Chapter 71
071
SATURDAY crept on slowly, the kind of morning that seemed endless. Adrian had been awake since dawn, yet he made no move to get out of bed. Instead, he laid sprawled comfortably against the headboard, head sunk into the pillows, one hand lazily propped beneath his head, the other holding his phone. The blue light illuminated his face as he scrolled, laughed, and smiled like a man with no burden in the world. The soft chuckle in his throat was carefree, careless, an echo that both puzzled and pierced Vivian’s heart.
Vivian, who had woken up earlier, had moved about the house with deliberate silence. She had fried some eggs, toasted bread, boiled tea, a modest breakfast. Carrying the tray, she had walked back to the bedroom with a hopeful smile, asking softly, “Babe, breakfast is ready, come eat p>
Adrian hadn’t even lifted his eyes from his phone.
“I’m not hungry,” he replied casually, waving it off.
So she had eaten alone, each bite heavy, each sip of tea tasting bitter even though she had added more sugar than usual.
Now, hours later, just a few minutes before noon, Adrian finally rose, freshened up quickly, dressed in one of his sharp casual fits, dark jeans, crisp polo, sneakers, and with that same careless tone, he announced, “I’m stepping out p>
Vivian didn’t ask where. She didn’t even flinch. She simply watched him leave, the door clicking shut behind him. But the very moment his footsteps disappeared into the distance, her body came alive with a rush of urgency.
She dashed into the kitchen, tied her apron, rolled up her sleeves and began her secret mission. Pots clanged, spices filled the air, the sizzle of oil, the bubbling of sauces, all merging into the symphony of her determination.
She cooked with intent, with passion, every move deliberate: steaming rice, frying golden chicken, slow- simmering stew with all the herbs he loved, vegetables sautéed till they glistened, even a small cake resting on the counter, covered with cream. The smell of garlic, ginger, and butter fused into the air, traveling beyond the kitchen, curling its way into the living room and up the staircase.
When she was done, she carefully set the table, white cloth, two half-filled wine glasses, candles lit though the sun still shone, dishes arranged neatly under stainless lids. She stepped back, observing the spread, her chest swelling with hope.
“This time, he will see me. He will see us again p>
She hurried upstairs, slipped into one of her nicest gowns, soft satin that hugged her gently without clinging too tightly to her bump. A light layer of makeup followed, blush dusted across her cheeks, lipstick enough to brighten her smile. Finally, she sprayed perfume across her neck, letting the scent of roses trail behind her as she walked back down.
And just as though fate had conspired with her plan, the front door opened.
Adrian strolled in.
Vivian froze at the door leading into the dining, her smile breaking free as though she had been caught in the middle of a secret. Adrian’s brows pulled together slightly, curiosity glinting in his eyes as he walked toward her.
“Babe?” he asked, slipping his hands into his pockets.
She tilted her head, grin wide.
“Welcome back p>
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He looked at her up and down, noting the dress, the makeup, the faint shimmer of perfume.
“What is going on p>
Vivian chuckled lightly, stepping toward him.
“Nothing bad. Just… come with me.” She reached for his right hand and held it, her palms soft against his.
Adrian raised a brow.
“What is the in-thing huh?” he teased.
“Just follow me,” she said cheerily, tugging him gently.
“Okay,” he replied, allowing himself to be led like a man indulging a child’s game. His chuckle followed them as she guided him into the dining.
But the moment his eyes fell on the table, candles glowing faintly, steam still rising from the covered dishes, wine glasses glinting, he stopped. His lips curled into a smile, slow but real.
Vivian’s heart melted instantly. “That smile. That was it. The one she had missed, the one that had once made her believe she was his entire world p>
“Okay…” Adrian murmured, eyes sweeping over the table. “So what’s up p>
Still holding his hand, she gave a nervous shrug.
“Well… I want to apologize p>
“Apologize?” His brows rose, lips quirking.
“Yes.” She lowered her gaze for a moment, then met his eyes again. “For nagging. For always complaining. For snooping around your phone, for stressing you… I’m so sorry. It might just be the hormones, I don’t know. But I have known that I have missed the old us. I want us to start all over again, to be sweet again, like we used to be. I want to be your peace, your solitude, like before p>
Adrian looked at her, then at the table, then back at her. A faint chuckle escaped him.
“You went all out,” he said, his tone half-amused, half-soft.
Vivian smiled widely.
“I know. You deserve it p>
Silence lingered for a beat, the two of them standing hand in hand, the smell of food between them, the glow of the candles making the space warmer than ever.
Adrian nodded slightly.
“You tried p>
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Then, softly, she added, “Why don’t we save the talk and get this done now, hum? Sit, let’s eat p>
Adrian shrugged, pulled out a chair, and sat. Vivian followed, sitting across from him, her smile unshaken.
“Here you go, my love,” she said sweetly as she picked up one glass of wine and handed it to him.
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He took it. “Thanks p>
She lifted hers as well.
“Okay,” he said, lifting his glass slightly. “So, to what p>
Vivian glanced at the food, then back at him. A giggle slipped out.
“To love anew… hopes… and a golden future p>
Adrian chuckled softly.
“Alright, to that p>
Their glasses clinked. They raised them higher, then tilted.
Vivian’s lips met the rim, sipping slowly, eyes never leaving him.
But Adrian barely touched his to his lips before-
Ring! Ring!
The phone in his pocket vibrated sharply, slicing through the quiet moment.
Adrian immediately dropped the glass onto the table, reached into his pocket, and pulled it out. His eyes darted to the screen, his entire focus yanked away.
Vivian, still holding her glass, sipped a little more, eyes narrowing as she studied him.
The smile she had so desperately built was fading already.
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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.