Ch. 231..240

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 231

Fabian sat by Vivian’s side and spotted the diamond necklace she had put on. He was certain it was a gift from Finnick.

Suddenly, he took a trip down memory lane and recalled he had given her a necklace back in the day. He had gotten Vivian a cheap necklace because of his disguise as a poor student.

As he reminisces about the past, he felt regret gnawing at his heart.

On the way over to the venue of the press conference, Ken asked, “Do you guys think Mrs. Norton will show up at the press conference? If she’s around, we mustn’t miss the opportunity to expose her look!”

Fabian and Vivian exchanged glances upon hearing Ken’s statement. Immediately, they turned around and looked out the window, staring at the scene outside.

Sarah tapped on Ken’s shoulder and instructed, “You’re right, Ken! You should forget about the conference and pay attention to the mysterious Mrs. Norton instead!”

What? They want to snap photos of me? Vivian found her colleagues’ words hilarious because they would never achieve their goals. After all, the Mrs. Norton they were searching for had disguised herself as a reporter, hiding amongst fellow reporters that would attend the press conference.

All of a sudden, Sarah asked Vivian, “Has your husband seen Mrs. Norton before? How does she look like? Is she attending the press conference today?”

Vivian was startled by Sarah’s question. She stuttered in return, “H-He has never seen her before! B-Besides, I don’t think Mrs. Norton will be attending the press conference…”

Throughout their entire journey to the press conference, they kept speculating about Mrs. Norton’s look. there were several times when Vivian almost burst out laughing due to the absurdity of their remarks.

It was a grand press conference. Every broadcast station in Sunshine City had dispatched a team to broadcast it.

All sorts of luxurious vehicles could be found at the venue, including Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Bentley, and a few custom-made vehicles exclusive to individuals with high net worth.

Vivian’s colleagues were dumbfounded once they reached the venue of the press conference. They were in awe as they finally caught a glimpse of the upper echelon’s lavish lifestyle.

Fabian reminded them, “All of you are here on behalf of Glamour Magazine. Have fun and enjoy, but don’t forget to behave yourselves. We must secure some exclusive news and photos for our upcoming issue!”

“Don’t worry! We’ll give it our best!”

Immediately after Fabian talked to others, he turned around and asked Vivian, “Since you’re all dressed up, are you sure you’ll be able to conduct the interview session?”

“I can’t do anything about it because Finnick was the one who got a team of people over to dress me up. Don’t worry! I won’t allow it to get in the way of my work!” Vivian assured Fabian she had everything under control.

Fabian found Vivian overly innocent at times. In the end, he muttered, “Vivian, that’s not what I meant. A-Actually, I’m trying to say that you look great today.”

Vivian opened her mouth to reply to him but found herself to be at a loss for words.

Just then, Sarah urged Fabian and Vivian over immediately so that they could make their way into the venue as a team.

Chefs specializing in different cuisines had been gathered to prepare a feast. There was a champagne tower, an over-the-top cake, and a variety of delicacies that were generously served.

“Wow! This is such a grand press conference! This has really broadened my horizon!” Sarah’s eyes widened in disbelief due to the lavishness of the press conference.

Individuals from the upper echelon and many celebrities could be found in the spacious hall. It could definitely be considered a million-dollar press conference. The guests of the press conference had dressed up properly and carried themselves in an elegant manner. Good-looking men and women could be found everywhere, engaging in a conversation with one another.

Jenny couldn’t help but exclaim, “Damn! The Finnor Group is unbelievable! There’s a lot of renowned figures present! I can’t believe I have the chance to lay my eyes on people whom I can only see on the TV! Not to mention the guests who used to turn down our interview sessions are present as well!”

The representatives of Glamour Magazine couldn’t help but express their gratitude to be given a chance to be part of such a grand press conference.

Once they walked into the spacious hall, they headed over to their designated seat.

Their peers from the industry were jealous of them because they managed to secure the best seats available for those from the media industry.

Sarah and her colleagues were equally surprised because they didn’t expect they would be able to secure the most premium seats available. Is today our lucky day? How did we manage to secure such great seats? We’re literally only a row away from the stage! Even the leading magazine company in Sunshine City has been seated behind us!

However, the thing that took them by surprise the most was the fact Vivian had been arranged to be seated in the first row. The news anchor from the broadcast was merely given a corner seat in the first row, yet Vivian was given the center seat next to the VIP guests.

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Vivian dared not take a seat on her designated seat in the first row. She took a step back and moved away as she felt uneasy.

However, Jenny beckoned and stated, “Vivian, your seat is in the first row!”

“No way! I’m not going to sit in the first row!”

Nevertheless, she had to return to her designated seat since there wasn’t any seat available for Vivian after her colleagues took their seats.

Feeling slightly dejected, she sat down on her seat in the first row.

Finally, the press conference was about to begin. Deafening music and dazzling illumination were initiated in conjunction with Finnick’s entrance.

Noah brought Finnick, who was wheelchair-bound, into the hall and up onto the stage.

The guests who were present stared at Finnick in awe. The man emanated an ethereal presence, similar to those of superior leaders, intimidating those who were present.

Eventually, Finnick started introducing the details of the fund, including its structural characteristic, contingency plan to counter the associated risks, and its pros and cons. However, Vivian wasn’t paying attention at all because she was in a state of reverie.

She wasn’t the only one who had been charmed by Finnick’s ethereal appearance. A lot of guests had lost themselves in the process of thoughts, paying no heed to the details of the fund.

After some time, Vivian finally snapped out of her trance and returned to her usual self, focusing intently on Finnick’s speech.

Halfway through the session, Vivian heard other guests discussing her beloved husband.

“He’s so handsome! The fact that he’s bound to a wheelchair doesn’t impact his look at all! Mr. Norton is such an exceptional man! Too bad he’s already married to someone else!”

“Such a pity indeed! He has been single for so many years! I can’t believe he’s gotten married to someone else out of the blue! Do you know what sort of woman managed to win him over?”

“I have no idea, but I think it might have been a political marriage. Perhaps he isn’t in love with his wife at all. Maybe that’s the reason Mrs. Norton refused to show up in front of others?”

“He’s such an exceptional man! I mean, he’s a great-looking and talented man with abundant wealth! I’m willing to spend a night in bed with him even if he’s a vegetative patient, let alone wheelchair-bound!”

“Are you serious? Have you no shame at all?”

Vivian was rendered speechless by the guests’ absurd remarks because they had gone overboard with their imagination involving Finnick.

She looked toward Finnick, who was delivering his speech on the stage, and thought that he seemed to be in a league of his own, beyond others’ reach. On the other hand, Vivian seemed to be just another ordinary woman, whom Finnick could easily get his hands on. All of a sudden, she felt a strong sense of inferiority as Finnick’s unprecedented talent could easily put others, including her, to shame.

She thought she didn’t deserve to be his wife at all because he was completely beyond her league. After all, she didn’t possess an equivalent background.

I wonder if Evelyn used to have such concerns when she was in a relationship with Finnick back in the day?

As soon as the peculiar thought crossed Vivian’s mind, she decided to ditch it because she didn’t want such trivial matters to ruin the joyous occasion of her husband.

She snapped out of her jumbled thoughts and decided to focus on Finnick’s speech.

Finnick presented a comprehensive summary of the fund. After he wrapped up his speech, the guests applauded for the job well done. A reporter asked, “Mr. Norton, you have been introducing the fund nonstop, but you have yet to tell us the title of the fund. May I know what’s the title of the fund?”

As soon as the other guests heard the question directed at Finnick by the reporter, they turned and looked in Finnick’s direction as they were equally curious.

Finnick behaved calmly and asserted in a serious manner, “The title of the fund is V.M. Fund.”

Vivian repeated the title of the fund in her mind.

What?

V.M. Fund? V.M… Could it stand for Vivian Miller? My name?

Vivian was dumbfounded and at a loss for words all of a sudden. She couldn’t grasp the situation just yet due to the odd title of the fund.

Does that mean Finnick named the fund after me? As soon as Vivian regained composure and noticed the things Finnick had done on her behalf, she was touched deep down. She finally figured out the reason he insisted on giving her the necklace as a souvenir.

In the next moment, however, she got anxious because Finnick had never told her he would be naming the fund after her.

He’s such a tight-lipped man! Damn it! Am I going to be exposed in front of the others?

That won’t happen, right? After all, Vivian is such a common name. As long as Finnick keeps others in the dark, I don’t think they will figure out my identity as Mrs. Norton.

Just then, another reporter directed another question at Finnick.

“Mr. Norton, is there a reason the fund has been named as such?”

“The fund was named after my wife, Vivian. In fact, she’s here with us today,” Finnick explained himself nonchalantly.

The crowd got pumped out and turned around in an attempt to locate Mrs. Norton the moment Finnick mentioned his wife was present.

Mrs. Norton is here with us today? Does that mean Mr. Norton is going to reveal the identity of his wife? Goodness! This will definitely make it to the headlines!

I can’t believe Mr. Norton has named the fund after his wife! They seem to be a lovely pair. I’m so envious of their relationship.

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All sorts of thoughts crossed the guests’ minds and they couldn’t wait to figure out the actual look and identity of Mrs. Norton.

Meanwhile, Sarah’s heart shattered into pieces upon hearing Finnick’s statement.

She stated, “I can’t take it anymore! I can’t believe Mr. Norton is such a romantic man! Look at the affection he has for his wife! I’m almost moved to tears, and I’m not even his wife! Where’s my prince charming? When will the man who will go to great lengths for me in a similar manner show up?”

A wild idea crossed her mind the moment she finished her sentence. She managed to link the missing pieces of puzzles together. Wait a minute… V.M. Fund?

Vivian Miller? Vivian Miller Fund!

Sarah snapped her head around and stared at Jenny in the eyes as she stuttered, “Hey J-Jenny, do you think V.M. Fund is referring to Vivian? Don’t you think it sounds too much of a mere coincidence?”

Vivian’s heart almost leaped to her throat when she heard her colleagues’ query.

She was about to explain herself and assure her colleagues it was a mere coincidence since Vivian was a common name.

However, before she could deny their thoughts, Finnick stated, “V.M. Fund was established so that the name of my beloved wife, Vivian William, will live on forever.”

With that, Vivian could no longer keep her colleagues in the dark since Finnick had announced her identity in front of everyone.

There was an uproar coming from the crowd because they finally figured out the actual name of Finnick’s wife.

Vivian William! So that’s the name of Mrs. Norton!

Apart from a certain someone, everyone in the hall got pumped up due to Finnick’s announcement.

Knitting his brows and clenching his teeth unwittingly, Fabian was the only one who had a grim expression on his face.

He was jealous of the fact that Finnick could express the affection he had for Vivian without any hesitation. Meanwhile, he would never be able to get Vivian back again. The distance between him and Vivian had never been farther, not only he would have to deal with Finnick, but he would also need to deal with his wife, Ashley, who was pregnant with their child.

Staring at Vivian’s back as he was right behind her, he couldn’t help but feel a strong urge to figure out her reaction and response.

Meanwhile, Vivian was surprised and shocked at the same time. She couldn’t be certain if she could consider it as a pleasant surprise.

The bunch from Glamour Magazine almost went berserk the moment they heard Finnick’s announcement.

They couldn’t believe that their colleague, Vivian, was the mysterious Mrs. Norton who had been hiding behind the scene all this while.

Damn! Seriously? Vivian’s husband is Finnick? Mrs. Norton is Vivian? We’re not dreaming, are we?

Sarah had her eyes glued to Finnick on the stage, but she nudged Ken and asked, “Hey, did you hear that? Or Am I hearing things? Did Mr. Norton just address Vivian as his wife?”

As soon as Ken recalled the conversation they had when they were on their way to the venue, he yelled in return, “I’m done! We’re done! We’re all doomed!”

He couldn’t believe that Mrs. Norton, the wife of the almighty Finnor Group’s president, whom he had been teasing all this while, was one of his colleagues.

Fabian, on the other hand, couldn’t help but admit that he was impressed, Finnick. I can’t believe you have the guts to express the affection you have for Vivian in such an extravagant manner.

I definitely didn’t expect you would announce your relationship with Vivian in such a setting. Fabian got uneasy and increasingly frustrated as he turned the idea in his mind repetitively because he wouldn’t have any chance to win Vivian over anymore.

Just then, Finnick brought himself down from the stage and made his way over to Vivian’s side.

As soon as Finnick showed up in front of her, the crowd gasped in shock collectively. Consequently, Vivian’s heart started racing.

Finnick reached over and held Vivian’s hand. He was certain that she must be feeling anxious and flustered deep down.

As she had never been in the limelight before, Vivian stuttered, “F-Finnick, I-I…”

Does he want me to join him on the stage? But I have never been on a stage before!

Finnick was aware of Vivian’s concerns, so he assured her, “Everything will be fine. Just hold my hand and follow me.”

Vivian hesitated.

After all, she had been working behind the scene as a fellow reporter throughout the years.

She felt butterflies in her stomach because she had been put in the limelight against her will as part of the press conference’s finale.

She wasn’t given a chance to turn Finnick down. Holding her hand, Finnick led her up to the stage with him.

The guests cast their gaze onto Vivian as she made her way to the stage.

The moment the spotlight shone on her, she felt like she was a protagonist of a fairy tale, wandering her way out of the fictional world.

Vivian lost herself in the process of thought as she found the entire situation surreal. She wasn’t ready for the things that would be in store for her.

She didn’t have her speech ready, yet she was exposed in front of the crowd after the announcement made by her husband.

The confused woman finally realized the reason her husband had an entire team of people dropped by their house early in the morning. Turned out he wanted her to dress up properly because she would be taking part in the press conference.

Once she was brought onto the stage, the reporters couldn’t suppress their excitement anymore as they had been anticipating Mrs. Norton’s arrival. They started snapping photos of Vivian.

Vivian could barely open her eyes under the continuous flashes from countless cameras. Finally! We get to see Mrs. Norton!

She’s such a gorgeous woman!

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Mrs. Norton has finally revealed herself! She’s such a great-looking woman with a noble presence similar to that of Mr. Norton’s!

Meanwhile, Sarah held on to her chest and panted heavily. “Oh, my God! I can’t believe Vivian is Mr. Norton’s wife! It turns out she’s Mrs. Norton! Somebody help! I can’t deal with this anymore! It’s too much for me to bear!”

Jenny, who had long figured out Vivian’s actual identity, was the only one that was calm and collected. She told Ken, “What are you waiting for? Hurry up! Aren’t you here for Mrs. Norton’s photos?”

“Why would I want to take her photos when I literally run into her on a daily basis?” Ken asked rhetorically in return.

Sarah finally returned to her senses. She tapped on Ken’s head and bellowed, “Have you lost your mind? Since Vivian is Mrs. Norton, we have already secured ourselves the headline for the upcoming issue! How can we miss the opportunity to conduct an interview with her?”

“Look at her! She’s stunning!” Sarah exclaimed once again to express her joy.

Literally, every member of the team was excited and proud of Vivian. Fabian was the only one who seemed to be relatively displeased.

Why? Why does Finnick get to flaunt his relationship with Vivian in front of others? Do they really think they’re in love with one another because they have gotten married?

I don’t believe it! I’m sure Vivian would never fall for Finnick! She has never been a superficial woman! It would take more than a man’s wealth and fame to win her over!

Adorned by the crowd with a round of applause, Vivian, who was by Finnick’s side on the stage, finally regained her composure as her husband held on to her hand firmly.

She leaned over and whispered, “Thank you, Finnick.”

Holding on to Vivian’s hand firmly, Finnick then continued presenting the details of V.M. Fund in a serious manner. Vivian had completely calmed herself down as she stood by Finnick’s side.

In a hoarse voice, Finnick stated, “V.M. Fund is Finnor Group’s fund with the highest return of investment. Since it has been named after my wife, I hope the fund will be able to achieve the goal of improving other’s living conditions through increased financial capabilities.”

Although Finnick continued announcing all sorts of news regarding Finnor Group, Vivian, who was by her husband’s side, couldn’t focus on the speech anymore. She felt lightheaded due to the continuous flash coming from the cameras.

Meanwhile, Sarah looked smug when she stated, “I can’t wait to see the look on Shannon’s face the moment she figures out Vivian’s actual identity as Mrs. Norton! Finally, she’s going to stop ridiculing Vivian on a daily basis!”

Ken said, “Pftt, Shannon isn’t the only one who has to show Vivian some respect. We have to respect her as well!”

Halfway through their conversation, Fabian instructed, “Shut up! No one is allowed to bring up Finnick’s name during work hours in the future! Have I made myself clear?”

Although Sarah and Ken couldn’t figure out the reason Fabian was infuriated by Finnick’s presence, they nodded vigorously the moment they heard his words.

However, Sarah still stuck her tongue out to express her frustration in an attempt to retaliate against Fabian in silence.

Finnick and Vivian, who were on the stage, walked towards the champagne tower and started pouring the first bottle of champagne into the glass at the top of the tower, indicating the initiation of the fund.

After Finnick wrapped up his speech, he had the fund managers in charge of V.M. Fund’s operation take over the upcoming presentation.

Finnick brought Vivian down from the stage and showed her the way back to her designated seat. Holding on to his wife’s hand, he stated, “Your hands are frigid.”

Vivian’s lips twitched involuntarily. “I’m just nervous, I guess.”

“Did I frighten you?” Finnick whispered after he took a peek at her.

She shook her head in return because she wasn’t frightened at all. It was more of a pleasant surprise that had caught her off-guard.

Although she couldn’t get used to being in the limelight, she was glad her husband had acknowledged her presence and identity.

Soon, the press conference of the fund came to an end. Sarah and those from Glamour Magazine made their way back without Vivian.

Fabian was in a foul mood; it was written all over his face. Hence, as they made their way back, those from Glamour Magazine were afraid they would accidentally provoke their chief editor.

Sarah was the only fearless one. She remarked, “Vivian nailed it today! She’s the pride of Glamour Magazine! We should throw her a party to celebrate her success! Hopefully, the almighty Mr. Norton will tag along with her and join us!”

“Sarah, stop drooling over Mr. Norton. You do realize he’s Vivian’s husband, right?” Ken asked rhetorically.

“I’m not drooling over him! I can vividly recall the first time we dropped by Mr. Norton’s office for an interview session with him. He behaved oddly back then and wouldn’t stop bringing up the issues of marriage in front of Vivian. It turned out he was flirting with Vivian! I just can’t believe that I was a witness to such a romantic moment!”

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“Does that mean Vivian has long gotten married to Mr. Norton since the time both of you dropped by his office for the interview session?” Ken asked in return.

“I think so because she has just put on her ring on the day we visited his office. It turned out she had gotten married to Mr. Norton right before the interview! Instead of keeping us in the dark, she should have told us! I can’t believe we have been speculating his husband to be a janitor all this while! My, my, I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that he’s the president of Finnor Group!” Vivian orated.

Just then, Fabian cleared his throat to warn the irritating duo, causing silence to fell once more.

Sarah noticed Fabian seemed to be irritated. Instead of sharing the joy, he had a grim expression the moment the conference ended. Although she couldn’t figure out the reason behind his irritation, she decided to keep her mouth shut as instructed.

Meanwhile, Vivian, who had walked out of the venue of the press conference, felt as though she could finally catch her breath.

She wanted to make her way back to the office, but Finnick dismissed her request, saying he wanted to bring her elsewhere.

Vivian gave it a thought and decided to take a day off from her work. Otherwise, her colleagues would definitely bombard her with all sorts of questions the moment she went back to the magazine company.

She had yet to figure out the proper method to deal with her colleagues. Thus, she decided to go along with Finnick.

After Vivian got into the car, she could finally snap herself out of the state of anxiety she had been in throughout the entire press conference.

Finnick noticed the change in her expression after she returned to her ordinary self.

He asked, “Have you gotten used to it?”

Vivian smiled bitterly in return because she was certain it would take her some time before she could get used to being addressed as Mrs. Norton.

Knitting his eyebrows as though he was aware of his wife’s actual thoughts, Finnick probed further, “Are you going to blame me for exposing our relationship without acquiring your consent beforehand?”

Vivian shook her head and stated, “No! Of course not! It’s just that I can’t believe you have decided to announce our relationship through such a high-profile method. Haven’t you always like to stay low-profile?”

“Indeed, I do,” Finnick affirmed his wife of her thought.

“If that’s the case, why did you have my identity as Mrs. Norton made known to others? Aren’t you afraid our relationship will adversely impact you?”

Finnick turned and looked at Vivian in the eyes as he beamed his reply, “Although I enjoy lying low, I want everyone to be aware you’re my wife. I want them to know that Vivian William is Mrs. Norton.”

Hearing that, Vivian’s heart skipped a beat as her eyes widened in disbelief and her cheeks reddened embarrassedly.

He felt a strong urge to give her a kiss the moment he saw her sheepish grin. In the end, he gave in to temptation and kissed her on the lips.

Similarly, Vivian, who had been tensed since the press conference ended, finally felt a sense of relief.

Feeling a strong sense of security whenever she was by his side, Vivian realized then she had fallen head over heels in love with Finnick. Never would she want to leave his side anymore; she wished to spend the rest of her life by her beloved husband’s side.

She leaned on Finnick’s chest in his embrace as she stated, “Thank you, Finnick.”

Albeit faintly, Finnick’s lips curved upwards and formed a smirk.

It seems like my effort has paid off. I made the right choice to conduct a grand press conference for the fund that has been established and named after her.

The press conference wasn’t merely a surprise for Vivian because it was an opportunity for Finnick to declare their marriage to others as well. He could finally take their relationship to the next level.

He had never considered keeping others in the dark regarding his marriage. All along, he had been neglecting the announcement due to his indifferent personality.

However, after the incident they had gone through due to Fabian and Yasmin’s presence, Finnick made up his mind and wanted their relationship as legal husband and wife to be made known.

He wanted everyone to be aware of Vivian’s identity as his legal spouse, so they would treat her with respect as Mrs. Norton.

Holding on to each other’s hand firmly, Vivian had a great time as they made their way over to a certain somewhere.

Looking out the window as she frowned, she asked, “Finnick, where are we going? We’re not heading home, are we? This doesn’t seem to be the route home.”

“I have another gift for you,” Finnick announced with a bright grin.

A gift? What sort of present is it?

She couldn’t figure out the sort of gift that would be in store for her after the series of surprises she had gone through within the day.

Vivian asked as she got curious, but Finnick refused to tell her about the so-called gift he had prepared for her because he had no intention to spoil the fun.

After some time, the car was brought to a halt after they reached their destination.

Out of curiosity, Vivian looked out the window. Her expression changed when she realized they had arrived at a hotel.

Vivian couldn’t believe her eyes because the hotel they were at was none other than Century Hotel, the place that had brought her the most grief ever.

Two years ago, she had gone through a tormenting experience at the exact same location.

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“Why did you bring me here?” Vivian turned around and confronted Finnick.

Finnick remained silent, simply leading her out of the car and showed her the way into the hotel.

The staff of the hotel seemed to be expecting Finnick’s arrival. A few of them ushered Finnick and Vivian to the escalator, making their way upstairs.

Vivian’s hand started trembling involuntarily because she couldn’t figure out the reason Finnick brought her to the hotel.

I really don’t want to be here. In fact, I never wanted to step foot in Century Hotel ever again, and yet here I am…

Feeling her trembling hand, Finnick tightened his grip and held Vivian’s hand firmly.

As soon as they walked out of the elevator, Finnick brought Vivian over to a particular room.

When she raised her head and spotted the number of the room, her face turned pale and haggard because she could vividly recall the incident she had gone through in the room.

Two years ago, she had been forced into an intimate session with a man in that particular room.

Looking at the room, Vivian’s heart sank to the bottom of her stomach. The tormenting experience she had gone through flashed back in her mind.

She felt as though she would pass out anytime soon, yet Finnick suggested, “Shall we go in?”

“No! Please, Finnick! Let’s leave! I never wanted to come here again! I hate this place!” Vivian rejected without a second thought upon hearing her husband’s suggestion.

However, Finnick tried his best to persuade Vivian. “You can’t keep running away from the traumatizing past forever. Why don’t you muster your courage and face your fear? Besides…”

Oddly enough, Finnick couldn’t bring himself to finish his sentence.

Truth be told, Vivian was afraid Finnick would figure out the truth behind the traumatizing incident she had gone through.

Two years ago, she was drugged by someone while participating in an event. As a result, her body temperature started rising and she slowly lost control of herself.

She could barely pull herself together anymore, but she was certain she would have to leave the venue as soon as possible.

However, the moment she stepped out of the venue, a man brought her over to Century Hotel and boarded the elevator, making their way upstairs.

She could recall the helplessness she felt back then; she tried to retaliate against the man who had wrapped his arm around her waist, yet she had been rendered incapable of exercising her strength.

As she was barely conscious due to the drug’s effect, she couldn’t even shout for help. Therefore, no one could rush over to her aid since no one was aware of her actual condition.

Although she felt a strong urge to flee because she was aware of what would be awaiting her in the room, she couldn’t move away from the man as she felt increasingly lightheaded.

Eventually, the man brought her into the room and pinned her to the bed with all his might. He started devouring her, behaving as though he was a predator that had gotten its hands on its long-awaited prey. She had completely lost control over her body by then. In the end, she could only lay helplessly as she was violated by the man.

Vivian couldn’t bear to recall the aftermath of the incident anymore. It had since started haunting her now and then.

Throughout the years, she would break down into tears every time the traumatizing experience crossed her mind.

She held a strong grudge against the person who had drugged her two years ago. In fact, she couldn’t figure out the reason why they would want to bring upon her misery when she had never offended anyone.

Two years ago, Vivian fell into a vicious cycle of despair after the incident. She couldn’t bring herself to reciprocate the affection Fabian had for her anymore. Overnight, her world turned upside down as though it would be the end of her life soon. In fact, she once got suicidal.

Back to the present, she felt a strong urge to leave as she stared at the room in front of her. Vivian was in a foul mood and refused to enter the room with Finnick.

However, Finnick dragged her into the room against her will.

Vivian yelled hysterically, “Finnick, what are you doing? I don’t want to be here! I don’t want the gift!”

To her surprise, Finnick insisted and refused to give in to her request. He looked at her in the eyes with his abysmal pair of eyes and assured her, “Trust me, Vivian.”

Despite having her fair share of doubts, Vivian entered the room with Finnick in the end.

Indeed, everything in the room was the same as it was two years ago. She could vividly recall the things that were available in the room.

She had a hard time catching her breath, but Finnick behaved as though he wasn’t aware of her haggard look and insisted on sitting on the bed together.

Avoiding Finnick’s gaze, Vivian lowered her head in shame because she was afraid her husband would despise her if he figured out the incident she had gone through. What if Finnick figures out the incident that has occurred two years ago? Is he going to deem me a filthy woman and stay away from me?

“Look at me, Vivian.” He stroked her hair gently and assured his wife, “It’s going to be fine. So please, look at me.”

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Vivian raised her head and met the gaze of her husband.

Finnick’s eyes gleamed, staring at her in the eyes passionately as though he was up to something. “Alright. Now, I want you to close your eyes.”

She did as instructed and closed her eyes because she wasn’t in the mood to figure out the things Finnick was up to anymore.

As soon as she closed her eyes, she heard Finnick switching off the lights and laying her on the bed.

He leaned over in a similar manner and started kissing her on the lips.

Vivian got anxious because she was unsure if she would want to engage in another intimate session with the man whom she loved wholeheartedly in the room she hated the most.

She reached out to her husband and asked, “Finnick, are we going to do it here? F-Finnick… N-No…”

“Why? Why can’t we do it here?” He kissed her gently and whispered, “I think this is the best place to do it.”

Vivian was about to let loose of herself and give in to the temptation she felt.

She twitched involuntarily when he ran his slender and powerful fingers across her chests.

The room was pitch black, yet she could still see the man’s dazzling pair of eyes.

Vivian couldn’t wait to carry on with the session they had started, but Finick stopped when they were about to reach the best part.

He whispered in the pitch-black room, “Can you recall anything in this familiar environment?”

As he queried, he continued caressing her porcelain-like skin, fondling the areas that would arouse her, yet refraining himself from giving her the things she wanted the most.

Finnick’s question caught Vivian off guard because the only memories she had associated with this particular room were the unpleasant ones. What should I recall? Is he going to forsake me? Is that the reason why he stopped halfway through the session?

Vivian started blurting out the things she had in mind, “What? What am I supposed to recall? I-I have long forgotten the things that had occurred in this room!”

Nevertheless, Finnick continued implying there was a certain something she had forgotten. “Vivian, are you sure you can’t recall it? Don’t you find my touch familiar?”

Vivian finally realized Finnick seemed to be up to something in his mind. Frowning, she asked in return, “Finnick, what exactly are you talking about?”

As Vivian failed to get the hint, Finnick was certain she must have been traumatized by the incident that had occurred two years ago. Therefore, she had forgotten most of the incident.

Finally, Finnick decided to stop harrowing Vivian. He told her, “Try to recall the presence of the man that was in this particular room two years ago.”

Vivian’s body stiffened all of a sudden. Finnick added, “I found the man who was behind the entire incident back then.”

Trembling in fear, his wife’s face had turned deathly pale in the dark.

I can’t believe it. Did he seriously manage to locate the man? I’m sure he must be a horrendous old man…

Vivian trembled vigorously because upon hearing Finnick’s words, the incident that had occurred two years ago flashed back in her mind once again.

No! I don’t want to know! I don’t want to figure out the truth! Not now!

Vivian made herself clear in a quivering voice. She pleaded, “F-Finnick! I-I don’t want to know the identity of the man! L-Let’s stop talking about this!”

“No. I have to tell you.”

“F-Finnick, have you gotten tired of me?” Vivian started sniffling as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Taken aback by Vivian’s words, Finnick asked, “What brings you to come to such a conclusion?”

“If that isn’t the case, why must you bring this topic up in this room? Are you going to cast me aside?”

Finnick chuckled because Vivian had misperceived his intention. He was up to the exact opposite of the things she had in mind.

Vivian, you’re such a silly woman. I guess I should stop teasing you. Otherwise, you’re going to break down for real.

Immediately after he made up his mind, Finnick leaned over and whispered, “Vivian, I was the man who was in this particular room two years ago. It was me. Together, we had spent a night in bed two years ago.”

Vivian couldn’t believe her ears, she refused to believe that Finnick was the man who had spent a night in bed with her two years ago as it seemed too much of a coincidence.

Immediately, she brought herself up and sat upright in the dark. “Finnick, you’re joking, aren’t you? I’m sure you have figured out the actual identity of the man back then! Have you decided to lie to me because you didn’t want me to be upset? Are you trying to take the blame on his behalf because you found out that he’s actually a horrendous middle-aged man?”

Finnick brought himself out of the bed and switched on the light.

Vivian confessed, “You might be lying for my sake, but I want you to tell me the truth. I-I’m afraid you’re going to get sick of me someday in the future. I don’t want you to keep me in the dark and bear the burden on my behalf. It’s too much of a burden for you.”

As soon as Finnick returned to her side, he raised her chin and announced, “You’re such a silly girl. I will never get sick of you, okay? Stop overthinking things. Are you displeased by the fact that I was the one who was in bed with you two years ago?”

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Should Finnick be the man involved two years ago, Vivian would be delighted, but she couldn’t recall the things related to the man anymore. Thus, she couldn’t be certain if he had told her the truth.

Staring at Vivian in the eyes, Finnick repeated himself in a serious tone, “Vivian, listen to me. I’m not lying to you. I was the one who was in bed with you in this particular room two years ago.”

Since Finnick seemed to have meant his words, Vivian asked, “Then, can you tell me about the truth behind the entire incident? What happened two years ago? Why were you the one who had shown up in this room?”

Finnick grinned and pinched her nose in return before sharing the truth of the incident that had occurred two years ago with his beloved wife.

Ever since Finnick made his way back from M Nation, Mark had been pretty wary against him because he was afraid their grandfather would grow fond of his brother. In short, Mark felt threatened by Finnick’s presence as his brother had proven to be a huge threat to his career and status.

Although Mark was aware Finnick was wheelchair-bound due to him being crippled, he didn’t let his guard down. He wanted to figure out if his brother had the capability to produce offspring because their grandfather wanted as many heirs as possible for the Norton family.

Thus, Mark sent a lot of gorgeous women his brother’s way, but Finnick had never once fallen for the women the former had sent his way.

In the end, Mark resorted to extreme measures to get the better of his brother.

Two years ago, a party was held at a venue nearby Century Hotel. Mark managed to get the better of Finnick because his brother had a fight with Benedict halfway through the party.

Benedict got into a fight with Finnick due to Evelyn. Finnick had been drugged after he let his guard down as he got overly worked up during the party. By the time he finished the glass of wine, things had gotten to the point of no return and Mark was merely a step away from achieving his wicked plan.

Vivian knitted his eyebrows to express her frustration as she finally figured out the disturbing truth behind the incident that had occurred two years ago.

But Mark is a member of the Norton family. Not to mention he’s Finnick’s brother! How could he do this to his own brother?

“Are you sure it’s Mark? Isn’t he’s your biological brother?”

Finnick simply sneered in return. “I got someone to get to the bottom of the entire incident after that night. Turns out, I was right. Mark was the one behind it all. Blinded by his desires and greed, he seemed to have forgotten about the fact that we’re siblings. Besides, Ashley’s your sister, isn’t she? But look at the things she has done for her own sake. What a life, huh? I can’t believe the person whom we’re supposed to rely on the most has turned their back against us.”

Vivian was at a loss for words because she didn’t expect the most renowned Norton family, which others deemed a glorious family, to have such complicated internal affairs.

She finally realized her husband had been shouldering more than she could ever imagine as a member of the renowned family. Pretending to be a disabled person must have been tough for Finnick throughout the years. If he isn’t a determined person, others would have long seen through his disguise.

“So you were drugged as well, huh? I’m sure you’re aware of the awful sensation associated with the tormenting experience. It’s unbearable for an ordinary person,” Vivian stated after she figured out they shared a similar fate and went through similar experiences.

Finnick acknowledged Vivian’s point of view by remaining silent.

“What happened next?” Vivian wondered.

Finnick served each of them a glass of wine and continued, “I knew something was wrong with me. I was aware I might give in to temptation if Mark sent one of her girls my way to seduce me again. There was no way I would allow him to get the better of me. Therefore, I got in touch with Noah and instructed him to bring me to a nearby hotel as soon as possible.”

Vivian felt a shiver running down her spine as soon as she figured out the potential consequences that would be in store for Finnick if he hadn’t exercised caution.

“Never would I have thought I would run into you, Vivian,” Finnick added.

“Me?”

“I saw a drunk woman in an old man’s arms as they made their way into the room next door. I got in his way and gave him a small fortune to chase him away. In the end, I brought you into my room. I don’t have to continue with the remaining part of the incident, right?”

Vivian was flabbergasted. As she had been rendered unconscious back then, she would never have thought there were so many things going on behind the scene two years ago.

Immediately after she returned to her senses, she wrapped her arm around Finnick’s arm firmly because she found it surreal.

“Are you serious, Finnick? You’re really the one who had spent a night in bed with me two years ago? Does that mean we have been acquainted with one another for two years? I can’t believe it! I can’t believe we have gotten married after two years!”

Even though Vivian was shocked by the truth, she was grateful. It seemed as though fate had brought them together.

Finnick chuckled and teased his wife, “I have finally made myself clear, huh?”

Vivian was on cloud nine as she was certain Finnick had told her the truth, no matter how surreal the truth sounded. The man, whom she was afraid of the most throughout the past two years, turned out to be none other than her husband.

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The man who had brought upon her misery was also the one who had given her a strong sense of security. He was none other than Finnick, her beloved husband, who was right in front of her.

Vivian felt lightheaded once she linked the missing pieces of the puzzles together.

Flushing embarrassedly, she avoided her husband’s gaze and asked, “D-Does that mean I have only ever been touched by one man?”

“Hmm, what do you think?” Finnick kissed Vivian on the lips once he finished his rhetorical question. Eventually, he moved his lips down her neck. “I guess the incident that occurred two years ago isn’t that traumatizing anymore, huh?

Vivian responded with a sheepish grin in silent.

Kissing her on the lips as he removed the last piece of garment she had put on, Vivian stopped retaliating and gave in to temptation.

It feels great to have everything sorted out! I can’t believe I finally get to move on from the incident that has been haunting me for the past two years!

She stopped holding a grudge against God because it turned out fate had brought them together ever since two years ago.

Sorting out the things she had in her mind, Vivian finally let loose of herself and indulged in the raunchy session with her beloved husband.

The next morning, Finnick and Vivian had their breakfast in the hotel.

Vivian was in a joyous mood as she had finally moved on from the distressing incident that had been bothering her for two years.

As they had opted for in-room dining, the waiter had shown up in their room to serve them their breakfast that Finnick had ordered beforehand.

Finnick handed over a glass of orange juice to Vivian and instructed, “Let’s enjoy our breakfast. I’m sure you’re exhausted after the session last night, right?”

“Hey, can you please lower your volume? There’s someone else around!” Vivian couldn’t get used to being lovey-dovey with Finnick in front of others. She glanced at the waiter that was still present and flushed embarrassedly.

However, the waiter had been professionally trained. All the while, he kept a straight face and pretended as though he wasn’t aware of their conversation’s content at all.

Halfway through their meal, Vivian recalled something and asked, “Since you were the man who had spent a night in bed with me two years ago, were you the one who placed the stack of cash worth twenty thousand on the bed after the incident?”

“I-I felt a tad bit guilty after the incident because I noticed I was the one who had your cherry popped…” Finnick nodded and explained the rationale behind his action.

Two years ago, he had misperceived Vivian as a streetwalker since she had shown up with a middle-aged man in the hotel.

After he wrapped up the session he had with her, he finally figured out she had yet to have her cherry popped prior to their intimate session.

Although he didn’t have any affection for Vivian two years ago, he did feel guilty. Hence, he left a wad of cash behind to compensate her for her loss.

“You won’t mind if I told you that I gave the money away, right? I have donated the sum to a charitable trust.”

“I would say you did a great job,” Finnick praised his wife.

“I merely wanted to put the cash I deemed to be filthy to good use because I didn’t want it anywhere near me,” Vivian replied with a sheepish grin.

Finnick finished his meal and wiped his mouth clean. “I’m aware of your concerns, but can you tell me the reason you have never sought after money?”

I guess it makes sense for him to ask me about this. After all, money is the thing everyone in this world desires.

Vivian gave it a thought and orated, “You’re wrong. I’m just another human with a strong desire for money. How should I foot my mother’s medical bill if I don’t have enough money? Without money, I can’t even sustain my current lifestyle. I have always desired an increment in my wages and bonuses. Nevertheless, the cash you left behind then was a stack of filthy cash in my mind. I decided to donate the sum because I didn’t want it anywhere near me. Hence, I decided to put it to good use for other’s sake. Otherwise, I would feel bad if I were to accept the money.”

“What about now? Do you still think it’s a stack of filthy cash?” Finnick stared at her with his glistering pair of eyes.

“Not anymore, but with that being said, I still have no intention to keep it. Otherwise, it would feel as though our first intimate session was a business deal.

Finnick’s heart melted the moment he spotted Vivian’s reddened cheeks right after she finished her sentence.

Once they finished their meal, Finnick suggested, “Let’s go. I’ll drop you off at your workplace.”

As soon as Vivian heard her husband’s suggestion, she waved vigorously and stated, “No need! That won’t be necessary! I’ll head over on my own!”

Frowning, Finnick asked, “Since everyone is aware of our relationship, what’s bothering you?”

Vivian was taken aback by her husband’s words because she had forgotten he had revealed their relationship in front of everyone.

He’s right! Why should I be concerned when everyone’s aware of our relationship?

In the end, Vivian replied with a bright grin, “Alright then! If that’s the case, I’ll gladly tag along with you!”

With that, Vivian got into Finnick’s Bentley and departed.

As they made their way to Vivian’s workplace, Vivian struggled deep down because she was clueless about the situation awaiting her in the office. She was certain they had been anticipating her arrival as well as an explanation since they were aware of their relationship.

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Finnick caught a glimpse of Vivian’s troubled look. He asked, “Are you having a hard time because you’re afraid of facing your colleagues?”

“Mm. Truth be told, I’m afraid, Finnick.”

Her husband held her hand and assured her, “Don’t worry. I will always be by your side.”

Vivian grumbled in her mind because her husband was the reason she had to go through the problems in the first place.

Finally, the car was brought to a halt in front of the office building of the magazine company.

Vivian took a deep breath and bade farewell to her husband with an odd expression. “I’ll be heading off to work now. See you.”

What’s wrong with that odd expression of hers? Why does she seem as though she’s heading over for a battle with no return?

Finnick’s lips curved upwards, forming a faint smirk as Vivian made her way out of the car in a perturbed manner.

As soon as Vivian reached the entrance, she took a deep breath before stepping into the building.

The moment she entered the lobby of the building, she noticed everyone had their eyes glued to her.

Staring at her, they started whispering to one another.

“Have you read the news? We have been deceived by her all this while. I can’t believe she’s the wife of Finnor Group’s president. She has done a great job, keeping everyone in the dark.”

“She’s such an ordinary woman, though! I wonder what about her that managed to charm Finnick!”

“She has such a stunning dress and necklace.”

“I heard rumors about her since a long time ago. She has never been known as a gracious woman.”

Although Vivian lowered his head as she made her way into the elevator, the gossipmongers managed to recognize her identity.

Finally, she reached the entrance of the office, yet she felt as though she still had a long journey to make before she could reach her seat.

As soon as she entered the office, her colleagues surrounded her as though they had been anticipating her arrival since forever.

All of a sudden, Vivian felt a strong urge to cry because she couldn’t figure out their objective of surrounding her.

Sarah’s eyes widened in excitement. “Welcome, Mrs. Norton! We’re glad to have you back in the office with us!”

Jenny stated, “Congratulations, Vivian! You’re finally able to address yourself as Mrs. Norton!”

“T-Thanks, Jenny.” Vivian’s lips twitched unwittingly.

“Vivian, you’re awesome! How did you manage to win the heart of the president of Finnor Group over? Can you tell us when did you get into a relationship with him?” Ken poked his nose into Vivian’s business without any hesitation.

“He’s right, Vivian! How does Mr. Norton behave whenever he’s around you? Is he a loving husband? What sort of kink does he have? Is he an indifferent man at home?”

“Vivian, since you have gotten married to such an influential man, when are you going to resign? If I’m in your shoes, I’ll definitely quit my job as soon as possible and enjoy my life!”

As she had foreseen, another bunch of gossipmongers surrounded her.

Vivian let out a long sigh of despair. “Guys, please leave me alone. Nothing changed, I’m still your colleague. I am still the Vivian everyone knows.”

“Why are you wearing the same dress? Isn’t this the dress you have put on for the press conference yesterday? Did you not return home?” Sarah continued asking as though she didn’t hear Vivian’s request.

The moment Vivian heard Sarah’s words, she recalled she didn’t get to change into another set of outfits because she failed to wake up in time in the morning. She had to rush her way back to the office from the hotel because she was behind her usual schedule.

Similarly, once Sarah ruled out the possibilities in her mind, she exclaimed, “Oh my! Did you and Mr. Norton not return home last night? Where did you guys go? Don’t tell me, you guys spent the night in the hotel?”

“Sarah! For God’s sake, can you keep your mouth shut?” Vivian, whose cheeks had reddened, rushed over and covered her colleague’s mouth.

Immediately after she rendered her colleague incapable of speech, she returned to her seat and avoided everyone’s gaze.

Staring at Vivian, Sarah allowed her imagination to run wild.

Although they have gotten married to one another, they’re still having all sorts of fun together! This is so romantic!

In the meantime, Shannon had an awful expression on her face when she thought back to the sarcastic remarks she had uttered against Vivian back in the day.

Unaware of the identity of Vivian’s husband, she made fun of him and said she must have been keeping her husband’s identity a secret because he was merely a janitor of Finnor Group.

She had been ridiculing Vivian all this while since the possibility of Finnick being Vivian’s husband had never crossed her mind. The moment she recalled the vicious remarks she had made against Vivian, a chill ran down her spine.

Shannon made up her mind to behave herself in front of Vivian in the future. Otherwise, Finnick would teach her a lesson if he were aware of the thing she had done behind Vivian’s back.

As Vivian evaded the questions that were directed at her by her colleagues, they decided to dismiss themselves because they could understand why Vivian had been keeping them in the dark all along. It must have been tough for Vivian since she had to keep Finnick’s identity confidential all this while. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have to put on an act in front of her colleagues.

Once they thought about it, they decided to let Vivian off the hook and returned to their respective position.

It had been a few hours since the confrontation occurred. Vivian finally had everything on her plate sorted out.

Vivian stood up and was about to grab herself a cup of coffee when Sarah sprang up from her seat and got in her way as though she had encountered a huge issue.