Chapter 377

Vivian slipped into her silk pajamas after her evening routine, joining Sophia on the plush king-sized bed. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm light over their intimate girl talk.

"Vivian, I have to admit—I'm seriously jealous of you."

Sophia nestled closer, letting out a wistful sigh. "Just look at your life. Stunning, wealthy, two adorable kids, and no toxic husband dragging you down. You're living every woman's fantasy. I'm tempted to just skip the man and get artificially inseminated at this point!"

Vivian laughed, shaking her head. "Don't be reckless! Raising kids is no walk in the park. Once they're here, there's no going back. The first three years alone will drain you. You can't even blink without worrying—if they get sick, it’s pure torture."

The past four years of raising Adrian and Abigail with Evelyn had been anything but easy. Vivian carried scars from those sleepless nights, the kind of pain money couldn’t erase. No nanny or paycheck could ease a mother’s relentless worry. From the moment she’d known she was pregnant, their happiness became her oxygen.

"Adrian was three when he spiked a fever so high he started convulsing. Midnight, no warning. Medicine did nothing—Evelyn tried everything, and still, his little body just kept burning up."

Vivian’s voice wavered. "I lost my mind that night. Ended up on my knees by the shore, screaming at the sky like some madwoman, begging any god listening to save him. By dawn, my voice was gone. My knees were bruised raw."

A shudder ran through her. Even now, the memory clawed at her throat.

Sophia gripped her arm, eyes wide. "Vivian, why didn’t you tell me? You suffered alone—"

Vivian shrugged. "What was there to say? Every mother goes through hell. Kids are equal parts joy and sacrifice. Don’t dive in unless you’re ready to drown in it."

"Do you regret it?"

"Regret what?"

"Having them. And..." Sophia hesitated. "Not crawling back to that bastard Nathaniel?"

"Never." Vivian’s answer was razor-sharp. "I knew the price when I chose to keep them. They’re my anchor. Without them?" She exhaled sharply. "I might’ve just followed my family into the grave."

Her lips curled at the mention of Nathaniel. "As for him? You said it—he’s trash. Leaving him was my best decision. Not a single regret."

Sophia grinned, punching the air. "That’s my girl! Unbreakable. Iconic."

"Enough about me." Vivian nudged her. "Where’s this ‘true love’ you were gushing about last week?"

Sophia’s cheeks flushed. She hid behind her hands, voice dropping to a whisper. "Okay, fine. I think... this one’s different."

The rare sincerity hooked Vivian instantly. "Details. Now."

They talked until the sky lightened, laughter and confessions weaving through the night. When sleep finally took them, it was tangled in shared secrets.

Morning came too soon. Sophia’s gasp ripped Vivian from drowsiness as her phone screen lit up.

"Vivian—holy hell. You need to see this."