Ch. 101..110
Chapter 101
Chapter 101
Vivian did not expect Finnick’s question. She froze for a second before answering, “I didn’t think so
much at that time. I just wanted to stop that man. I never thought he’d be that crazy to do something to
me as well.”
Finnick’s eyes darted away but he kept silent.
“But it’s good that I’ve saved Fabian this time.” As though she had thought of something, an
indecipherable glimmer showed up in her eyes. “At least I no longer feel like I still owe him something.”
It was only then Finnick looked at her. “Owe him something?”
“Yes.” Vivian nodded. “I had financial issues when I was studying. I kept working and applying for
scholarships, and Fabian secretly helped me a lot.”
Rachel raised Vivian by herself; the former never had the best of health. By the time Vivian entered
university, Rachel could no longer afford her daughter’s tuition fees and living expenses.
That was why Vivian had always applied for scholarships and worked as she studied. However, Z
College was full of talented students. It was difficult for her to come across the opportunity to apply for
scholarships or seek work.
Yet, despite having mediocre results, she always managed to clinch the best scholarships.
Furthermore, she always “coincidentally” found convenient yet good-paying jobs.
Back then, she thought it was God favoring her. However, ever since she found out Fabian was the son
of the Norton family, she realized the truth— Fabian had been the one helping her behind the scene all
along.
Vivian did not like to owe other people favors, especially when she was now in an awkward relationship
with Fabian.
Therefore, by saving him this time, she considered herself having returned his favor.
From now on, both the favors she had owed him in her younger days and the pain he had brought her
would be wiped off the ledger.
Vivian was lost in her thoughts. She did not notice that Finnick was looking at her with dim eyes.
She owed Fabian back then?
Finnick could not find the words to describe the feelings in him.
Did I come into her life too late?
The Vivian he knew was an independent woman who always bore her own burdens.
He never knew she used to be an ordinary student. He also never knew about her past or the financial
status of her family, for which she had suffered great humiliation.
However, Fabian had known her all this while and had been the one to quietly give her love and
support.
Finnick abruptly raised his hand to hold Vivian’s.
She jumped when the warmth of his hand seeped into hers. Looking up at him, she asked, “Finnick,
what’s wrong?”
Finnick stared at her, his expression hard to fathom. He murmured, “Nothing. I was just hoping I
could’ve met you earlier.”
Even if he had not met her in her college days, he would be glad to have met her two years ago. That
was her weakest moment, and he wanted to be the one to save her.
Vivian was dumbfounded by Finnick’s abrupt words. She nodded slowly. Thinking that Finnick was still
angry, she added, “Don’t be upset, Finnick. If you were the one in his place yesterday, I’ll go to you,
too.”
Vivian only said those words to appease Finnick; she never thought her simple words would stun him.
Right away, his anger faded away.
In fact, the corner of his lips even turned upwards. He raised a brow and gazed at Vivian. “Do you
mean it?”
Vivian nodded fervently.
Looking at the obedient woman, even Finnick himself could not believe the frustration he had been
feeling could dissipate so quickly.
Damn it.
Are my feelings already so easily swayed by Vivian William?
He tried his best to maintain his calmness. After carefully feeding her the chicken soup, he moved,
about to leave. “I’m going back to the office. Rest well here.”
When he turned to leave, Vivian suddenly grabbed the edge of his shirt.
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Chapter 102
Finnick froze before turning around. “What’s wrong?”
“I… don’t want to stay in the hospital.” Vivian looked at him with a slight frown. “I’ve always hated being
in the hospital. Also, look at me: it’s just a minor injury so there’s no need for me to stay here. Can I go
home?”
Finnick frowned. “It’s safer to stay in the hospital. What if your wound gets infected? What if that man’s
dagger has some virus or bacteria on it?”
Vivian was speechless.
He’s just a working-class man. He won’t think that much.
Knowing that Finnick could not be persuaded by force, she tried to feign pity. “Finnick, I’m really fine.
Moreover, you’ll be there. If my wound gets infected, you can call the doctor for me, right?”
Indeed, Finnick’s furrowed brows relaxed. She swiftly added, “Furthermore, the hospital is having a
shortage of beds now. It’s not right for me to use a room when I’m completely fine, is it?”
A part of Finnick’s heart softened seeing the way she tried to convince him. “Alright. I’ll send you home
before I go to the office.”
Vivian cheered in her mind as she watched Finnick arrange for her discharge. Soon, she was in
Finnick’s black Bentley.
On their way back, Vivian thought of something. “Right. Finnick, what happened to the person who hurt
me?”
“I’ve arranged for a lawyer to take up the case.” When he thought about that person, Finnick’s
expression turned colder. “Don’t worry. I won’t let him off easily.”
If not for that idiotic Fabian getting the cops involved with this, I’d definitely have made that man’s life a
living hell.
Vivian frowned. “Finnick, don’t cross the line. Scaring him is more than enough.”
Finnick turned to look at Vivian. “He hurt you. Aren’t you angry?”
“A little,” Vivian muttered, “But at the end of the day, they’re pitiful people. They’ve left everything
behind to work in the city but they still have nothing in the end. That’s why they tried to take revenge on
us. It’s frustration that they’re feeling. Of course, they’re doing it the wrong way, but the truly evil ones is
that senior manager. I only want to teach him a lesson so he knows what he’s done wrong.”
Finnick peeked at Vivian, but he neither agreed with nor refused her. He only said, “I understand.
We’ve arrived. Rest first.”
It was then that Vivian realized they had arrived at the villa. She stepped out of the car.
After Vivian got out, Noah, seated in the front passenger seat, turned and queried, “Mr. Norton, so what
do we do with the man who hurt Ms. William?”
“Tell the lawyer to bail him out. Once he’s out, teach him a lesson,” Finnick ordered.
Leaving this man, who hurt my woman, to the police is too easy of a way out for him.
Not surprised by Finnick’s answer, Noah nodded, but what Finnick said next was out of his expectation.
“After teaching him a lesson, let him go. You should then look for those at the management level, find
evidence of their corruption, and make them pay off the company’s debts with their private assets.
Make them pay the employees, too.”
Noah was stunned. He stared in disbelief at Finnick.
Since when did Mr. Norton become so nice? I can’t believe he’s actually concerned about the
employees’ wages.
Finnick ignored him. He simply watched Molly come to the door and anxiously help Vivian into the
house.
Finnick was not a benevolent busybody.
However, this was different: it was Vivian’s request.
The man who hurt Vivian had to pay his price. However, Vivian pitied him, so Finnick would do as she
wished and help those employees.
As long it was something she wanted, he would do it for her.
……
At the Norton residence.
Fabian was calculating the sales of the current magazine issue. However, no matter how many times
he did the sum, the figures were wrong. In the end, he pushed away his laptop in frustration and leaned
back in the chair.
Damn it.
It had been days. Ever since Vivian was hurt because of him, his mind had been wandering.
No matter what he did, the anxious look Vivian had when she ran toward him kept appearing in his
mind.
He had thought she was no longer the Vivian he knew, but she had saved him.
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Chapter 103
If she were a woman who worshipped the rich and gave up everything for money, she would not have
saved him when he was in danger.
Have I misunderstood something about her these two years?
Frustration was overwhelming Fabian.
Whenever he thought about the possibility of him having misunderstood Vivian, he became agitated.
Yet, he felt it was impossible that he had been mistaken.
After a long while of feeling conflicted, he finally took his phone and made a call.
“Hello? It’s me,” Fabian uttered when the call was picked up, “Check something for me. Investigate it. I
want the truth.”
After reaching home, Vivian took a long shower and finally got rid of the disinfectant smell of the
hospital.
Sleep took control over her soon after she lay on her bed.
She did not like being in hospitals, so she had not slept well the few nights she had spent there. Now,
she was finally back.
She subconsciously turned toward Finnick’s side of the bed.
When her head sank into the soft pillow, Vivian suddenly smelled Finnick’s scent.
It was the smell of his shampoo, along with a tinge of cigar fragrance. Vivian felt a wave of calmness
washing over her as she breathed in the blended scent.
She suddenly felt greedy, not wanting to turn back to her spot. She ended up falling asleep on Finnick’s
pillow.
In the evening, when Finnick entered the bedroom, he saw Vivian lying on his side of the bed like a
kitten.
He stood transfixed for a second before curling his lips upward in the next.
Closing the door, he silently stood up from the wheelchair and walked toward the bed.
Vivian was in deep sleep and did not notice him coming closer.
Finnick had wanted to tuck her into the blanket, but when he lifted the blanket he saw the wound on her
arm. He could not help but furrow his brows.
Vivian had showered earlier. Although she made sure to keep her wound away from water, some water
had still made its way there. The bandage was slightly damp, and as she fell asleep so quickly, she had
forgotten to change her bandage.
Dissatisfaction swirled in Finnick’s eyes.
She’s an adult. Why can’t she take better care of herself?
Finnick had wanted to wake Vivian up to change her bandage, but when he looked at her deep in
slumber—she was even drooling on his pillow—he could not bring himself to do so.
With a sigh, he picked up the medication on the table that Vivian brought back from the hospital and
placed it on the bed. He then slowly unwrapped her bandage.
Vivian was sound asleep when she sensed someone touching the bandage on her hand. In the
beginning, she took no notice of it, but pain abruptly exploded at the site of her wound. It was then she
jerked awake. “Ouch!”
The moment she opened her eyes, she saw Finnick sitting by her bed with a cotton swab in his hand.
The bandage on her arm was completely unwrapped, exposing her wound to the air.
“Finnick?” She stiffened. “You’re back?”
“Yes.” Finnick did not look at her but continued to focus on his task at hand.
Immediately, Vivian gritted her teeth from the pain. She could not help but curl up. “B-Be gentler.”
Finnick lifted a brow. “I’m not being rough. You forgot to change your bandage in time, so the wound is
a little infected. I have to clear the pus before I can apply medication.”
Vivian suddenly recalled the doctor informing her to change her bandage twice a day. However, she
had fallen asleep since she came home, so she had not done that.
“I’ve forgotten about it,” she murmured.
Finnick shot her a disgruntled look. As if he was punishing her, he pressed the swab harder than he
should. “How can you forget about something as important as this? Should I let you stay in the
hospital? That’s safer.”
Pain traveled up her arm from her wound, and Vivian’s face paled. She begged, “I know I’m wrong, but
I’m too tired this time. Tell Molly about it and let her remind me.”
When he saw sweat beading on Vivian’s forehead, Finnick immediately stopped pressing as hard. He
frowned and asked, “Does it hurt that much?”
“Obviously. Try getting stabbed with a knife,” Vivian grumbled.
It was just some words of complaint, but Finnick lowered his eyes and whispered, “I have been stabbed
before.”
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Chapter 104
Vivian froze. She turned to look at Finnick. “Was it when you were kidnapped ten years ago?
Finnick was raised in a rich family. Other than the kidnapping ten years ago, Vivian could not think of
any way he could have been seriously injured.
“That’s right.” Finnick lowered his head as he applied medication to her wound, so she could not see
his expression. “Three blows, all on my leg. If I weren’t treated in time back then, I would really have
been crippled.”
Vivian’s arm shuddered. She then realized how irresponsible her words were. She lowered her gaze
and murmured, “I’m sorry…”
“What are you sorry about?”
“I mentioned something upsetting.” Vivian suddenly felt that she had complained too much about her
injury. It was minor in comparison to what Finnick had gone through. She was sounding like she was
made of glass.
“It’s fine,” Finnick replied.
However, Vivian could not help but ask, “Do you have scars? Were there any repercussions?”
Although Vivian had glanced at Finnick’s body in the bathroom previously, he had a towel wrapped
around his waist so she never saw his lower body. That was why she did not know about the wounds
on this leg.
“My physical therapy was quite the success, so there aren’t any major issues. That spot only hurts
when it rains,” Finnick answered. Right then, a thought entered his mind and he looked up at Vivian
with a raised brow. “Why, do you want to take a look?”
“At the scar?” Vivian froze. The injury was at such a sensitive spot; how am I supposed to look at it?
Hurriedly, she muttered, “No, no. Ah!”
She was in the middle of rejecting him when pain once again radiated from her injured arm, making her
scream aloud.
“Finally, it’s out.” In comparison with Vivian’s pallid face, Finnick looked calm as he threw the cotton
swab onto a piece of tissue.
Dumbfounded for a few seconds, she only realized what had happened after seeing the scab with pus
at the tip of the cotton swab.
Finnick only made the suggestion of looking at his scar to divert her attention so that he could do a
thorough cleaning of her injured spot.
“We’ll be done once the medication is applied.” Looking at Vivian’s colorless face, Finnick softened his
tone. He took a new cotton swab and dabbed on her wound. “Hold on for a little longer.”
“I know, but… Be gentler. Ah! Not here… Gentler.”
Vivian focused all her attention on the pain she felt while Finnick applied medication for her. She did not
know that outside her room, Molly had heard a part of their conversation and was blushing bright red.
Molly had come to ask Vivian and Finnick to go downstairs for food. She never thought that she would
hear Vivian screaming and mumbling words like “no” and “gentler.”
One must forgive Molly for having thought of the wrong things.
Molly was excited by what she had heard. She abandoned her original thought of asking the two to eat
and rushed back downstairs.
“Molly, where are Mr. and Mrs. Norton?” When Liam saw Molly coming downstairs alone, he furrowed
his brows. “Come and eat. The food’s getting cold.”
“Who cares about the food?” Molly walked over with a reddened face. “They’re busy in their room.
Don’t interrupt them.”
Liam was clueless for a second before he realized what Molly was talking about. He, too, had a look of
joy on his face. “Do you mean they’re…”
“Hush, old man. Aren’t you ashamed to say those things out loud?” Molly shot a glare at Liam but she
could not hide the smile on her face.
“This is great news!” Liam was exceptionally happy as well. He promptly stood up. “I have to tell the
good news to the elder Mr. Norton.”
Upstairs, Vivian had no idea her shouts of pain had been misinterpreted by Molly and Liam.
After changing her bandage, she noticed her growling stomach and went downstairs with Finnick.
When Molly saw them, she was taken aback. “Oh, why are you so quick? I mean, I just finished
preparing dinner. Come and eat quickly, Mr. and Mrs. Norton.”
Vivian sat down on the chair, but her arm movements were restricted. Molly moved over and was about
to feed her when Finnick had already wheeled himself next to her. He picked up the bowl and asked
quietly, “What do you want to eat?”
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Chapter 105
By now, Vivian was more used to being fed by Finnick as he had done it for her once back at the
hospital. She obediently replied, “I want the broccoli and eggplants.”
Finnick immediately took the food and fed them to Vivian.
Beside them, both Molly and Liam were astounded by the scene.
Mr. Norton is feeding someone?
This is unbelievable. I never thought I’d live to see this with my own eyes!
Vivian took a long time to finish dinner. She was beyond embarrassed when she saw Finnick busily
feeding her. Awkwardly, she mumbled, “Finnick, I can eat with my left hand. Please just eat your
dinner.”
Finnick ignored her. He only started eating when she was done with her meal.
Soon, Finnick was done as well. When he saw Molly clearing the dishes, he said, “Molly, Vivian needs
to change her bandage every day. Do remind her in the future.”
Molly nodded. The plates were in her hands, but she did not head to the kitchen.
Realizing the woman seemed to have something to say to him, he raised his head and queried, “Is
there anything else?”
“About that… Mr. Norton…” Molly hesitated, but looking at the pallor of Vivian’s face she continued,
“Although it’s good that you’re loving with Mrs. Norton, she is still injured. Shouldn’t you… Shouldn’t
you be gentler?”
Molly only had good intentions when she said those words. She had heard Vivian’s scream earlier and
then noticed she was quite pale when she came downstairs for a meal. Molly’s heart ached for the
younger woman.
Both Finnick and Vivian were dumbfounded. However, they were adults and they soon realized what
was going on with the reddened faces and suggestive looks on Molly and Liam.
Vivian’s face flushed red.
Oh no.
Did Molly misunderstand my shouts of pain when he was applying medication for me earlier?
“Molly, actually-” Vivian was easily embarrassed and was about to explain to Molly when Finnick
interrupted, “Molly, don’t worry.”
Finnick had a tranquil look on his face. “I know Vivian’s hurt so I was being careful with her. I was the
one who did everything.”
Vivian’s eyes grew wide as saucers.
What do you mean you did everything?
Not only is he not blushing from this, but he even made such an embarrassing lie!
Both Molly and Liam had not expected the usually cold Finnick to say something as blatant as this.
They were stunned by his words but soon recollected themselves. With a smile, they nodded. “That’s
good. You are considerate after all.”
The hell you are considerate!
By now, Vivian was as red as a tomato. She was about to open her mouth to explain, but Finnick
squeezed her hand under the table. Evidently, he did not want her to say anything.
Thus, with a flushed face, she could only quietly let Finnick hold her hand as they went upstairs.
Vivian finally exploded when they retreated to their room.
She grabbed a pillow with her uninjured hand and threw it at Finnick. “Finnick, what nonsense were you
talking about just now? What do you mean by you did everything? You’re… You’re ridiculous!”
Finnick caught the pillow easily before it hit him.
He could not help but burst into laughter when he saw her huffing in anger.
I’m sure she doesn’t even realize that she’s getting more and more unruly in front of me. She even
dares to hit me now!
However, the way Vivian was acting actually lifted his mood.
A barely discernible smile grew on his lips as he asked, “What’s wrong? You don’t like it? But we’re
husband and wife and it’s normal for us to do such things in bed. Otherwise, how will Molly report to
Grandpa?”
Vivian tensed up. Her senses slowly came back to her as she recalled Finnick telling her that Molly and
Liam were sent by his grandfather to monitor Finnick and her.
It was then she realized Finnick had meant for Molly and Liam—and therefore the elder Mr. Norton—to
misunderstand them.
“But…” Vivian still felt her face heating up when she thought about what Finnick had said earlier. “You
didn’t need to… say things that way…”
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Chapter 106
A sense of adoration swelled in Finnick’s heart when he looked at the blush on Vivian’s face. His
eyebrows rose. “What things?”
“The ones like ‘I did all the work’…” Vivian’s voice trailed off as her head hung lower and lower.
Finnick let out a soft chuckle as he raised Vivian’s chin with his thumb. “I’m serious about what I said.
I’m supposed to be the one taking lead. Unless… you’re interested to give it a try?”
“N-No need.” Like a mouse whose tail was stepped on, she jumped and ran toward the wardrobe. “I-I’m
going to take a shower now. Bye!”
With that said, she hurriedly grabbed her towel with her left hand and rushed into the bathroom.
Inside the bathroom, Vivian stared at her bright red face in the mirror.
Damn it.
She covered her face with her hands.
Vivian William, why are you so useless? All Finnick did was joke with you a little. Why are you so
dramatic with your reactions? Idiot.
Although Vivian’s arm was injured, Finnick’s bathroom was well-equipped with a high-tech showerhead;
she could adjust the range for the water to flow down. Carefully, she showered without wetting the
wound.
When she walked out of the bathroom after her shower, she saw Finnick sitting still on the balcony.
Vivian dried her hair with her towel. She was about to tell him it was his turn but stopped after taking a
few steps closer.
She saw an item in Finnick’s hands, and he was staring at it in a daze.
Shining brilliantly under the moonlight, Vivian immediately recognized the item.
That necklace again.
Vivian had seen this necklace multiple times. Every time, Finnick would hold it like it was something
precious and stare at it in a daze.
Vivian swallowed the words that were at the tip of her tongue; she looked at Finnick silently instead.
The moon was bright tonight. The expression on Finnick’s face was vastly different from the one he
often wore, as if he were someone else.
His expression was a blend of longing, regret, and helplessness.
Vivian did not know why she was feeling uncomfortably upset, as if a porcupine had pricked her heart.
Right then, seemingly sensing Vivian’s presence, Finnick turned around.
“You’re done?” In a blink of an eye, the expression on his face had returned to its usual indifference.
His hand had closed around the necklace, hiding it away from view.
“Mm.” As quickly as possible, Vivian calmed herself down. “It’s your turn.”
“Okay,” Finnick replied, then went back into the room.
Instead of heading straight to the bathroom, he went to his desk. He carefully placed the necklace into
the first drawer before entering the bathroom with his towel.
Vivian remained in the room. When she heard the sounds of running water coming from the bathroom,
her eyes flitted toward the desk.
She grew curious.
What is the history of that necklace? Why does he always look so sad when he sees that necklace?
Vivian did not know what was wrong with her. She had never been a nosy person, but now she felt an
invisible hand was pushing her in the direction of the desk.
Just one look.
It should be fine, right?
After making sure Finnick was still showering inside the bathroom, Vivian held her breath and sneakily
opened his drawer.
She did not know what was wrong with her. That necklace felt like a thorn in her heart, and she could
not get it out of her mind.
She had never felt like this, not even when she was with Fabian back then.
Finnick’s drawer was not locked and she could easily open it. Vivian saw several documents inside. On
top of the documents were several photos as well as that necklace.
She carefully took out the necklace and rested it on her palm.
It was a beautiful crystal necklace. Although it was not as luxurious as one made of diamonds, it gave
off a sense of innocence. It was apparent from the workmanship that this was no cheap necklace.
Vivian turned the necklace in her hands. When she saw the back of it, she stopped in her tracks.
The front of the necklace showed a heart, and at the back of it was a word.
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Chapter 107
While the rest of the necklace was carved delicately, it was obvious that this word was carved by
someone unfamiliar with jewelry. It was slightly rough but readable—Eve.
Eve…
The elder Mr. Norton’s words suddenly echoed in her mind. it’s been ten years. Ever since Evelyn died,
I thought Finnick won’t fall in love with anyone else anymore.
Does this necklace belong to that woman named Evelyn?
Who is she? Is she Finnick’s ex-girlfriend? What happened to her?
Driven by curiosity, Vivian could not help but take the photos out of the drawer as well.
When she saw the photos, her hands stiffened.
In the photos were a young man and woman in their late teens.
Vivian easily recognized the young man as Finnick.
It was Finnick when he was much younger; he did not look like the mature man he was now. In the
photos, he looked just as handsome but more youthful and exuberant.
If today’s Finnick were a cup of aromatic and gentle white tea, the Finnick back then must have been a
glass of whiskey, intense and proud. But just as good-looking to attract anybody with one glance.
However, what Vivian was more concerned with was the girl in the photo.
She was beautiful, so pretty to the point even Vivian could not tear her eyes away from her.
She had always thought Ashley was beautiful, but in comparison with this girl, who was like a rose,
Ashley was a mere carnation. There was something the girl had that Ashley did not.
Is this pretty girl… Evelyn? The owner of this necklace?
A sense of misery surged in Vivian’s heart.
It was the same feeling as she had felt back in elementary school when Harvey finally grew a
conscience and transferred her to a private school. The first time she saw Ashley, the latter was
wearing a pretty dress while she herself was in hand-me-downs that had belonged to a neighbor’s son.
Vivian now felt the same anxiety.
Vivian was lost in her thoughts. She did not even notice that the sound of running water from the
bathroom had ceased.
Not until a cold and furious voice traveled into her ears.
“Vivian, what are you doing?”
By the time Vivian snapped back to her senses, a cold bucket of water had metaphorically poured onto
her. She swiftly stood up to see that Finnick had come out of the bathroom. He was in pajamas and his
hair was still damp. His cold, dark eyes were fixed on her.
Still holding onto the necklace, Vivian panicked, feeling like a thief caught in action. “Finnick, I- Ah!”
She frantically tried to explain herself while putting the necklace back into the drawer. In the midst of
her nervousness, she dropped the necklace.
The color on her face drained.
It was a crystal necklace! It would shatter when it fell onto the floor!
She instantly crouched down to catch it, without caring that her arm was injured. Vivian could feel her
wound tear, but the thought of her injury was at the very back of her mind.
Yet, Finnick was faster than she.
He crouched after a quick step over and caught the necklace before it could come into contact with the
floor.
As such, Vivian only grasped the air instead of the necklace. She heaved a relieved sigh when she saw
that the necklace was safe.
Before she could finish sighing, she heard Finnick’s frigid voice above her head.
“Vivian, can you explain to me what you’re doing?”
Her heart skipped a beat. When she lifted her head, she could see Finnick staring at her coldly while
holding onto the necklace.
When she locked eyes with him, her heart ached as though a hammer had struck it.
She never thought that Finnick would ever look at her in this way.
Even when they were unfamiliar with each other back then and Finnick had been indifferent to her, he
had never given her a look like this.
His frigid look embodied disgust and hatred.
Vivian’s lips trembled before she finally whispered, “I’m sorry. I keep seeing you lost in your thoughts
while looking at the necklace. I couldn’t help but feel curious…”
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Chapter 108
Her voice grew soft, so soft that it could barely be heard.
Even Vivian knew how terrible her excuse was. She had been snooping around. She could barely
believe that she had done something so horrible.
When Finnick saw how pale Vivian was, he felt a blunt ache in his heart.
Damn it.
Was I too harsh with her? Did I scare her?
Finnick did not want to sound mad at her, but when the necklace was nearly dropped on the ground,
wrath had exploded in his chest.
The necklace meant too many things to him. If it had shattered…
Finnick dared not imagine it.
Knowing that he would not be able to speak with Vivian calmly now, he turned and went toward the
wardrobe. He took out his shirt and muttered, “I have some things to attend to in the office. I’ll go out for
a while. Rest early.”
Vivian’s lashes fluttered.
Does Finnick not want to see me?
She could not say anything but bite on her lower lip and nod.
Finnick was quick to change. Without drying his hair, he sat in his wheelchair and left the room.
Molly was cleaning the house when she saw Finnick come downstairs. She stared at him with wide
eyes.
“Mr. Norton, it’s already so late in the night. Where are you going?” She hurried over. “And your hair!
Why is it wet? Dry it quickly!”
Finnick paused in his tracks. Although his expression remained cold, he calmly uttered, “Molly, I have
things to attend to in the office. Remember to remind Vivian to change her bandage.”
“Sure, but…”
Before Molly could finish her sentence, Finnick had wheeled away without sparing another glance at
her.
In the room.
As if she had lost her soul, Vivian collapsed onto the bed.
Pangs of sharp pain came from her arm. She carefully unwrapped the bandage to look at it and found
that her wound had indeed ruptured.
Vivian knew she had to clean the wound again, so she picked up a new cotton swab. Unfortunately, her
left hand was not as nimble and she stabbed her wound a few times, causing more bleeding.
Tears fell from her eyes. She did not know if it was from the pain or from Finnick’s reprimand earlier.
Seems like the necklace means a great deal to Finnick.
All she did was to hold it in her hands, and Finnick lost his temper.
But…
How cruel. I’m a person, but I’m no match for a necklace. ‘m just a speck of dust in Finnick’s heart.
The unpleasant thought reared its ugly head in her mind, so much so that it even surprised Vivian
herself.
The next second, she flashed a bitter smile.
Vivian, Vivian. Why should Finnick think that you’re more important than that necklace?
That necklace should be a gift from his ex-girlfriend, Evelyn. She’s such a pretty girl. Even a strand of
her hair is prettier than your entire being. Naturally, her necklace matters much more than you.
Besides, aren’t you too carried away recently? Just because Finnick is now slightly nicer to you, you’ve
forgotten who you are. How dare you rummage through his things!
You think too highly of yourself.
Vivian should have known that other than her mother, no one else would truly care about her in this
world.
Her biological father, Harvey, and Fabian, who had promised to stay by her side forever, were only
passersby in her life.
How can I possibly hope Finnick will treat me differently?
Vivian understood this better than anyone.
But…
Why does my chest feel so tight?
Vivian reached out to put her hand on her chest. It was painful and uncomfortable as if it were
squeezed by an invisible force.
Is it because…
A thought flashed across her mind. She suddenly felt there was something in her heart she could no
longer ignore.
Is it because…
I’m falling in love with Finnick?
……
That night, Finnick did not return.
Chapter 109
Chapter 109
Molly wanted to help Vivian clean her wound but the latter rejected her offer. Vivian did not want Molly
to see her reddened eyes, so she decided to clean it herself.
Vivian woke up early the next morning and felt instantly lonely when she realized there was no one
around her.
Damn it.
She patted her cheeks to wake herself up.
Vivian did not like how she looked at this point; she needed to pull herself together.
After breaking up with Fabian two years ago, she swore to never fall in love with anyone again, even
though she would still get married and have children.
Am I going to lose myself again?
No. No way.
Vivian made a swift decision.
She got out of the bed and dragged a few luggage bags downstairs with her left hand.
“Where are you going, Mrs. Norton?” Molly was taken aback.
“My mom was recently discharged from the hospital, so I plan to go home and take care of her.” Vivian
pursed her lips and looked at Molly. “I miss her.”
“But you’re still injured. How are you going to take care of someone else?” Molly panicked. “Why don’t
you bring your mom over? I can take care of her as well.”
Vivian rejected. “It’s alright, Molly. My mom wouldn’t feel comfortable staying here. I’ll tell Finnick about
this, so don’t worry.”
After finishing her breakfast, Vivian called a car and left the residence.
Upon arriving at her own home, Vivian spent some time cleaning the space. After all, she had been
away for quite some time. She took a glance at her watch and decided to go to work since it was still
early.
By right, she should have returned to work since her injury was just a minor one. She was, however,
still given a week off, and no one from the magazine company questioned her. It must be because of
Fabian.
When she arrived at the office, Sarah and Jenny went up to her to genuinely inquire about her health.
Though Shannon and a few other colleagues made fun of her from afar, Vivian did not let that bother
her.
Just as she was about to start working, she heard some fast-paced footsteps coming in her direction.
She turned around and saw Fabian’s tensed expression.
“Mr. Norton?” Vivian stood up from her chair right away. She looked at Fabian and knitted her brows.
“Yes?”
She was not sure if her mind was playing tricks on her but felt Fabian looked strange today.
It was as if a demon had possessed him. He disregarded the people around, went up to Vivian, and
grabbed her by her shoulder. Fabian growled in a deep voice, “Why didn’t you tell me you were
innocent? Someone framed you two years ago, am I right?”
Vivian was thunderstruck; she became as white as a sheet.
Her lips began to twitch. She glared at Fabian and was at a loss for words.
Fabian got even more teary-eyed as he continued to shake her. “Why didn’t you explain yourself? Why
did you allow me to humiliate you and insult you?”
Fabian had reached his breaking point.
It was clear that someone had set Vivian up when Fabian investigated her two years ago. He could not
describe his feelings at this moment after learning that she had been wrongly accused.
He could not imagine the pain and struggle she had gone through over the years.
Not only did he not offer her the help she needed, but he also even rubbed salt into her wound by
humiliating her.
At the same time, he was also mad at her for suffering in silence ever since they reunited. He was mad
at her for not clearing things up.
Fabian could not control his emotions, and this was why he wanted to seek Vivian’s confirmation today.
Even if she’s at Finnick’s place, he would still make a trip there to hear what she had to say!
But as he was about to leave his office, he realized Vivian had returned to work.
Fabian did not care what the people around would think of him; he just wanted Vivian to tell him the
truth.
Chapter 110
Chapter 110
Fabian was so emotional that he had forgotten Vivian was injured. The way he shook her shoulders
gave her excruciating pain, and her face turned even paler.
Upon seeing her ashen face, Fabian finally calmed down a little. He immediately released her from his
grip. “I’m sorry. I forgot you’re injured.”
Vivian, too, regained her composure. She took a sidelong glance at the crowd and whispered, “Let’s
talk in the office.”
Fabian realized he had gone overboard. He nodded and walked into the office with Vivian following
right behind.
The minute the two of them entered Fabian’s office, the crowd started discussing the unexpected turn
of events.
“Oh my, what was that? So the rumors are real? They used to be a couple?”
“Yes, they were. I heard they broke up when he learned that Vivian sold herself, but it seems he’s now
realized it was all a misunderstanding?”
“So Vivian is innocent? I knew it! We all have known her for two years now, and she’s a great girl! She
can’t be involved in that kind of filthy business!”
Upon seeing everyone started taking Vivian’s side, Shannon could not help but grit her teeth and stand
up.
“Shannon, where are you going?”
“I’m not feeling well. I’m taking a day off!”
…
In Fabian’s office, Vivian sat on the couch, and her face still looked as pallid as ever. She looked at
Fabian pacing back and forth in front of her and did not know what to say.
In the end, Vivian let out a sigh and said, “Calm down, Fabian.”
She knew Fabian would act like this when he was emotionally unstable.
He stopped walking and stared at her while his expression remained unchanged. “Why didn’t you tell
me the truth?”
Vivian’s eyes glistened. “So you now know?”
“Yes! I know everything now!” He stood in front of her and let out a low grunt, “Why didn’t you explain
yourself? Despite all the things I’ve done and said, you just… how could you stay silent?”
“Did I not explain myself?” Vivian finally spoke in a louder voice. She lifted her head and looked into his
eyes. “Even if I explained myself clearly, would you have believed me?”
Fabian trembled. He wanted to answer “yes”, but the moment he thought of how cruel he had treated
her over the years, he could not bring himself to spew out the answer.
Vivian looked at him and put on a wry smile. “I don’t know who fed with you that false information, but I
knew you left me at the most vulnerable point in my life, when I needed you the most. You said you
would believe me, but did you come looking for me to listen to my explanation? No. You left without a
goodbye because you believed what people said. After all these years, you expect me to come up to
you and say I don’t hate you?”
Vivian maintained eye contact with Fabian when she made her point. Her eyes were so crystal clear
that Fabian did not know how to face her.
He looked away from her and defended himself. “Someone showed me some photos. I thought since
the evidence was clear, there was no way you could deny it.”
Photos?
Vivian finally understood it was all because of those scandalous photos he saw two years ago.
She smiled wryly. “I see. Just a couple of photos were enough for you to lose faith in me.” She
continued with a gentle voice, “Perhaps you never had faith in me, after all. If you did, you would have
told me you’re from the Norton family.”
“They’re two different things, for goodness sake!” Fabian panicked once again. “I hid my identity
because…”
“Don’t you understand?” Vivian interrupted him before he could explain himself. “You never really
trusted me. Not two years ago, and not now. You only believe in yourself.”