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Eva had just changed into her pajamas, preparing to lie down and unwind for the night. Though her heart was heavy, she resolved to maintain her routine—she couldn’t let her bad mood disrupt the necessary self-care. Since she had decided to keep the child, it was crucial for her to look after herself from now on, no matter how tumultuous her emotions became. Even if sleep eluded her, she needed to rest.
Just as she lay in bed, her phone suddenly rang. The caller ID displayed Adrian’s name, and a mix of emotions stirred within her. After the heated argument earlier, she had half-expected him to seek solace with Vivian, not call her. For a moment, she hesitated, the bitterness of their exchange still lingering in her chest. Then she remembered the phone call he had asked Vivian to make earlier, and doubts clouded her mind. Was this really Adrian? Or had he asked Vivian to call again?
The phone kept ringing, and Eva, against her better judgment, picked up the call. To her surprise, an unfamiliar male voice greeted her on the other end. She paused, processing the situation before making a decision.
Her thoughts in disarray, Eva finally got out of bed. She changed out of her pajamas, feeling the weight of the situation. The cold air outside hit her as soon as she stepped out, making her instinctively shiver. Despite the late hour, she didn’t bother calling for the driver. She grabbed the car keys and headed for the garage.
As she drove, John’s earlier words echoed in her mind. “Adrian didn’t look well. You should come over if you can.” What could that mean? Why didn’t Adrian seem well? Was it his possessiveness? The thought of him turning to alcohol was almost inconceivable to her.
Her mind wandered. Is Adrian behaving this way because he’s jealous? No… he cares for Vivian, not me. His male ego must be bruised. She couldn’t help but feel conflicted as she considered the possibility.
Suddenly, a bright light caught her attention, and she quickly swerved to avoid a near miss. Her heart pounded as she gripped the steering wheel, the close call rattling her. Taking a deep breath, she refocused and continued driving. No more distractions. She had to focus on the task at hand.
When she finally reached the bar, she found it alive with energy, couples laughing and mingling despite the late hour. Unable to find parking directly outside, Eva drove around until she finally found a spot. But as she approached the entrance, something caught her eye—a familiar figure darting across the street. Vivian.
Vivian didn’t notice her as she rushed into the bar, a sense of urgency in her every movement. Eva’s heart sank as she realized why Vivian was there. Her instincts screamed to leave, to not get involved, but she couldn’t move. She stood frozen, unsure whether to confront the situation or walk away.
It wasn’t long before the familiar figures of Jason and John emerged from the bar, helping a stumbling Adrian. Eva instinctively stepped back into the shadows, watching in silence.
“What happened? Why did he drink so much?” Vivian’s voice carried concern, her hands gently resting on Adrian as she helped him walk.
Jason’s voice was apologetic. “I tried, but you know Adrian doesn’t listen to any of us. If you had been here, maybe he would’ve.”
Vivian sighed in exasperation. “How could he let himself get this bad?”
Eva’s heart twisted in her chest as she watched them assist Adrian to the car. She wasn’t sure what hurt more—seeing Adrian in this state, or the realization that Vivian was right there, taking care of him as if she had a claim to him.
But just as she started to turn away, Adrian, with surprising force, grabbed Vivian’s wrist. His words were slurred and unclear, but the emotion in his voice was unmistakable. “Don’t… Don’t go.”
Vivian paused, her expression softening. She patted his shoulder reassuringly. “I’m not going anywhere. Just rest.”
Eva’s breath caught in her throat. She clenched her teeth, the hurt flooding her chest. Regret consumed her—why had she answered the call? She should’ve stayed in her bed, far from this humiliation. Her heart felt like it was being ground into the dust, and yet, she couldn’t bring herself to walk away. She wanted to stay, to understand, but it was tearing her apart.
With a hollow expression, Eva turned to leave. But in that moment, Adrian’s grip on Vivian suddenly faltered. With a forceful shove, he released her, sending Vivian stumbling backward. Jason quickly steadied her.
“Vivian, are you okay?” Jason asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Vivian stood, a mix of confusion and embarrassment on her face. Adrian had pushed her? Was it intentional or a result of his drunken stupor?
She regained her balance, brushing back her hair as she forced a smile. “He must be really drunk to do that.” She didn’t believe her own words, but she said them anyway. Just then, Adrian grumbled from behind her. “John, take me home.”
The atmosphere grew heavy, and the three of them fell silent. Vivian, still reeling from the unexpected turn of events, didn’t know how to react. Adrian’s rejection stung, but she chalked it up to the alcohol.
Jason, trying to ease the tension, whispered to her, “Don’t overthink it. He’s just really drunk. He didn’t mean it.”
Adrian, however, wasn’t finished. “John!” His voice was sharp, and the urgency in it was undeniable.
John stepped forward, his expression unreadable. “Leave him to me. You take Vivian home.”
Jason hesitated, concern flashing in his eyes. “Are you sure you can handle him alone? He’s pretty gone.”
Before John could respond, Vivian spoke up, her voice steady. “Take him to my place.”
Both men looked at her, surprised. Vivian’s resolve seemed to have solidified. “He can’t be left alone like this. Take him to my place, and I’ll look after him.”
