Chapter 895

The echoes of laughter from Disneyland still lingered in her ears. Ethan Roscente gripped the steering wheel, glancing at the rearview mirror. Vivian Laurent was playing with Theo in the backseat, a faint smile curving her lips.

The black sedan glided into the gated community. Vivian looked up, her brow furrowing at the familiar mansion silhouette.

"Why are we here again?" She pushed the car door open, night breeze brushing her cheeks.

Ethan stepped in front of her. "It's too late."

"I want to go home." She avoided his gaze.

Theo scrambled out and tugged her sleeve. "Aunt Viv, don't leave."

Ethan seized the moment. "The guest room is ready."

Under the streetlight, his chiseled features looked particularly striking. Vivian remembered the warmth of his embrace last night, her ears growing warm.

"Just one night," she heard herself say.

The dining room glowed with soft lighting. Vivian scrolled through photos on her camera. "We took some good ones today."

Theo leaned in, eyes sparkling. "This one's perfect!"

The photo showed Ethan holding Theo before the carousel, his usually stern expression relaxed. Vivian found herself staring at it.

"Let's make an album!" Theo cheered.

"Sure," Vivian agreed easily. "I'll get them printed tomorrow."

Alone in the bedroom, Vivian stood by the window. She knew this room too well—over a thousand nights spent within these walls.

The bed felt plush yet unfamiliar. She burrowed under the covers but couldn't find a comfortable position.

The AC read 26°C. She adjusted it to 28°C, yet her hands and feet remained icy. No amount of blankets could dispel the inexplicable chill.

Tree shadows danced outside. Tossing restlessly, realization struck her.

The warmth from last night was now separated by two walls.

She bolted upright, then forced herself back down. Her mind replayed the solid feel of his arms, the steady rhythm of his breathing.

The pillow carried a faint cedar scent. Pressing her face into it, Vivian heard her own heartbeat loud in the silent night.

The room suddenly felt cavernously empty without him.