbearable?"

Vivian's heart clenched painfully. She opened her mouth but couldn’t find the words to explain.