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As soon as Eva hit send on the message, a surprising calm washed over her. The hardest part was over. Now, all she had to do was wait for Adrian’s response.
However, time stretched on, and Adrian didn’t reply right away. Eva reasoned that he was probably in a meeting or his phone was on silent. Once he finished with work, he would see her message.
Deciding to give herself some rest, Eva swiftly changed into her pajamas, pulled the curtains shut, and climbed into bed. She closed her eyes, hoping for a brief reprieve from the storm of emotions she felt.
Meanwhile, in one of the Blackwood Group’s offices, Vivian’s calm composure was shattered. She had been sitting on the sofa, but now, her hands trembled as she stared at the message on her phone. “I’m pregnant.” At first, she’d assumed it was a work-related message for Adrian or perhaps spam. She didn’t expect it to be from Eva.
Vivian’s gaze shifted toward Adrian, who was absorbed in his work across the room. The realization hit her like a punch—Adrian and Eva had slept together.
Her breath caught in her throat. She quickly looked down, unable to mask the surge of panic rising in her chest. Adrian, sensing her gaze, glanced over at her, his brow furrowing in mild confusion.
Vivian froze, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. She quickly lowered her head, trying to regain composure, and Adrian, satisfied with the brief exchange, returned to his work. The office fell into a heavy silence, the hum of the city below inaudible in the quiet of the high-rise.
Still shaken, Vivian didn’t think twice before deleting the message. A strange sense of relief washed over her, but the tension in her hands remained, her nails digging into her palms. What’s Eva trying to do? Is she really trying to steal Adrian away from me?
Vivian bit her lip, her thoughts racing. She’d already asked Adrian for his phone earlier, under the pretense of needing it for something trivial. Adrian had frowned slightly but handed it over without question. If he’d seen that message… She shuddered at the thought.
A few minutes later, Vivian returned the phone to Adrian with a soft, almost saccharine, “Thank you, Adrian.”
He took it without much acknowledgment, simply nodding. “Hmm.”
Vivian, however, couldn’t resist probing further. “You hate it when people touch your phone. Why would you lend it to me?”
Adrian met her gaze for a brief moment. “You’re different.”
Vivian’s heart skipped a beat. That was all she needed to hear. Maybe she had been overthinking things. Even if Eva is really pregnant, who’s to say it’s Adrian’s child? she reasoned. How could Adrian possibly be with her?
But just as she started to convince herself that there was no threat, Adrian’s tone shifted. He looked at her solemnly and said, “Vivian, you saved my life. Whatever you want, just ask, and I’ll fulfill it.”
The words felt hollow in her chest. Vivian’s smile faltered, but she nodded nonetheless. “Thank you, Adrian.”
As she lowered her gaze, her mind began to churn. He’s only kind to me because I saved his life. Does he have no other feelings for me?
Her thoughts spiraled back to the incident years ago—when she had watched Adrian get swept away by the river. Panic had paralyzed her, but then, from out of nowhere, a figure had rushed to his side, leaping into the water to save him without hesitation.
The image of that girl, so brave and selfless, had haunted Vivian ever since. And now, her resentment simmered beneath the surface, as strong as ever.
Adrian noticed her shift in demeanor and looked up from his work. “What’s on your mind?” he asked, his voice gentle.
Vivian quickly masked her emotions, forcing a smile as she shook her head. “It’s nothing.”
I shouldn’t dwell on the past, she told herself. Adrian believes I saved his life, so I’ll use that to my advantage.
Vivian lingered in Adrian’s office a little longer, but his attention was clearly elsewhere, his focus fully on his work. She sighed reluctantly, standing up to leave. “I’ll come back another time,” she said.
Adrian, still absorbed in his tasks, nodded distractedly. “Alright.”
As she moved toward the door, Adrian called out, “Wait.”
Vivian turned, confused. “Huh?”
Adrian met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “Who sent that message?”
Vivian froze, panic flaring in her chest. She had deleted the message without thinking, never imagining that Adrian would ask about it now. Her mind scrambled for an explanation.
“It was just spam,” she said quickly, trying to play it off. “I deleted it for you.”
Adrian said nothing, his silence heavy with unspoken thoughts. Vivian’s heart thudded in her chest.
She couldn’t stop herself from apologizing. “Are you angry? I’m sorry. I should’ve let you decide. Please don’t be mad at me.”
To her relief, Adrian’s frown softened, and he exhaled. “I’m not mad at you,” he said, though his voice was still firm. “But don’t do that again.”
Vivian nodded quickly, lowering her head in acknowledgment. “I understand. I’m sorry.”
The air between them became thick with unspoken tension. Adrian broke the silence first, his voice deep as he said, “I’ll have the driver take you home.”
“Okay.”
Vivian left the office, her hands clenched into fists as she entered the elevator. As the doors slid shut, she felt a seething frustration building inside her. Adrian didn’t mind me using his phone. But when I deleted that message… he actually got upset.
It was clear to her now—she wasn’t special to him. He only sees me as someone who saved his life. That’s all.
Vivian bit her lip hard, the sting of frustration sharpening her resolve. Relying on saving his life won’t be enough. I need to do more. I need to make sure Eva doesn’t stand in my way.
She had deleted the message, and that gave her some comfort. Eva won’t confront Adrian directly. She’ll back down… Vivian thought, but a cold determination lingered. Either way, I’ll take action. I won’t let her take Adrian from me.
