Ch. 51..60
Chapter 51
Chapter 51
Vivian felt her face getting hot instantly.
“You? Showering?” Vivian dared not even look at him and quickly pushed the bathroom door close.
Finnick lowered his head and glanced at her flushed face. All he could think of was how cute she
looked as he allowed her to close the door.
Vivian returned to the bed and still felt as though her cheeks were extremely hot. She picked up her
phone and browsed through Twitter to calm herself down.
After a short moment, Finnick stepped out of the bathroom. Vivian still did not have the courage to
make eye contact with him and continued scrolling her phone.
“Let’s head to bed,” Finnick said in a low voice. He switched off the lights after seeing Vivian nod.
That night, her embarrassing, sleepless thoughts engulfed her mind. She could not sleep at all.
Whenever she shut her eyes, she would imagine Finnick’s buff figure and the slight smile on his face.
She prayed silently for her heart to stop beating so fast.
Unbeknownst to her, Finnick’s sleep was also disturbed by her tossing and turning. It was a sleepless
night for him too.
He heard the woman muttering to herself in the dark, and for a moment, he wanted to have her there
and then. Nonetheless, he resisted the temptation after giving it thought.
She’s a delicacy. I have to control myself, and ravish her slowly after.
The next morning, Vivian was awoken by her phone’s ringtone.
Finnick was missing from the bed when she woke up. She picked up the phone from the bedside table
and immediately took the call as it was from the hospital.
“Ms. William, we are calling regarding the outstanding ten thousand hospital bill. May I know when you
would be able to pay the outstanding sum?”
Vivian instantly felt a headache as she heard this.
She almost forgot about this outstanding amount. Fabian previously declined to advance my salary.
Where am I going to get the money?
After repeated assurances that she would pay up within the next three days, Vivian hung up and went
downstairs, looking very depressed.
Meanwhile, Finnick was having breakfast in the dining room. Noah stood beside him as he reported the
findings of his investigation.
“According to our investigation, the old man is not lying. Someone did try to pull some strings for him,
but he didn’t manage to connect with the other party. It seems like a third-party stepped in.”
“Who is it?”
“We couldn’t find anything about them.” Noah cringed as he said this.
“Nothing?” Finnick raised a brow at his response.
He knew Noah was a competent man. The third party must be extraordinarily powerful if he could not
find anything on them.
“Continue with the investigation.” He said, “Also, who was the person who tried to pull strings for the old
man?”
“We have some leads on that. I believe this person was bribed. It should be easy to find out who he is.”
Noah nodded. Suddenly, he thought of something and said to Finnick hesitantly, “Mr. Norton, I forgot to
mention something. We also found out that Ms. William’s mother fell very sick two years ago during our
investigations. She’s still in a coma.”
Finnick’s heart skipped a beat as he heard this. A dark expression loomed over his face. “Why didn’t
you tell me earlier?”
Noah felt wronged.
Well, boss, you didn’t ask us to investigate this, did you?
“What about the hospital bills?” Finnick suddenly realized this. “I suppose the bills are quite high if her
mother is in a long-term hospitalization.”
“Yes. After Ms. William married you, she got her citizenship in Sunshine City and medical insurance
too. However, while the insurance is of some help, she still has to pay quite a sum on her own.”
Right, so she was in a rush to get married because of the insurance payout.
Finnick instantly understood. He looked up to see Vivian coming down the stairs and immediately
waved his hand to signal Noah to stop. “Oh? You’re awake?”
Vivian glanced at Noah suspiciously. “What were you guys talking about?”
“Nothing much,” Finnick calmly replied as he scooped a bowl of soup for her. “Come and have
breakfast.”
She did not think much of it and sat down in the dining room. Nonetheless, her thoughts were still
distracted by the outstanding hospital bills throughout breakfast.
On the other hand, Finnick would steal glances in her direction from time to time. This time, he knew
what she was worried about.
He picked up a piece of sausage and placed it on her plate. With a low voice, he said to her, “Vivian,
when we are both free, let’s visit your mother.”
Vivian was taken aback. She looked at him anxiously, only to realize that he was staring back at her in
an assertive manner.
Chapter 52
Chapter 52
“It’s alright…” She quickly avoided his gaze. “My mom isn’t feeling very well… She needs time alone to
rest…”
Vivian kept her words vague and did not mention her mother’s illness. Nor did she bring up the
outstanding hospital bills.
Finnick’s eyes darkened.
As an experienced businessman, he had definitely met girls who were fake or promiscuous. Those who
came from prominent families always acted coquettishly and only knew how to rely on men on every
trivial issue. They were always asking for his money or for his help.
However, Vivian was different from the rest of them.
Even though they were newlyweds, she never once asked for anything from him. To be specific, she
intentionally avoided doing so.
Her distant and cold demeanor somehow irked Finnick.
“Really?” The coldness in his voice revealed his unhappiness. “Well, I hope she gets well soon then.”
Vivian furrowed her brows slightly.
Did I say anything wrong? Why does Finnick look upset?
However, she did not continue the conversation and finished breakfast. Finnick then drove her to the
Subway station, and she took the train to work.
After arriving at the building, she headed to the Department of Finance instead of her office in an
attempt to get a month’s advance on her salary.
However, she already got an advance previously. If they approved her request once more, it would be
an advance for the month after.
“Vivian, it’s not that we don’t want to help you. We understand your difficulties, but we are not
authorized to approve your request.” Zoe from the Department of Finance looked at Vivian in a helpless
manner.
Vivian’s eyes darkened slightly. She was about to speak, but suddenly, a cold voice echoed from
behind.
“Vivian, don’t you know it’s office hours? Why are you here at the Department of Finance? You should
be preparing for this afternoon’s interview!”
Her heart skipped a beat as she heard the voice. Reluctantly, she turned her head to see Fabian
standing behind her with a cold glare.
“I have some matters to attend to.” She did not want to speak to Fabian at all. Hence, she stepped out
of the office quickly without elaborating further.
However, just as she turned the corner, Fabian caught up with her and grabbed onto her wrist before
pinning her to the wall.
“Fabian, what are you doing!” Vivian lowered her voice and hissed as she was afraid that Zoe and the
rest from the Department of Finance would overhear them.
“Nothing.” He still had that smirk on his face as he stared at her arrogantly. “I’m just showing concern to
my fiancée’s sister. Now, this is not your first time asking for an advance. What is going on, huh?”
At that moment, Vivian knew that Fabian had overheard her conversation with Zoe earlier. She rubbed
the sore spot on her wrists and replied casually, “Mr. Norton, didn’t I tell you this before? I want to buy a
bag.”
“Vivian, do you take me for a fool?” Fabian chuckled.
He did not believe that Finnick would not buy a bag for her if she really wanted it, considering how well
he treated her.
There was definitely something else going on. It must be an emergency since she’s so desperate and
probably a matter that she can’t tell Finnick about.
Upon these thoughts, the evil smirk on his face got wider. Suddenly, he pinned her to the wall once
again with both hands and restrained her.
“Finnick, let go! What are you doing!” Vivian panicked.
“Vivian, it seems like you really need money, hmm?” He bent forward slightly and whispered into her
ear, “A month’s salary… Let me guess, that’s about ten thousand, right?”
“It’s none of your business.” She furrowed her brows and struggled to escape.
However, his next words made her entire body freeze.
“How about this? I’ll give you ten thousand for you to have a one-night stand with me. What do you
think?”
She glared at him in disbelief, only to see him staring right at her with a mocking expression.
“So?” He lowered his head and locked his eyes onto her pale face. Deep down, he was annoyed. His
blood slowly boiled as his mind flashed back to the scene where Finnick and she flirted. “Ten thousand
for a night is way above market price. You only stand to gain here.”
Chapter 53
Chapter 53
As Fabian spoke, he thought of something once more and his face got smugger. “Oh wait, I forgot that
you were already priced like that two years ago. But that was your first time, wasn’t it? Now, you are
just a piece of trash that has been toyed with by dozens of men. You should be contented that––”
Slap!
Before he could finish, Vivian unleashed her anger and sent her palms across his cheeks. She could
no longer tolerate his attitude.
The slap was unexpected for Fabian. He was instantly dumbstruck as he held onto his red cheek and
looked at the woman in shock and surprise.
Her previously pale face was now flushed red with fury. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to
let them roll down her cheeks and bit hard on her lips.
Fabian felt a knife stab through his heart.
Even though he intended to hurt Vivian, his heart ached when he saw her in that state. There was not a
tinge of satisfaction he felt.
She continued to glare at him and controlled her tears. Gritting her teeth, she spat, “Fabian, I f**king
regret falling in love with you.”
Then, she pushed him away and walked down the corridor without turning back.
Fabian was still glued to his spot, looking as though he lost his soul. After what seemed like an eternity,
Zoe walked out of the Department of Finance to head to the restroom and saw him standing there like
a statue.
“M-Mr. Norton?” Zoe jumped in surprise.
Fabian finally recovered his senses and looked at her. “Zoe, do you know why Vivian wants an
advance on her salary?”
Zoe was in a dilemma. However, Fabian was the Chief Editor and it would not be wise to lie to him. She
blurted, “Vivian’s mom is very sick and the treatment is very costly, which is why she asked for an
advance. Mr. Norton, please don’t be angry with her.”
Very sick? Hospital bills?
Fabian did not expect such a response and was stunned.
On the other hand, Vivian knew that she was too angry and upset to work. Hence, she swapped her
duty with Jenny and took the rest of the day off.
She hailed a cab and headed back to the Norton family’s villa. After she arrived, she walked to the
entrance and removed her shoes. However, she was too tired to step in and sat at the door instead,
lost in her own thoughts.
Fabian, Fabian… You are just too good.
Whenever I thought you couldn’t hurt me deeper, you always find a more ruthless way to torment me.
Previously, you presented me to another man like a gift! Now, you choose to humiliate with money?
Just as the tears were about to roll down her cheeks, she was lifted into the air. When she recollected
herself, she realized that someone was carrying her.
“Ah!” Vivian exclaimed in surprise. From her peripheral, she could make out Finnick’s handsome and
distinct features. “Finnick? W-Why are you at home?”
It’s only in the afternoon. Shouldn’t he be at the office?
“I came back to take some stuff,” Finnick stated. He noticed her reddened eyes and turned gloomy.
“What about you? Why are you home so early?”
“I don’t have any interviews today. So I came home early…” Vivian tried to smooth over. All of a
sudden, she realized that Finnick was standing up and carrying her. Her cheeks turned hot instantly.
“Why don’t you put me down… It wouldn’t be nice if other people saw us…”
“There’s no one else at home,” he replied nonchalantly as he walked into the house with her in his
arms. “It’s cold outside. Don’t sit at the door next time.”
He placed her on the sofa in the living room and asked her, “Have you eaten?”
Vivian remembered that she was too upset to eat earlier. Shaking her head, she returned the question,
“What about you?”
“Not yet.”
“Let me make lunch then.” Since Molly was not around, it was obviously Vivian’s job as the wife to
prepare lunch. However, just as she stood up, she realized something and said hesitantly, “I’ll just
make spaghetti and meatballs, alright?”
She knew that Finnick was picky when it came to food. For normal meals, Molly’s dishes were always
intricately prepared even though they were not exotic delicacies. Furthermore, she would always make
a full spread, and Vivian was not confident of replicating that.
Finnick noticed her slightly anxious expression and thought it was rather cute. He pursed his lips and
replied, “Sure.”
Upon his words, Vivian breathed a sigh of relief. She placed her purse and phone on the coffee table
and stepped into the kitchen.
Just as she got busy, a notification popped up on her phone. It was a message sent to her mobile.
She was occupied with cooking and could not step out of the kitchen. Nonetheless, she was worried
that it might be something important from work. Hence, she called out from the kitchen, “Finnick, could
you take a look and tell me whose message is it?”
Finnick was reading The Business Times when he heard her. He lowered his head and looked at her
phone.
It was possible to see the sender and the contents of the message on her phone without unlocking it.
Finnick immediately spotted the name which irked him the most – Fabian.
What upset him even more was the message itself.
The message wrote: Vivian, I’ll lend you the money if you really need it to pay your mom’s hospital bills.
Chapter 54
Chapter 54
His grip around the newspaper tightened immediately.
Vivian?
Huh.
How affectionate.
Also, how does he know that Vivian needs to pay her mom’s hospital bills?
Did Vivian tell him herself?
Finnick somehow felt his blood boil as the thought flashed past his mind.
She didn’t tell me about it, and yet she told Fabian?
Meanwhile, Vivian was done with the spaghetti. She brought the dish out of the kitchen and
announced, “Time for lunch.”
She did not notice the unhappiness on Finnick’s face as she attempted to take off her apron. However,
she struggled to do so as the knots were all tangled up behind her back.
Finnick looked up and saw her struggling. He slowly got up from the sofa, walked towards her, and held
onto her hands. “Let me do it.”
His presence was unmistakable. As he spoke, the hot air from his mouth blew past her neck and made
her cheeks go red. She quickly retracted her hand and thanked him.
Finnick kept quiet as he helped her untie the apron. Unfortunately, Vivian’s attempt earlier turned it into
a dead knot.
“Ah…” Vivian became nervous as the man stood close to her. She had to distract herself by speaking.
“Who was it earlier?”
Finnick’s hand froze for a moment, but he quickly responded, “It was Fabian.”
It was Vivian’s turn to freeze.
“Aren’t you going to ask me what he sent you?” Fabian continued, seeing that Vivian remained silent.
She gulped down and chuckled sarcastically. “Probably something to humiliate me.”
“No.” Finnick finally undid the knot and took the apron off for her. “He said he could lend you the money
you need to pay your mom’s hospital bills.”
Vivian’s eyes widened as she spun around. “How did he know…”
She wanted to ask how Fabian knew about her mother’s hospitalization but she was met with Finnick’s
cold stare when she turned.
Vivian paused for a brief moment.
“Finnick…” Based on his reaction, Vivian realized something. With a trembling voice, she asked him,
“So you know about my mom too?”
He lowered his head and looked at her.
She worked hard in the kitchen. Beads of sweat were trickling down her forehead, and her bangs fell
slightly. Finnick raised his hand, pushed the loose strands of hair behind her ear, and replied casually,
“Yes, I know about her.”
Vivian trembled.
She should have expected this. Finnick was an incredible man who kept tabs on everything, including
her.
“Are you angry?” Finnick frowned when he noticed that Vivian was still silent.
“No.” She shook her head, looking lethargic. “I expected you to be wary of those around you since you
come from a prominent family.”
It’s just like how Fabian intentionally hid his identity back then. It is not out of the ordinary that Finnick
would investigate me.
Finnick was rather hurt by her tone.
He never thought of guarding himself against her. In fact, he never looked into her apart from checking
her background before their marriage. This time, the information coincidentally surfaced when he was
looking into the incident from two years ago.
“Vivian.” Finnick was unreasonably bothered. He was about to continue when her phone rang.
“Let me get that.” Vivian did not want to continue the conversation with him. The phone call was her
saving grace, so she quickly moved away from him and ran to the living room.
Upon seeing the caller ID, Vivian’s heart immediately skipped a beat and she picked up the call.
“Hello? Dr. Jones? Well… About the hospital bills… I’m going to pay for it soon. Could you please–”
Before she could continue, the doctor’s panicked voice could be heard on the other end of the call.
“Ms. William, your mom’s condition worsened suddenly. She needs an operation immediately! Could
you please come over and sign the papers, as well as pay for the operation? That way we can move
her into the operating theatre as soon as possible!”
Vivian felt her world collapse, and the color drained from her face.
The next second, she turned into a madwoman and dashed out of the villa.
“Vivian!” Finnick rushed up to her and held onto her arms. “What’s going on?”
Chapter 55
Chapter 55
As he turned her around forcefully, he was astonished to see tears streaming down her cheeks.
Vivian yelled at the top of her voice, “Let go of me! My mom needs surgery! Let go!”
Finnick’s eyes darkened, but he did not let go of her. Instead, he pulled her into a tight embrace and
commanded, “Vivian, calm down! You won’t make it in time even if you go now. Let me call Noah and
get him to the hospital.”
“No…” Vivian instinctively rejected his offer to help. However, she saw the flashing anger in his eyes
the moment she spoke.
“Vivian! How long more are you going to keep this up? Do you want your mother to recover?” he
bellowed. The next moment, he noticed the slight wariness in her eyes and softened his tone. “Did you
forget that I’m your husband? Please, let me help you during times like this.”
Please, let me help you during times like this.
Vivian’s aggression subsided upon hearing this as she looked at him in a daze.
She did not expect an arrogant man like him to speak like this.
He wants to help. He even said “please”.
Seeing that Vivian is calmer, Finnick fished out his phone and called Noah. “Hello? Noah, go to the
hospital now and arrange for Vivian’s mom to go for surgery. Yes, it’s an emergency. Also, pay for the
hospital bills.”
He kept his eyes on Vivian as he spoke.
Meanwhile, Vivian lowered her head like a child who committed wrong. At last, she chose to let him
help.
After the call, Finnick took her hand and said, “Let’s go. I’ll drive you to the hospital.”
He led her out of the house as he spoke.
When they reached the entrance, Vivian remembered something and quickly stopped. “Finnick, your
wheelchair…”
Xavier told her that Finnick faked being a cripple to guard himself against his brother. There might be
uninvited trouble if someone saw him standing.
Finnick paused in his tracks and glanced sideways at her. With what seemed like a smile, he asked,
“Are you afraid that people will find out?”
She nodded and rushed to take the wheelchair beside the entrance. “Let me push you out.”
He sat down in the wheelchair and let her push him out of the house. At that moment, his anger
subsided and his mood got better.
Seems like Vivian still cares about me.
The driver sped to the hospital after they got in the car.
While it was not a long journey, Vivian still felt like it was an eternity. She kept fidgeting in her seat on
their way there.
All of a sudden, she felt warmth on her hands.
Blinking her eyes in surprise, she turned to see Finnick holding her hands.
Her hands were ice-cold as she was nervous. In contrast, the warmth from his hands made her feel
much more at ease. Gradually, she became less anxious and calmed down slightly.
The car finally arrived at the hospital. Right after it parked itself at the entrance, Vivian jumped down
from the vehicle and forgot about her husband.
When she rushed to the entrance of the operating theatre, Noah immediately stood up and greeted her.
“Mrs. Norton.”
Just then, a nurse rushed out from the operating theatre. Instantly, Vivian approached her and asked,
“Miss, how is my mom?”
The nurse kept her reply simple. “As this was a sudden decision, the risks are much higher as
compared to normal surgeries. In any case, I would need you to wait here.”
Then, she rushed off somewhere.
Vivian collapsed onto the ground upon hearing this.
She always knew that her mom needed the surgery to live on. Unfortunately, the operation had little
chance of success because her mom was always in a weak condition. This was why Vivian let the
doctors treat her mom using medication first, as she thought it would be a wiser choice to let her get
better before heading for an operation.
She never thought they would have to rush into surgery due to a worsening of her mother’s condition.
The chances of success would be even lower now.
The more she thought about it, the more afraid she got. She recoiled in fear on the ground and
trembled uncontrollably.
If something happens to Mom… W-What am I going to do?
“Vivian, it’s cold on the ground. Don’t sit there.”
Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Just as Vivian was worried sick, she heard a low, coarse voice from behind. Then, she was lifted into
the air and before she realized it, she was seated on Finnick’s laps.
“Finnick…” Vivian was shocked.
As Finnick observed her pale and cold body, he felt as though a thousand needles were stabbing
through his heart. He wiped away the tears from her cheeks and assured her, “Don’t worry. I will be
here with you.”
It was a simple but weighty statement that warmed Vivian’s heart. Indeed, with his assurance, she
gradually calmed down.
All of a sudden, she felt extremely tired. This time, she did not fight back and just nodded in silence.
With her remaining strength, she coiled up in his arms and stared at the “Operation In Progress” sign at
the top of the door.
As she lay in his arms, Finnick could discern a unique scent from her. All of a sudden, it was as though
his cold heart melted slightly after being frozen for decades.
After a long while, the lights above the door turned red.
Vivian, upon seeing this, jumped up from Finnick’s lap and dashed towards the door. The doctors and
nurses exited the operating theatre looking drained.
“Doctor! M-My mother…” Vivian did not even know what to say at that point.
The doctor looked at her and smiled as he informed her, “Congratulations, Ms. William. The operation
was a success. Your mother will be awake by tomorrow.”
Mom will be awake?
At that very moment, her tensed body loosened up and she felt so relieved. She desperately wanted to
thank the doctor, but suddenly, her legs went numb and she collapsed.
However, her skin did not come into contact with the cold, hard floor. All she felt was a strong, sturdy
chest.
She lifted her chin to see Finnick’s face.
It was him who made his way over in the wheelchair just in time to catch her.
His usual cold expression was gone too. There was a slight smile on his face as he stroked her hair
gently. “This is good news,” he echoed.
Those simple words instantly made Vivian tear up. She had been holding it in for too long.
It was cathartic for her as she released her emotions. She stretched out her arms and wrapped them
around Finnick’s neck as she sobbed in joy. “Yes, it’s good news! Very good news!”
Over dinner, Finnick got a few calls from work.
Vivian knew that he had accompanied her for the entire day and felt rather apologetic. She took the
initiative and said, “Why don’t you head back to work? I will accompany Mom here.”
Finnick turned to look at her. As she ate in a hurry earlier, there was spaghetti sauce at the corner of
her lips. Instinctively, he wiped it away for her.
“I will head off first then. I’ll be back tomorrow.” He continued in a low voice, “Let me know if you need
anything.”
Vivian nodded. However, she frowned when Finnick did not get up. “What’s wrong?”
The latter stared at her purposefully. Then, casually, he raised the finger which he used to wipe her
mouth earlier and licked it clean. “Nothing, I just think that you looked rather serious when you nodded.”
Vivian looked on as he did this. Her mind went blank and she did not even hear what he said.
I-Isn’t that too much?
If someone else did this, I might even say that it’s unhygienic. But why did it look so… so sexy when he
did that? His slender fingers… his thin lips…
“Huh? What? Serious?” Her cheeks flushed hot red again as she looked away and shot random
questions at him.
Chapter 57
Chapter 57
“Yes, I’m wondering if you were serious about telling me if you need anything in the future.” Finnick
noticed her avoiding his gaze and looked slightly unhappy. Using his index finger, he lifted her chin and
forced her to make eye contact. “Vivian, I hope you treat me like I am really your husband.”
Treat you like a husband?
Vivian stared into his dark eyes and was rather lost.
“Alright.” She lowered her gaze quickly after. “I promise to tell you if I need anything next time. I swear.”
Then, the corner of his lips upturned as he nodded. “Good girl.”
He let go of her chin, turned around, and left.
When he reached the door, Vivian called out to him. “Finnick!”
He turned slightly and saw her flushed face. With a slightly awkward tone, she said, “Thank you.”
It was a simple ‘thank you’, but for some reason, Finnick’s smile got wider. “No problem.”
Vivian stayed the entire night to accompany her mother. It was fortunate that Finnick transferred her to
a private ward as the hospital provided a small bed for visitors. At least she could get a good night’s
sleep in there.
The next morning, Vivian was awoken by a series of coughs.
She opened her eyes gradually and saw that her mother was awake.
“Mom!” Vivian immediately rushed up to the bed. “How are you feeling? Do you feel sick? Should I get
the doctor?”
“I’m alright.” Rachel William still looked pale. Her eyes were fixated on her daughter and they lit up with
happiness. With trembling hands, she stroked her daughter’s hair in an affectionate manner. “Vivian…
Oh, my dear Vivian… Let me take a good look at you. It’s been s-such a long time…”
Tears rolled down Vivian’s cheeks. She gulped and nodded. “It’s been two years… Mom… You’ve been
in a coma for two years…”
On that fateful night two years ago, she was robbed of a woman’s most treasured possession. It was
truly a nightmare for her. Not only that, but the two people she loved the most also abandoned her.
One was the love of her life, Fabian, who went missing suddenly.
The other was her only kin, her mother Rachel, who became ill and fell into a coma.
Rachel coughed a few times. Holding onto Vivian’s hands, she said, “I’m so sorry, Vivian. It’s all my
fault. It’s all because I’ve been weak all this while. I haven’t been able to take care of you for these two
years. I even gave you so much trouble. You–”
Rachel suddenly stopped because she spotted the diamond ring on Vivian’s finger.
“Vivian.” She became a little excited. “A-Are you married?”
Vivian was stunned momentarily. She quickly smiled and replied, “Yes, Mom. I’m married now.”
Vivian knew that her mom did not have the perfect marriage and had always hoped that she would
marry a good man. Hence, she did not want to keep this from her.
“Good… Very good…” Rachel teared up in joy. “Is it Fabian? Did you guys marry after you graduated?”
Vivian’s body trembled upon hearing this.
Sigh, Mom has been in a coma for two years. She has no idea what happened two years ago.
She managed a smile. “It’s not Fabian. We broke up.”
Rachel was taken aback after she heard this. She hurriedly added, “Vivian, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know
about this… Don’t worry, it’s all over now. I’m sure you are happily married.”
Vivian nodded with the same smile plastered on her face, and she tried hard to cover up the bitterness
in her eyes.
Her mother examined the diamond ring on her finger and gave a wider smile. “He seems like a good,
honest man.”
Vivian’s eyes flashed slightly upon hearing this.
She knew that her mother never hoped for her to marry a rich or powerful person. On the contrary, she
always wanted her to marry an ordinary man. Hence, she was happy to see such a simple diamond
ring.
Chapter 58
Chapter 58
What would Mom think if she knew that I married Fabian’s uncle and the son of the Norton family?
Forget it. I shouldn’t think about it for now.
Vivian was about to head out to get lunch for her mother when suddenly, someone knocked on the
door.
She was a little stunned by this.
Mom doesn’t know a lot of people in Sunshine City. Who could it be?
She opened the door to see Finnick and Noah standing outside. The former was still in a wheelchair,
while the latter had a fruit basket and lunchbox in his hands.
“Finnick?” Vivian asked in a dumbfounded manner.
“Vivian, who is it?” Rachel asked.
With a slightly lost expression, she turned to look at her mother. She did not know how to respond to
her question.
On the other hand, Finnick raised his brow upon hearing the voice inside. He initiated the conversation
and said, “Hello Mrs. William, I’m here to visit you.”
For the umpteenth time, Vivian’s face blushed bright red. She opened the door and let the two men in.
Slowly, Finnick pushed himself to the front of the bed. When he noticed Rachel’s shocked look, he
gave her a smile and introduced himself. “Mrs. William, I am Finnick Norton. I should have visited you
earlier, but Vivian always said that you were unwell.”
Rachel looked at Finnick, and then at Vivian whose face was blushed. She instantly understood. “Ah,
so you must be Vivian’s husband. Well, you are quite different from what I imagined you to be…”
The man just smiled faintly and signaled to Noah to place the lunchbox and fruits on the desk. “Mrs.
William, have you eaten lunch? I prepared some home-cooked dishes.”
Vivian hurriedly walked over and opened the lunchbox. Indeed, the dishes were all prepared by Molly
and were healthy and nutritious. She began to feed her mother carefully.
After being in a coma for two years, Rachel did not have a big appetite. She only had a few mouthfuls
before feeling full. However, her curiosity had no limits. She observed Finnick for a moment before
asking, “Finnick, right? What do you work as, may I ask?”
“Mom!” Vivian shot her mother a look as though she was chiding her.
“My dear girl, I am just concerned about you. After all, marriage is a major milestone in your life, and
you got married before I woke up,” Rachel lamented softly.
“It’s alright, Vivian.” In contrast to her awkwardness, Finnick presented himself as a calm, confident
man. “Mrs. William, this is my name card.”
Rachel took the name card and saw the words ‘Chief Executive Officer’ and ‘Shareholder’.
Immediately, she froze.
“Finnor Company… I’ve not heard of this company before.” She continued hesitantly, “What about your
parents? What do they do?”
By now, Vivian was panicking at the side. She desperately wanted to stop her mother, but Finnick
already began to reply, “My parents are no longer around. My grandfather is Samuel Norton.”
“Samuel Norton? You mean the head of the Norton family?” Rachel asked. She looked extremely
startled.
Finnor Group was a new company that was set up in recent years, which was why she never heard of it
before. But everybody in Sunshine City knew who Samuel Norton was.
“Yes, indeed.” It was apparent that he did not intend to keep this from her.
“So… You are… The son… of the Norton family?” Rachel stuttered as she tried her best to recall.
He nodded.
The color drained very quickly from Rachel’s face as she turned speechless.
“Finnick?” Vivian obviously knew what her mother was thinking. She turned to her husband and said,
“Finnick, I want to go home and take a shower. Can you drive me home? Wait for me in the car.”
He nodded and said to Rachel, “Mrs. William, I will come again tomorrow. Please have a good rest.”
Rachel nodded, still dumbfounded, as she watched Finnick leave the room.
The moment he stepped out, she immediately looked back at her daughter. With a weak yet assertive
voice, she said, “Vivian, you can’t be together with him. Get a divorce as soon as possible!”
Vivian retreated slightly when she heard her mother. With a look of disbelief, she stared at her and
asked, “Mom, what are you even talking about?”
“I said you can’t be together with him.” She held onto her daughter’s hands and begged, “Look at
where I am today. Haven’t you learned what’s going to happen to you if you marry a rich man? How do
you know if he is truly in love with you? He might just be another version of your father and toy with
your feelings!”
Chapter 59
Chapter 59
Vivian’s face turned pale gradually. “Mom, I can’t do that. We already registered our marriage.”
“So what? Maybe he just needs a wife in name.” Rachel might have been in a coma for two years but
she was not muddleheaded at all. “Otherwise, why would he marry an ordinary girl like you if he is such
an eligible bachelor?”
Vivian was rendered speechless.
Her mother spoke the truth. Upon their marriage, Vivian knew immediately that Finnick only needed a
wife in name. However, Rachel was oblivious that she married him to get citizenship in Sunshine City.
The marriage was for mutual benefit, and no one had the right to criticize the other for their choices.
“Mom.” She told her the truth. “Finnick treats me well.”
She spoke from her heart. Even though they could not be counted as best friends, but Finnick indeed
treated her well. He always appeared whenever she needed help, just like how he stepped in this time
when her mother required surgery.
“Vivian, how can you be so foolish! Men only treat you well because they want the fun.” Rachel was
obviously very worried for her daughter. “Am I not the living example? I just want you to live an ordinary
and happy life… I’m really afraid that you will follow in my footsteps and be abandoned by a man for
life.”
She began to sob silently as she spoke.
Vivian felt hurt on behalf of her mother. She pulled her into an embrace and said, “Mom, you just had
your surgery and can’t be upset. Let me tell you the truth. I married him to get citizenship and medical
insurance. I don’t have any feelings for him.”
“Are you telling the truth?” Rachel stopped sobbing when she heard this and looked at her daughter.
“Of course.” Vivian looked at Rachel and continued, “Mom, don’t you know me? Can’t you tell when I
dislike a person?”
Indeed, Rachel brought her up singlehandedly, and they only had each other all this while. Needless to
say, she knew her daughter the best. It was obvious if Vivian liked someone, just like when she was
together with Fabian.
Finally, Rachel looked less worried. However, she still instructed her daughter, “Alright, but you have to
promise that you will get a divorce when there’s an opportunity.”
The truth was, Vivian never once thought of divorcing Finnick. She did not care why they got married,
nor was she bothered by his identity. Since they were married now, she would not initiate a divorce
unless Finnick wanted it.
Now that she saw her mother begging her, she changed her mind and gave in. “Alright, I promise you,
Mom.”
Rachel breathed a sigh of relief, but she could not stop feeling sorry. “Vivian, it’s all my fault. Even if
you divorce, it would still be hard for you to find a good man to marry next time…”
Vivian blinked a few times before hugging her mother once more. “Mom, it’s alright. I’m happy as long
as you are.”
Later, she coaxed her mother to sleep. Just as she packed up and was ready to leave, she saw a file at
the bedside table.
I think Finnick brought it. Did he forget to take it back with him?
She placed the file in her bag and left the ward.
Meanwhile, Finnick’s wheelchair was transported into the car. Noah, who sat at the passenger seat,
asked him, “Mr. Norton, why were you gone for so long? I thought you went back to get a file.”
Finnick remained silent.
Out of curiosity, Noah turned around to look at him. However, all he saw was Finnick’s cold attitude,
and instantly, he broke out in cold sweat.
What is going on? Wasn’t Mr. Norton in a good mood earlier? Why did he have a mood swing just after
retrieving a document? Goodness, he looks like he’s about to kill someone right now.
After ten minutes, Vivian climbed into the car too. She held a file in her hand and asked, “Finnick, did
you forget this in the ward?”
He did not take the file over from her. Instead, he turned to stare deep into her eyes. No one could tell
what he was feeling.
The hairs on her arm stood at their end. Cautiously, she asked, “Finnick?”
He continued to stare at the terrified woman in front of him. Her words rang in his ear once more. He
had heard what she said when he returned for the file.
I married him to get citizenship and medical insurance. I don’t have any feelings for him.
Chapter 60
Chapter 60
Huh.
She is so honest to her mother.
Even though he knew why the woman married him, he still felt irked and upset when he heard it for
himself.
Damn it.
It seemed like this woman could now control how he felt. It was getting easier and easier to be affected
by her words now.
“Vivian.” Finnick still did not take the file from her. He continued with a cold voice, “Do you want a
divorce?”
Noah, upon hearing this, almost jumped in shock. In fact, he almost knocked the back of his head
against the car window.
Vivian was also startled. She looked at him in disbelief. “What are you talking about?”
“Didn’t you marry me to get citizenship?” He spoke slowly and casually. “Since you have already gotten
what you want, we can get divorced. You won’t lose your citizenship anyway.”
Vivian’s face turned pale.
H-He knows why I married him.
Well, I probably can’t hide it from him. It is only natural for him to come to this conclusion since he
found out about my mother.
As she looked into his dark eyes, she bit her lips and said in a low voice, “Well, didn’t you marry me to
get something from me too? Will you divorce me if I’m useless to you one day?”
Finnick did not expect her response and paused momentarily.
Indeed, Vivian is not a foolish woman. She knows why I was in a hurry to get married.
His eyes darkened and he spoke softly. “No.”
Similarly, Vivian did not expect such a clear-cut response. She was stupefied.
Noticing her shocked expression, Finnick added, “Since I married you, you will be my wife forever.”
You will be my wife forever.
Finnick spoke indifferently, but Vivian was so dumbstruck by his words that she could only stare at him
in a daze.
“So, Vivian, don’t ever think about leaving me.” He lowered his voice once more, and this time, he
spoke to her in a more dominant and assertive tone.
She never thought he would say this to her. A part of her was afraid of this man.
Yet, another part of her felt butterflies in her stomach.
She dared not look at his eyes and avoided his gaze. However, she still assured him, “Don’t worry.
Since I married you, I will not betray you as long as you don’t divorce me. Nor will I divorce you too.”
While her voice was soft, Finnick heard every word she said. Looking at her blushed cheeks, he felt the
anger in him subside a little.
Fine.
He knew that the woman married him initially because of her mother’s illness.
It did not matter to him that she had no feelings for him now.
Since they were married, he would conquer her one day.
It was already evening when they reached home. Molly and Liam were not at home.
Vivian did not know whether she over-thought it, but she always felt that Finnick did not like having
them around even though he always acted politely towards them.
“I suppose you haven’t eaten yet.” She removed her jacket, rolled up her sleeves, and walked into the
kitchen. “Let me whip something up.”
When she opened the refrigerator, she was stunned.
She saw her spaghetti sitting on a plate in the fridge, wrapped neatly using cling wrap.
“Have you eaten?” Finnick also stood up from the wheelchair and positioned himself behind her.
“Yes, I have.” Vivian finally recollected herself. “Let me make you some steak then.”
She was about to reach down for the frozen steak when Finnick stopped her. “It’s alright. I’ll just have
the spaghetti from yesterday since I’ll be eating alone.”
Then, he reached for the plate of leftover spaghetti and walked to the microwave.
Vivian quickly caught up. “No, these are leftovers.”
Finnick was picky about food, and Vivian dared not imagine him having the leftovers.
She snatched over the plate of spaghetti, but Finnick stretched his hand upwards and raised his brows.
“Why can’t I eat this? I ate this yesterday night.”
Finnick was already much taller than her. Now that his hand was so high up, there was no way she
could reach the plate.