Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Even without standing in Eva’s shoes, it was clear that she couldn’t accept Vivian’s proposal. But Eva was not Vivian. She could only view things from her own perspective.
“It’s a shame that I’m not such a noble person with a spirit of sacrifice,” Eva replied, her voice steady but firm. “The child is inside my body—whether to give birth or terminate the pregnancy is entirely up to me. Besides me, no one can decide the life and death of my child.”
Vivian’s face tightened, but Eva didn’t wait for her to respond.
“If you want me to repay your kindness, I’ll help with anything else, as long as it’s reasonable. But this particular matter is out of the question.”
Her baby was her own flesh and blood. Eva couldn’t bear to terminate the pregnancy; how could anyone else decide the fate of her child?
Vivian’s expression shifted, though she quickly regained composure. “Then, will you do something for me? A favor, if you will?”
Eva raised an eyebrow, her voice cool. “Yes, as long as it’s reasonable.”
Gratitude must be repaid, but if Vivian’s request was unreasonable, Eva wouldn’t even consider it.
Vivian considered this for a moment. Before meeting with Eva, she had already anticipated that Eva wouldn’t easily agree to her initial proposal.
Adrian—powerful, wealthy, and influential within the Blackwood family—was a prize few could resist. In Vivian’s eyes, there were hardly any men who could match Adrian’s qualities.
Who wouldn’t covet him? Who would willingly let him go once they had him?
And what about Eva? Her family had gone bankrupt, and now she relied on Adrian as her lifeline. If she became Mrs. Blackwood, she’d have crossed social classes in a way few could imagine. If Eva were willing to let go, she might never have gotten pregnant in the first place.
Now, that child might just become a bargaining chip for Eva to use against Adrian. Vivian couldn’t allow that. It wasn’t just the future that could be jeopardized—there was the possibility of a divorce to consider. Vivian didn’t want Eva to hold such power over Adrian.
But Vivian also didn’t want Eva to terminate the pregnancy. So, she had to find another way.
“I think it’s too cruel to ask you to terminate your pregnancy,” Vivian said with a gentle smile. “I can’t bear it either. So, why don’t we sign an agreement instead?”
“Agreement?” Eva raised an eyebrow, intrigued but wary.
Vivian leaned forward, her tone now more ‘considerate’ as she pushed a glass of warm milk toward Eva. “You can’t drink anything else right now. The milk is warm—have some.”
Eva glanced at her, noting the return of the mask Vivian always wore.
“What? Are you afraid I’ll drug your milk?” Vivian laughed softly. “Don’t worry, Eva. If I wanted to do something despicable, I wouldn’t have met you directly.”
Eva didn’t continue the topic, instead asking, “What kind of agreement are you talking about?”
Vivian smiled sweetly. “Looks like you don’t want me here too long.”
“Why? Don’t you want to finish things quickly?” Eva’s voice was sharp, betraying her impatience.
“Of course, I do.” Vivian replied, taking a leather bag from her tote. She handed it to Eva with a casual smile. “Here. This is the agreement. Take a look.”
Eva took the bag without a word, her expression unreadable.
Vivian watched as Eva calmly opened the bag. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of frustration. Why was Eva so composed in this situation? What was driving her? Vivian couldn’t understand it.
She thought back to years ago, when Eva had jumped into a river to save Adrian without a second thought, her expression calm despite the danger. It had been a stark contrast to Vivian’s own panic and indecision.
In every dream, Adrian appeared as a dark shadow, and Vivian felt the weight of comparison. Eva had always been the one in control, even when the world didn’t see it.
To the world, Vivian was Adrian’s savior. But in reality, it was Eva who knew the truth, even if she’d lost her memory during that time.
Vivian shook herself out of her thoughts when Eva’s voice cut through the air.
“I have an issue with this agreement.”
Eva’s words were clear and cold, snapping Vivian back to the present. She noticed how Eva’s face seemed to overlap with the young girl from the past, so delicate and bright—yet today, Eva appeared aloof but no less stunning.
Vivian forced a smile. “What issue?”
Eva glanced at her, then lowered her eyes to the contract once more. The agreement, while convoluted, revolved around several key points:
-
After the divorce, Eva must leave the USA and not return for five years.
-
Eva was not allowed to mention or use the child as leverage in any way when dealing with Adrian.
-
There could be no intimate contact between Eva and Adrian before the divorce.
-
Vivian would provide financial support for Eva to raise the child alone until adulthood.
Eva’s fingers tapped rhythmically on the table. She looked up, her gaze piercing.
“Why am I not allowed to talk about our child in front of Adrian?”
Vivian’s pupils shrank, realizing her mistake. She had added this clause recklessly, knowing full well that Eva would see it and question it. But what choice did she have? Vivian had to suppress Eva somehow—if she continued to spend time with Adrian, she could slip up and mention the child.
Vivian steeled herself. She had already prepared a response.
She met Eva’s gaze and spoke softly, “I’m doing this for your own good.”
Eva raised an eyebrow. “For my good?”
Vivian took a sip of her coffee, her tone dripping with disdain. “You and Adrian have history. Even if he doesn’t have romantic feelings for you anymore, there’s still a bond between you. Why else would he help you? But in the future, he will be with me. And a child that isn’t his will only stand between us, a thorn in our side. He cares deeply about this matter. Do you understand?”
Eva’s gaze didn’t waver. Vivian’s words continued, her voice low but forceful.
“Most importantly… if you talk too much, what if he decides to take the child away from you? I have no interest in raising someone else’s child, Eva.”
