Chapter 897

"It's different." Ethan Roscente's voice was deep and tender. "Having me by your side means taking care of you is my responsibility. Isn't it better to have someone who cares about you?"

"No." Vivian Laurent stubbornly turned her face away. "I'm used to being alone. I don't need anyone looking after me."

Yet she made no move to leave. Ethan's embrace was warm as spring, far more comforting than any air conditioner.

"Maybe you'll get used to it in time," he murmured near her ear.

His voice was like a lullaby. Vivian's eyelids grew heavier by the second. Strange—she had been wide awake just moments ago.

"Stay tonight. You'll sleep better with me here."

"Vivi, don't go."

Ethan waited, but the woman in his arms didn't respond. Glancing down, he found her already asleep against his chest.

He was surprised she'd drifted off so quickly and didn't dare move. Even as his arm went numb, he remained perfectly still, afraid to wake her.

Reaching over, he turned off the bedside lamp. Though he longed to study her sleeping face, simply holding her like this was happiness enough.

So Vivian did rely on him after all. His efforts these past few days hadn't been in vain.

Vivian slept deeply that night, though the "mattress" felt unusually firm. When she opened her eyes, she realized she'd spent the entire night sprawled on top of Ethan.

She had clung to him like an octopus. Last night she'd meant to cause trouble—how had he lulled her to sleep instead?

Slipping away before Ethan woke, she cringed at the memory. How embarrassing—she'd slept so soundly in his arms.

Was her insomnia really because she'd been missing him? The thought unsettled her.

Only two days left. After tomorrow, she would disappear for good.

Pulling out her phone, she booked a flight. This time, she'd shake Ethan off completely. The last incident had taught her enough—she wouldn't give him another chance.

Though she'd grown accustomed to his presence these past days, she knew she could quit this dependency. No one was truly irreplaceable.

Vivian Laurent had never needed to rely on anyone.