Chapter 235

The film told the story of a struggling pianist who died unexpectedly just as his career was about to take off. His soul met Soul Number 22, a cynical spirit who despised earthly existence. Together, they embarked on a journey of mutual healing and self-discovery.

The theater screen glowed softly with vibrant animation. The visuals were stunning, the narrative deeply moving.

As the story unfolded, Vivian found tears streaming down her cheeks. It wasn't the plot that affected her so deeply, nor was it any lingering pain from Ethan's actions. The emotions simply overwhelmed her without warning.

From what she'd read, pregnancy hormones could make women unusually sensitive. Mood swings were common during this phase. Vivian decided to embrace this moment of vulnerability, allowing herself to sob freely.

Her hands instinctively cradled her growing belly. "Just a little longer, my darlings. We'll be free soon."

The emotional release left her feeling lighter. Her spirits lifted noticeably as the credits began to roll.

Lights flooded the theater as audience members stood to leave. That's when Vivian spotted him - Ethan Blackwood, rising from a seat several rows ahead.

Her breath caught. Wasn't he supposed to be entertaining some college girl at a hotel? What was he doing here?

Vivian quickly turned away, hoping to avoid detection. But fate had other plans.

As Ethan reached the aisle, he turned abruptly. Their eyes locked in an electric moment of recognition. Neither looked particularly surprised, yet both wore expressions of someone caught in an awkward lie.

"You..." Ethan cleared his throat, adopting his usual detached tone. "I thought you were at the beach with your boyfriend. What brings you here?"

Vivian's mind raced. "Who goes to the beach at night? We rescheduled."

Her counter came swiftly. "And you? Shouldn't you be... occupied with your college companion?"

"Too late. We postponed too." Ethan rubbed his nose, avoiding direct eye contact.

Vivian nearly called out his pathetic excuse but held back. Hers hadn't been any more convincing.

They maintained this unspoken truce as the theater emptied, walking several paces apart yet strangely in sync. The tension between them had shifted, replaced by something more complex.

Outside the cinema, the night air felt charged with possibility.

Ethan checked his watch. "It's still early. Hungry?"

Vivian blinked in confusion. First he claimed it was too late for his date, now suddenly it was early?

This man was definitely up to something.