Chapter 63
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ADRIAN’S car finally pulled into the driveway well past nine in the evening. The sky was tinged with deep hues of orange and purple as the sun had long disappeared behind the horizon. Vivian was already in the living room, the faint aroma of the dinner she had prepared hours ago lingering in the air. She had set the table meticulously, plates aligned, cutlery polished, napkins folded into neat triangles. A soft candle flickered at the center, casting a warm glow across the room. Her stomach twisted in anticipation and, admittedly, a bit of frustration.
As the door clicked open, Vivian’s eyes immediately narrowed.
“Finally,” she muttered under her breath, setting the last wine glass down a little harder than necessary. Her phone vibrated on the side table, but she ignored it. She had been waiting, hoping he would walk in any minute after she sent him that playful text reminding him to come early.
Adrian stepped in, removing his coat and loosening his tie. His hair was slightly disheveled, and his eyes looked weary but alert. He noticed the table, the candles, and the careful arrangement of everything in the dining room, but there was an edge to Vivian’s posture that he couldn’t miss.
“Hey,” he said softly, trying to sound casual.
Vivian’s voice rose immediately.
“Hey? That is all you have to say?” She crossed her arms and tapped her foot impatiently. “Do you even realize what time it is, Adrian? You promised to be home early p>
Adrian frowned, placing his coat on the stand.
“I p>
“No, don’t even start,” Vivian cut him off sharply. “I set everything up. I made dinner. I waited, thinking you would come like you said you would. And now… now you stroll in here as if nothing happened. Again p>
Adrian’s jaw tightened.
“Vivian, I said I would try. Work ran over. You know how it is p>
She shook her head vigorously, her voice rising with frustration.
“Try? Try isn’t enough! You promised. That is the problem. Every time you make a promise, it seems like it doesn’t mean anything. I arranged my whole evening around you, and you don’t even care to call and let me know p>
He took a deep breath, trying to keep his composure.
“I do care, Vivian. You know I care. But there are deadlines, meetings, things that can’t wait. I can’t just leave everything at the office the moment I feel like it p>
Vivian’s eyes widened, her hands moving animatedly as she gestured.
“So your work is always more important than your promise to me? Than our plans? Than me p>
“I never said that!” Adrian shot back, his voice sharper than he intended. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm himself. “You know how much you mean to me. But life doesn’t pause just because we want it to p>
Her lips pressed into a thin line, the hurt in her eyes unmistakable.
“Life doesn’t pause for anyone, Adrian, I get that. But you promised me. You said you would be home early. You said we would have dinner together tonight. You even smiled when I told you this morning p>
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Adrian sighed, feeling the weight of the evening pressing down on him.
“I know. And I meant it. I really did. But things got out of hand at work. I didn’t expect it to take this long p>
Vivian’s voice softened slightly, but the frustration was still there.
“It is not just tonight. It is a pattern. Every time you say you will be here, it is the same story. And I try to trust you, I really do, but how can I when I keep being disappointed?” 1
He stepped closer, his tone firm but tinged with guilt.
“Vivian, listen to me. I am trying. I am doing my best. I’m not trying to hurt you or ignore you. I promise you that p>
She shook her head and turned away, pacing lightly across the room.
“Promises. Always promises, Adrian. But what do I have to show for it? Dinner cold, a lonely evening, and my patience running thin p>
Adrian ran a hand across the back of his neck, feeling the tension in the room tighten around them.
“Look, why don’t we just sit, eat, and talk about it calmly? Please, I hate seeing you like this. I’m home now, isn’t that what matters p>
Vivian stopped pacing and looked at him, her eyes glistening.
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“It matters, yes, that you are here… but it also matters that you keep your word. It matters that I feel like I can rely on you, not just when it is convenient for you.” 1
He took a step closer, his voice low but firm.
“I know, and I don’t want to make excuses. I just… I want you to understand. I’m trying to balance everything, and sometimes I fail. But I never fail in loving you, Vivian. Never p>
Vivian took a deep breath, trying to let some of the anger fade, but her voice still carried the sting of disappointment.
“I understand that, babes. I really do. But sometimes love isn’t enough when actions don’t match words. That is all I’m saying p>
He nodded slowly, running a hand down his face.
“I hear you. I really do. And I will make it up to you. I promise, no more late nights without letting you know. You will always be my priority, okay p>
Her lips pressed together, still holding the edge of frustration, but she nodded slightly.
“Okay… but tonight, the damage is done. I was looking forward to this evening all day, and now… it feels… off p>
Adrian softened, his eyes locking onto hers.
“Then let’s fix it now. Sit down, eat with me, and let’s enjoy what we have left of the night. No more words, just
us p>
Vivian hesitated for a moment, then slowly walked toward the dining table,
“Fine,” she said quietly, though her tone carried a trace of lingering frustration.
He pulled out a chair for her, a small, apologetic smile on his lips.
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“Thank you,” he said, gently. “I’m sorry, truly. Now, let’s eat, talk, and forget the rest for a while p>
As they began eating, the tension in the room slowly eased. Adrian spoke softly about his day, sharing small details that made Vivian smile despite herself. She commented on the food, teased him lightly, and slowly the sharp edges of the argument softened into playful banter.
Yet, in the back of her mind, the nagging frustration lingered. She loved him, deeply, but moments like this reminded her that even love required effort, attention, and follow-through. And she silently vowed, as she poured a bit more wine into his glass, that she would hold him accountable next time, without fail.
And so, the evening continued, dinner plates clinking and laughter echoing softly.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.