Chapter 283

Nathan pressed further.

Vivian gave a mysterious smile, choosing to sip her tea rather than respond.

"Fine, if you won't tell me, I'll find out myself."

Nathan pulled out his phone, fingers flying across the screen as he searched. The answer appeared instantly. "The language of sunflowers means 'You're the only one in my heart'..." His eyes widened. "Is that how you feel about Ethan?"

Vivian turned her gaze to the golden field, letting the silence speak for her.

Ever persistent, Nathan pushed harder. "So you actually loved him that deeply? I thought you were just after his wealth and status!"

"Correction," Vivian set down her teacup with deliberate calm. "I used to love him that much. Now I've woken up from that fantasy." Her fingers traced the rim of her cup. "The ocean's vast, Nathan. My heart's an empty vessel now - ready for the right person to claim it."

"Wait a minute." Nathan caught the implication immediately. "You're saying you haven't met 'the right person' yet?"

Vivian's throat tightened. She'd slipped up. As far as Nathan knew, she should be carrying Liam's child. How could there be no "right person"?

"Don't overthink it." Nathan waved a hand, his voice surprisingly gentle. "These things happen in the moment. Completely normal." He leaned forward, suddenly serious. "Between you and me? You and Liam are pure physical chemistry. The guy's practically a child. My advice? Terminate and walk away."

"I'll... consider that." Relief flooded through her.

She'd been scrambling for explanations, but Nathan had handed her one.

"I need time to think about termination," she said carefully. "Which means you must keep this pregnancy secret. For old times' sake." Her eyes turned sharp. "Especially from Ethan."

"My lips are sealed."

Nathan fell quiet then, something unreadable flickering in his expression. After a long pause, he asked casually, "So if Ethan's in your past, and Liam was just... a mistake, does that mean your heart's truly free now?"

Vivian arched an eyebrow. "You could say that."

"And this empty heart of yours..." Nathan's voice dropped. "Does that mean someone new could... fill it?"

"If the right man comes along?" A wistful smile touched her lips. "I'd like to experience real love this time."

Despite love's betrayals, her hope remained unbroken. She still believed. Still waited.

"Then maybe I—"

Vivian suddenly tensed. "Nathan," she interrupted sharply. "Do you smell that?"