Chapter 2

I had no idea what was going through Vivian's head as she watched me leave, but it definitely wasn't anything good. Still, I knew her well enough to be sure of one thing—with her willful personality, she wouldn't give up that easily.

Exhausted, I dragged my tired body back to the Sutton residence. I'd been busy with a project for the past few days, working overtime almost every night until the middle of the night.

I walked into the house while rubbing the space between my brows.

An hour ago, I'd gotten a message from my parents saying Vivian was back. My whole body froze the moment I saw it. I'd always known Vivian would come back someday, but when the day actually arrived, I still couldn't help going blank for a moment.

I hung my bag on the coat rack and looked down to see a pair of men's shoes on the floor. I paused for a second, then immediately put on a perfectly polite smile.

"You're back." A warm, gentle voice rang out.

I turned around. Adrian stood there in solid black pajamas. Even in something so simple and conservative, it was easy to see that he had a great body—broad shoulders, a trim waist, and long legs. He had chiseled features, and gold-rimmed glasses rested above gentle eyes.

He frowned slightly and looked at me with concern. "Why do you look so drained? Haven't you been resting well these past few days?"

I smiled. "There's just been too much going on at the company. How have you been the last few days? Did you have fun? How's Rowan?"

He walked over and gently pulled me into his arms. His chin rested on my shoulder, and I could feel his warm breath on the side of my neck.

His long, defined fingers slowly stroked my back as he said softly, "Rowan had a great time. He was so tired that he fell right asleep. His only regret was that you weren't there. Next time, when we get the chance, we can all go together.

"I missed you," he added. His voice carried a teasing, intimate warmth.

I could feel the heat of his chest against me, but inside, I was freezing cold. Something soft brushed against the side of my neck, and my whole body went rigid. My mind was full of what Vivian had said earlier.

I didn't respond to Adrian the way I used to. Instead, I pressed my hands to his chest, instinctively putting a bit of distance between us.

"I…" I didn't say any more. I clearly felt Adrian's body stiffen for a moment, and I sensed he was unhappy.

After a pause, he smiled and picked up where I'd left off. "You've been exhausted lately. Go take a shower and get some real sleep."

He'd already come up with an excuse on my behalf. He even leaned down and pressed a light kiss to my forehead.

I nodded and headed upstairs.

Behind me, hidden in the shadows, Adrian's expression was dark and unreadable. The air around him was almost suffocating as his gaze stayed locked on my tense, preoccupied figure.

…

The next day, I went to work as usual. Just as I drove out of the neighborhood, I spotted a familiar figure. My hands tightened on the steering wheel, and my brows drew together.

Vivian saw my car, too. She suddenly rushed right in front of it, and I was forced to slam on the brakes. The driver in the car behind me immediately laid on the horn in frustration.

It was peak rush hour. The security guard hurried over, trying to drag Vivian away, but she wouldn't budge. Even as he pulled at her, she screamed at the top of her lungs, "Noelle Cavendish, stop playing dead! How shameless can you be to cling to your brother-in-law?"

Her shrill, grating voice drew the attention of everyone nearby.

I pulled my car over to the side, making sure I wasn't blocking anyone's way. Then, I got out.

I looked at Vivian coldly. She gave a satisfied little smile and casually smoothed back her messy hair. She sneered and asked, "What's wrong? Embarrassed? Or are you scared that once Adrian finds out I'm back, he'll dump you?"

My voice was frosty. "Vivian, you're seriously disrupting my life right now. This is my final warning. Leave me alone and stop harassing me."

She clearly didn't take my warning seriously. Instead, she smiled like victory was already in her hands.

"Drop the act. You're terrified, and you know it. You've lived in my shadow since we were kids. Being jealous of me and wanting to replace me is perfectly normal for someone like you."

She paused for a beat, then stepped closer and leaned in to whisper in my ear, "Unfortunately for you, people who steal someone else's place will eventually get kicked out. I'll wait right here for Adrian. Once I see him, I'll explain everything. He'll forgive me. I know he will.

"Rowan, too. He's my child—I gave birth to him. We're bound by blood. You can forget about ever truly taking my place!"

I didn't respond. I simply turned around and got back in the car.

This time, Vivian didn't try to stop me. In the rearview mirror, I could see her standing there, watching my car with a faint, smug smile.

A chill crept over my whole body.

Vivian had been spoiled rotten since she was a child. She never followed rules, and the moment something didn't go her way, she would throw a tantrum like an overgrown baby, causing a scene for the whole world to see.

I took a deep breath, trying hard to pull my thoughts away from her. All these years, I'd poured my heart into maintaining this marriage and building my career. If Adrian and I divorced, I wouldn't be the only one affected. He would take a hit, too. Both our interests would be dealt a blow.

Even then, he still had ways out. As for me, the only person who was truly in my corner… was myself.