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Eva, now fully awake, remembered the moment when she had drifted off during her grandmother’s story. She had been so engrossed in Granny Blackwood’s tales of youth, yet somehow, her eyelids had grown heavy, and sleep had overtaken her. Embarrassed, Eva hadn’t wanted to interrupt her grandmother, so she’d fought to keep her focus. But before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.
Eva sighed, feeling guilty. “I didn’t fall asleep on purpose. Do you think she’ll be upset with me?”
Adrian, his voice gentle, reassured her. “Grandma loves you. What do you think?”
He then told her about Granny Blackwood, who hadn’t wanted to wake Eva when he arrived, noticing how deeply she had fallen asleep.
Eva smiled faintly, lowering her gaze. “I see.”
She felt a little embarrassed but tried to brush it off. Her expression seemed innocent, like someone waking up from a peaceful rest. Adrian, watching her, felt a pang of affection. He raised his hand and flicked her forehead lightly. “What are you thinking about all day long?”
Eva, still slightly dazed, rubbed her forehead. “I… I don’t know.”
The way Adrian acted—so natural, yet so familiar—sometimes made Eva feel as if they shared a little world of their own. But recently, this bubble of closeness seemed more like an illusion. A fleeting dream that, as time passed, she had convinced herself was real. But deep down, she knew the truth: once Vivian came back, Adrian’s choice would always be her.
The thought chilled her, and Eva’s smile faded. Her eyes grew colder, and she looked down, unable to speak.
Adrian noticed the shift in her demeanor—the sudden coldness that seemed to settle between them. He frowned, concerned. “What’s wrong?”
Eva shook her head, her voice soft but distant. “I’m just a bit dazed from sleep.”
Adrian reached out instinctively, his hand hovering as if to help her up. But the moment Eva saw his gesture, she recoiled, her body flinching away like she had been electrocuted. The movement took both of them by surprise, and for a brief moment, neither of them moved.
Adrian’s expression hardened. “Is this what you call a truce?” His voice was cool, laced with disappointment.
Eva, now fully aware of the tension, snapped back, her tone sharp. “Sorry, there won’t be a next time.”
She pressed her palms to the bed and pushed herself up, her movements deliberate. The tension between them grew thicker, the silence heavy. Adrian watched her, his jaw clenched, but he didn’t say anything. Eva sighed inwardly, feeling the rift between them grow.
“I didn’t mean to make it awkward,” Eva said after a long pause, her voice quieter now. “But Grandma should be coming out soon, right? Why don’t you go back?”
Adrian’s breath caught at her words. “What did you say?”
Eva met his gaze, her eyes unwavering. “I’m not kicking you out. But do you want Grandma to see you like this? You have work in the afternoon. I’ll explain everything to her.”
The room fell silent again. Adrian stood still, his posture stiff. After what seemed like an eternity, he turned and left without another word. He didn’t slam the door, but his frustration was palpable. Eva let out a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
It was hard to face the truth, but she knew it: once the distance was there, it was difficult to bridge it. There were only a few days left, and she just hoped that Granny would understand when the time came.
When Granny Blackwood returned from her checkup, she asked about Adrian. Eva, keeping her tone casual, explained that he had gone back to work. Granny nodded understandingly, then remarked, “If you hadn’t been here, I don’t think he would’ve come over during the day.”
Eva blinked, caught off guard. “Is that so? He came because I’m here?”
She quickly shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. Whether Adrian came for her or not doesn’t matter, she told herself. He’ll always choose Vivian. There’s no point to any of this.
Meanwhile, Adrian returned to his office, clearly upset. He entered, yanked off his black suit jacket, and threw it onto the couch in frustration. His assistant hesitated behind him, unsure whether to leave. Eventually, she placed a thermos on his desk.
“What is it?” Adrian snapped, his patience thinning.
“Miss Morrison made lunch for you,” the assistant said, a hint of reluctance in her voice. “When I took her back, she slipped it into my hand and asked me to bring it to you.”
Adrian scowled. “Lunch made with love?” His voice dripped with sarcasm. He hadn’t eaten all day, holding off in the hope of sharing a meal with Eva, but now he was full of anger instead.
His assistant stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do with the lunch. Adrian, still fuming, muttered, “I’ve already eaten. You can finish it.”
The assistant, however, refused, shaking her head. “No, Mr. Blackwood. This is Miss Morrison’s special ‘lunch of love.’ I can’t eat it.”
Adrian glared at her, his eyes narrowing. “Who told you to speak in such a shady tone?”
The assistant immediately shrank back, her confidence evaporating. Adrian’s gaze was ice cold as he ordered, “Get out.”
The assistant quickly complied, retreating from the office. Adrian ripped off his tie, tossing it onto the sofa as he sat down, letting out a bitter laugh. What a good day. Not only had Eva avoided him, but even his assistant seemed to be taking sides with Vivian.
But no sooner had the assistant left than she returned, knocking on the door again.
“What now?” Adrian asked coldly.
The assistant hesitated, holding a beautifully wrapped package. “A restaurant just sent something over—lunch from Ms. Hansen.”
Adrian’s expression darkened even further. Of course. Vivian…
