Chapter 52

Vivian instinctively pressed her lips together but remained silent. 'You know exactly what I misunderstood. Stop playing dumb,' she thought bitterly.

Ethan's piercing gaze locked onto her. "Whatever you assumed about me doesn't matter," he stated coldly. "But I won't tolerate your overthinking. Everything I've done is merely repayment for saving my life. Nothing more."

A self-deprecating laugh escaped her lips.

How foolish she'd been to read into his actions.

He'd never cared for her in four years of marriage. Why would that change now?

"Good." She forced a casual shrug. "Once the divorce is finalized, we won't have to see each other again anyway."

Ethan's jaw tightened. Though he'd been thinking the same thing, hearing her say it aloud left an odd emptiness in his chest.

Rolling up her sleeve, Vivian pointed to the healing wound. "See? I'm recovering just fine. You can go now."

His eyes flickered to the scar. "Where's the ointment? I'll apply it."

"No need. I can manage."

Ignoring her protest, Ethan located the medical supplies. The injury appeared deeper than he'd imagined. His fingers stilled momentarily, imagining how much pain she must have endured.

"Ouch! That hurts!" Vivian winced.

"Endure it." His touch unexpectedly gentled as he blew softly on the wound. "If you're this sensitive to pain, you shouldn't play the hero."

"Excuse me? I got hurt saving you!"

Her fingers curled into fists, itching to punch that arrogant face.

"Don't be reckless like this again." His voice turned gravelly. "I'm not worth the risk."

The weight of unspoken debts always sat heavy on his shoulders.

His phone buzzed against the coffee table. Vivian's eyes caught the caller ID - Cassandra Delacroix.

"Aren't you going to answer that?" she prompted.

After a brief hesitation, Ethan set down the ointment and picked up.

"Nathaniel? Could you come to the hospital? They need the father's signature for the prenatal checkup." Cassandra's sugary voice carried clearly despite the low volume.

"I'll be right there."

His immediate response spoke volumes.

Vivian's hand drifted unconsciously to her own stomach. Unlike Cassandra's child, her twins would never know their father's affection.

The realization stung.

Ethan hesitated, eyeing the half-treated wound.

"Go. She's waiting." Vivian forced a careless smile. "It's just a scratch, not a disability. Besides," she added with biting sarcasm, "wouldn't want to upset the mother of your child by being caught with your soon-to-be ex-wife."

His expression darkened. That unborn child represented Sebastian's legacy - too precious to risk.

"Call if you need anything." Snatching his jacket, he strode out without looking back.

The apartment plunged into icy silence once more.

Vivian stood frozen for several heartbeats before laughing hollowly at herself.

'Total defeat,' she acknowledged.

Shaking it off, she welcomed the solitude. Finally, she could enjoy her books and yoga in peace.

The doorbell shattered her brief tranquility.

"Did he forget something?"

Heart inexplicably racing, she swung the door open - only to freeze at the completely unexpected visitor standing there.