Chapter 883

"Don't worry about Ethan and me."

Isabella's fingers turned pale around her coffee cup. As Vivian's closest friend, she wanted nothing more than to see her happy.

"As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

Vivian's eyes welled up as she pulled Isabella into an embrace. In this world, few people supported her unconditionally—Isabella and Lucas were her strongest pillars.

"I'm exhausted."

"Go rest." Isabella patted her back. "The guest room is always ready for you."

After seeing Isabella out, Vivian stood by the floor-to-ceiling window. Ethan's car was no longer parked downstairs.

She sighed. What was supposed to be three days had stretched to four.

The next morning, Ethan unexpectedly didn't show. Vivian stared at her phone before finally making the call.

"What are your plans today?"

Ethan's deep chuckle came through the receiver. "I thought you'd be with Isabella."

"I'm coming to see you." Vivian's tone was decisive. "Send me the address."

Only after hanging up did she realize—where exactly was Ethan's "home"?

Her heartbeat quickened as she stood before the familiar mansion. This was their marital home, where she'd spent three lonely years.

She'd sold it without hesitation during the divorce. Yet Ethan had bought it back. And chosen to live here.

Every detail remained unchanged. Vivian hesitated at the doorstep, memories flooding back.

"Not coming in?"

Ethan's voice came from behind. She turned to see him carrying grocery bags, his shirt sleeves rolled up to reveal toned forearms.

"How long have you lived here?"

"Since returning from abroad." He produced a key. "Care to see inside?"

The interior was frozen in time—even her favorite painting hung in its original spot.

"Don't you find this place too empty for one person?"

His voice carried from the kitchen: "I'm used to it."

The words struck a chord. She remembered waiting in this very house for someone who never came home.

"Any regrets?" she asked suddenly.

Ethan paused. "Every single day."

Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting shifting patterns on the floor. Standing at the edge of light and shadow, Vivian found herself at a loss for words.