CHAPTER 4

(Vivian’s POV)

Without realizing it, my steps stopped in front of my friend Summer’s apartment building.

After leaving home with all the pain and disappointment I had endured, I had no idea where else to go. I couldn’t tell my parents what had happened. It would only make them even more devastated.

There was nothing I could do but hide it. Just to spare them from feeling the same pain I did. I would keep it to myself, handle everything alone, and when the time was right, I would finally tell them what had happened.

Even though I can't see what my future will be like.

Still, I had to face it with a positive mindset.

“Vivian? What happened” Summer’s eyes widened with concern the moment she saw me, my appearance a complete mess.

She pulled me inside and led me to sit on the couch in the living room. Her hands gripped mine tightly, as if afraid I might fall apart.

“Summer,” I whispered in my trembling voice., "What should I do?"

I didn’t know where to start.

Everything became a blur as the tears I had been holding back suddenly broke free, falling without resistance as Summer wrapped me in a tight hug.

“Oh my God… Vivian… what happened to you?” She gently stroked my back, offering what little comfort she could, though it did nothing to mend my shattered heart.

I sobbed, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. Summer looked at me with sympathy and helped wipe away the remaining tears.

I tried to calm myself before speaking. Summer watched me intently, waiting.

“Sophia and Adrian,” I began, bracing myself. “They betrayed me. In our bed... They…” My voice trembled, and my words trailed off, “They didn’t even look guilty… they justified what they did. I’m broken, Summer. There’s nothing left for me.”

Summer’s eyes widened in shock. “Have they lost their minds? How could they do something so cruel to you?”

I shook my head. My tears refused to stop.

“I’ve asked Adrian for a divorce,” I told her. “I need a lawyer who can help me with my case, Summer. Adrian won’t let this slide easily. That’s why… I came here. Do you know a lawyer who can help me?”

“I don’t know any lawyers personally, but my uncle does. I’ll give you his phone number, and you can ask for his help,” Summer said. Noticing the hesitation on my face, she quickly added, “Don’t worry. You can trust him with your case. Or, if you prefer, I can arrange a meeting for you. All you have to do is show up.”

I paused, feeling a bit unsure. But I had no other choice.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to trouble your uncle,” I said to her.

Summer shook her head. “He’s a good man, though he has a bit of a temper. I promise he can help you with his lawyer friend. Trust me,” she assured me.

“Thank you, Summer.”

I felt a small sense of relief after confiding in Summer. Right now, she was the only friend I could truly trust. The rest were nothing but illusions—people who could betray me at any moment.

The next day, I prepared to meet Summer’s uncle at his company. She had informed me beforehand that he was willing to help me through his lawyer friend. They were close.

I was grateful that they were willing to assist me.

Even though I was nervous, I tried to remain calm as I stepped into the grand and luxurious lobby of Wilder Group. Everything there looked incredibly expensive.

Just by looking at the company building, I could already tell that Summer’s uncle was extremely wealthy. He probably had enough assets to last for generations.

Wait, what was his name again?

I had forgotten it.

Kai Wilder Reyes?

I wondered what he looked like.

He must be an impressive man. But Summer had warned me that he had a terrible temper.

I just hoped I would be okay with that.

"Excuse me. I would like to meet Mr. Reyes," I approached the receptionist nervously.

"May I ask your name, Miss?"

"Vivian Rosendale."

She typed something on her computer before glancing at me with a small smile.

"Miss Rosendale, please proceed to the top floor. Mr. Reyes is expecting you in his office."

I quickly made my way to the top floor as instructed. I found a room with large doors, knocked a few times, and heard a voice inviting me in. I entered the room.

My eyes widened in horror as I looked at the two men inside. One of them was disturbingly familiar.

He grinned at me. A victorious grin that made my skin crawl.

My body froze.

I wasn’t seeing things. He was the man I had slept with last night!

My one-night stand!

How was this happening?

"Miss Rosendale?" The other man quickly stood up and greeted me, snapping me out of my shock.

"Oh, uh, yes..."

He approached me and extended his hand. A dimple appeared when he smiled.

"I’ve been expecting you."

"You..."

"I’m Willem Vermeer, the lawyer handling your divorce," he said.

My heart stopped for a second. My hand felt as cold as ice as I shook his.

Not because I was shocked by the man in front of me, but because of the undeniable fact that the man I had slept with last night was none other than Summer’s uncle!

Kai Wilder Reyes.

Of all the crazy things that could happen, how did I end up sleeping with my best friend’s uncle?

"Oh, and him... I assume you already know him, right?" Willem glanced at Kai, who was now standing beside him. "He’s Kai Wilder Reyes. Summer’s uncle. My best friend."

My mouth went dry, and even my hands felt numb. My world crumbled as my head spun.

Kai extended his hand toward me, a wicked smirk on his lips.

"So, Miss Rosendale," he said, amusement lacing his voice, "It seems you enjoy asking for my help, don’t you?"