Chapter 408

Vivian stepped into the apartment well past midnight.

Sophia still hadn't returned. Unusual for her.

"Did that commitment-phobe actually meet someone special?"

As the thought crossed Vivian's mind, the door creaked open. Sophia tiptoed inside, cheeks flushed pink, eyes sparkling with uncharacteristic softness.

Ahem

Vivian blocked her path, arms crossed. "Care to explain? Where were you? And why so late?"

Sophia bit her lip before blurting out, "Okay, truth time. I'm head over heels. If everything goes smoothly, we're getting married by month's end. Maybe even a double wedding if timing works out!"

"Already?" Vivian's brows shot up. "Isn't this moving too fast?"

Though happy for her friend, unease prickled Vivian's skin. "You swore off marriage and kids forever. What changed?"

"Because I never met someone like him!" Sophia's voice trembled with excitement. "When it's right, all your rules shatter. Nothing else matters."

This from the woman who once mocked romance, preferring celebrity gossip over real relationships.

One taste of love had turned her world upside down.

Vivian didn't press further. "At least introduce me before you walk down the aisle. Dinner tomorrow?"

"Already planned it!" Sophia beamed. "You'll love him."

Vivian nodded.

"So?" Sophia's eyes gleamed. "How was your dinner with the mystery donor? Let me guess—Nathaniel Blackwood?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

No point denying it.

Sophia gasped dramatically. "Oh no, the sparks flew again, didn't they? Poor Dominic. His days are numbered."

Her imagination was already writing breakup scenarios. She'd always sensed unfinished business between Vivian and Nathaniel. Dominic never stood a chance.

Vivian's expression hardened. "Don't. If sparks existed, they'd have ignited years ago. We just settled old debts."

"Good." Sophia sighed in relief. "Old flames are like tumors—cut them out clean or they'll poison you."

Then hesitation flickered across her face. "But...the twins. Can you ever truly be free of him?"

Blackwood Estate

Four years of Vivian's absence had taken its toll on Alfred Blackwood's health. Worry aged him prematurely.

Nathaniel moved back to care for his grandfather, trading penthouse views for family duty.

Tonight, he returned unusually early. Assuming Alfred slept, he headed straight for the study—work never waited.