Ch. 671..680
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 671
“Noah has brought you your medicine just now. Now, take your medicine and go to bed. I will sleep on the couch in the living room tonight.”
“I’m fine.” Finnick took the medicine from Vivian. “You sleep in the bedroom. I can sleep on the couch tonight.”
“Don’t you know you’re sick right now? Can’t you take care of your body?” Vivian’s anger spiked. “If you didn’t catch a fever because of me, I wouldn’t even bother to be here, taking care of you. Now, take your medicine and go to bed!”
This was the first time Finnick heard her talking to him in such a demanding tone. Although she sounded harsh, he could sense her care for him.
Knowing that she was worried about him, Finnick eventually gave in. “Alright. Don’t be angry. I will do as you said.”
Vivian hurried him to go to bed after seeing him taking his medicine. Then, she snuggled up on the couch. Hopefully, his fever will be gone by tomorrow morning.
Vivian was considered tall in height, yet there was ample space on the couch for a woman with a slim figure like her. Thus, it was not at all uncomfortable to sleep on the couch.
The night passed, and a new day had come.
Vivian woke up feeling refreshed. She suffered insomnia since she went to A Nation five years ago. It was hard for her to fall asleep at night. Even if she happened to fall asleep, the slightest sound could wake her up.
Surprisingly, she had a good night’s sleep the other night. Instead of waking up with a headache, she felt energetic and full of vigor.
With a pleasant smile on her face, she slowly opened her eyes. Instantly, her pupils constricted upon seeing Finnick’s sleeping face that was inches apart from her face. Why is he here?
“Arghh—”
Finnick subconsciously furrowed his brows, awoken by Vivian’s scream. He opened his eyes to see the young lady looking at him with panic written all over her face.
“Good morning, Vivian,” he greeted. Curling his lips into a smile, he tightened his arms around her waist.
Vivian felt the pressure on her waist. That was when she realized that their current position was a bit too intimate.
There was more than enough space for her on the couch, yet it was too small to fit two adults. Thus, they were so close to each other that their bodies were pressed together.
At this moment, Vivian could clearly see the mirth in Finnick’s eyes. She watched as the man lowered his head, his nose tip stroking hers. His breath was tickling her lips, and she felt electricity coursed through her body.
Instantly, she sat up and pushed him down the couch. “Why are you here? What do you think you’re doing?”
Standing on the floor barefooted, Finnick could feel coldness creeping up from his feet.
“Vivian, I’m worried about you sleeping alone on the couch. I wanted to carry you to bed, but it seemed like I’ve lost my strength because of the fever. I… I couldn’t pick you up.”
He let out a chuckle when he recalled her grumbling, like a child being disturbed in her sleep, when he tried to carry her the other night. Her cute reaction melted his heart. Afraid of waking her up, he had no choice but to put her down.
Finnick went on by saying, “So, I decided to sleep on the couch beside you.”
Vivian’s face flushed. “I told you yesterday to sleep in the bed!” So he was sleeping next to me, holding me in his arms the entire night? How could I not notice it? Oh, I shouldn’t be so dead asleep!
Afraid she might think of him as someone trying to take advantage of her, Finnich hurriedly explained, “You were soaked wet as well yesterday. I was afraid you might catch a cold like me if you sleep on the couch, so that’s why I…”
Vivian scoffed, “Hmph! Mind your own business!” Then, she ran toward the washroom.
Finnick wanted to stop her and explain himself when all of a sudden, he felt lightheaded and couldn’t lift his leaden legs.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 672
Finnick closed his eyes and clasped his forehead. With his brows knitted, he waited for the dizziness to go away. Vivian was no longer in sight when he finally opened his eyes.
Looking at the washroom’s closed door, he felt his temple throbbing. It looks like I can only explain to her when she comes out.
Meanwhile, Vivian could feel her cheeks burning as she sat on the toilet seat cover. Her heart was thumping wildly in her chest.
Cupping her face, she started to suspect if she had a fever. Or else, why would her body feel so hot to the touch?
Nevertheless, she didn’t feel sick or uncomfortable at all.
Vivian placed her hand on her chest and felt her racing heartbeat. The feeling of it was surprisingly familiar to her.
She remembered it being the same feeling she experienced whenever Finnick move closer to her when they were still friends. Could it be that I have once again fallen for him?
Vivian was shocked when the thought hit her. She shook her head, trying to cast the thought away. I can’t fall for him again. We’re over!
“Remember, you’re no longer Vivian William. You’re now Vivian Morrison! You should’ve learned your lesson five years ago. You can’t fall for him again, never!”
Vivian was brainwashing herself when suddenly, she was interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing. A smile appeared on her face when she saw it was Larry calling. She quickly answered the call.
“Mommy, it’s me!” Larry sounded excited over the phone.
“I know, it’s my little pumpkin. Are you alright at home?” Vivian lowered her voice so that Finnick couldn’t hear their conversation.
Larry answered loudly, “Yes! Mommy, I skied with Uncle Benedict today. It’s super fun!”
Vivian let out a chuckle. “Is it? Did you fall?”
“Um… I only fell several times,” Larry mumbled as he was embarrassed to admit it. Then, he loudly added, “But I managed to learn skiing in a short time. The coach has complimented me, saying that I’m a fast learner.”
“Oh, little pumpkin, you’re amazing!” Vivian exclaimed in an exaggerating tone.
“Ha! That’s for sure!” The little guy was puffed up with pride. “But Uncle Benedict could ski much better than me! A lot of the pretty ladies were looking at him when he was skiing.”
“Really?” Vivian was amused. “Then you need to train harder so that one day, you can become as skillful as your Uncle Benedict.”
“I will!” the boy said seriously. Then, he asked, “Mommy, did you have fun there?”
“Yes. I have a nice time here. Thank you for asking.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Uncle Benedict told me that you are too tired and that you need to relax. Mommy, I wished you can have fun. You don’t need to come back early because of me. I can take care of myself and Uncle Benedict.” Larry sounded mature like a little adult as he reassured his mother.
Vivian couldn’t help feeling amused. At the same time, she was touched by her son’s words. “Thank you, little pumpkin.” It was God’s blessing to have such a considerate and thoughtful son.
“I’ll end the call now. Have fun!” said Larry in a cheerful tone. After a short pause, he added, “I just called you to tell you that Uncle Benedict and I are fine. You don’t need to worry about us.”
“I got it. Little pumpkin, you’re the best.” Vivian’s eyes became watery.
“I’m really going to end the call this time. Goodbye, Mommy!”
“Bye!”
Vivian couldn’t help curling her lips into a heartfelt smile. She felt all her sacrifices and sufferings had paid off to have Larry as her son. In fact, Larry was so important to her that she couldn’t even imagine how was she going to live if she lost him.
At that moment, the memory of Finnick forcing her to have an abortion came flashing back. It was her worst nightmare, and it was the very reason why she could never forgive that man.
Oh, Vivian, have you not learned your lesson? Have you forgotten how ruthless a man he was? How could you fall for him again after what happened five years ago?
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Vivian patted her face to calm herself down. Apart from a superior-subordinate relationship, there would be nothing more between them. She shouldn’t have any feelings for him.
She wouldn’t want to relive the feeling of hopelessness and despair she experienced five years ago. Finnick, this time, I will not give you the chance to hurt me!
A determined glint flashed across her eyes while a cold expression appeared on her face. Vivian put her phone into her pocket and then splashed her face with cold water.
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she once again reminded herself that she should never forgive Finnick.
She steeled herself before leaving the washroom. As soon as she opened the door, she heard the sound of violent coughing.
Vivian cast her eyes over and saw Finnick sitting on the couch. Right in front of him was his laptop on the coffee table.
How could he still work when he is sick? Does he really think he’s a man of steel?
Without any hesitation, Vivian made her way toward the man and slammed his laptop shut. “Don’t you know you have a fever? I told you you should take care of your body!”
“Vivian, there’s an emergency in the office. I need to attend to some urgent matters,” Finnick explained as he tried in vain to re-open his laptop.
Vivian was pressing hard on his laptop. She couldn’t help feeling angry with him. “Nothing is more important than your health. You had a high fever yesterday, and you’re only starting to feel better now. What if your condition worsened? Do you want to be admitted to the hospital?”
Finnick gave in when he saw her worried eyes. “Vivian, are you worried about me?”
Vivian was reluctant to admit it. “I’m just afraid that you would infect me if your condition worsened.”
Although she had warned herself to stay away from Finnick, still, she couldn’t bring herself to see that man working when sick. Her anger got the better of her, and those caring words emerged before she even realized it.
As for Finnick, he smiled at her unconvincing denial. He could tell that Vivian cared about him though she was reluctant to admit it. If she was worried about being infected, she wouldn’t have helped him dry his hair yesterday.
“Vivian, thank you for caring about me. I will take good care of my body,” Finnick promised, his eyes bore straight into hers.
Ugh! What’s the matter with him? I told him I’m not worried about him! Vivian could feel her cheeks burning. She turned around to avoid his eyes and walked toward the bedroom. “I’m going to get changed.”
“Wait!” Finnick called out. Then, he made his way toward her. “Vivian, your birthday is around the corner. I wanted to celebrate it with you. Is there anything you want as a birthday gift?”
His words reminded Vivian when she unlocked his phone yesterday. His password was her birthday! At that instant, she felt a little moved.
Vivian, you shouldn’t fall for him! Don’t go soft just because the man set your birthday as his password! Vivian reminded herself internally, and her heart hardened.
With a cold expression on her face, she rejected, “I’m not celebrating my birthday. Also, if I need anything, I can buy it myself. There is no need for you to spend money on this.” With that, she walked past Finnick into the bedroom.
Finnick was confused as to why Vivian returned to her icy self. She was still very caring toward me yesterday, but why does her attitude suddenly change?
As his eyes followed Vivian entering the bedroom, he suddenly felt distant from her. Back then, he was the one who knew Vivian best. However, now it was hard for him to see through her, and the thoughts running in her mind were no longer fathomable to him.
A moment earlier, he could feel her care for him; the next moment, all that was left was her anger and resentment for him. In her heart, who am I to her?
Just as Finnick was racking his brain, he received a message from the tour guide, informing him that they would be camping at a small island that afternoon and that they were required to gather in front of the hotel at nine.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 674
Finnick called out when he saw Vivian coming out of the bedroom, “Vivian, do you know we are going to the small island?”
“Yes. I saw the message.” With that, Vivian made her way toward the door without sparing another glance at Finnick. She was determined to control her feelings for that man.
“Let’s go together.” Finnick quickly followed suit.
Vivian turned around to face Finnick. She hesitated and eventually advised, “You are still on a fever. You’d better rest in the hotel and avoid traveling on the sea.”
“I’m fine.” Her caring words dispelled his gloominess and brought a smile to his face. “I feel much better now after sleeping.”
“But…” she trailed off. Since she had decided to stay away from Finnick, she shouldn’t worry about him.
“Do as you like.” With that, she briskly walked out of the room, heading to the gathering spot.
Finnick quickly washed up and prepared himself before he went after Vivian. Everyone was waiting for him on the bus by the time he arrived.
Finnick noticed that the seat next to Vivian was empty. Before he even walked toward her, the latter had gotten up from her seat to sit with another girl.
Is she avoiding me?
Downhearted, Finnick randomly chose a seat. He couldn’t seem to figure out why Vivian blew hot and cold recently.
Meanwhile, the intern sitting next to Vivian asked, “Ms. Morrison, could I ask you a question?” The intern was Charlotte, a fresh graduate who just joined the magazine company. She was a beautiful young lady, with a Greek nose and a pair of big eyes.
“Of course. What is it?” Vivian turned to face Charlotte. When she first came across the young lady’s resume, she knew the latter would be an excellent employee. As it turned out, she was right.
Although the twenty-two-year-old Charlotte was still young, she was competent in her job and was able to come up with her own opinion. All she needed was a little more training and experience to become a wonderful journalist.
“Is Mr. Norton chasing after you? Are you going to get back together with him?” asked Charlotte, nervously waiting for Vivian’s answer.
“No. We’re over. Nothing is going to happen between us,” Vivian answered without any hesitation. At the same time, she couldn’t help feeling mad at Finnick. If Finnick didn’t insist on coming with her, the others wouldn’t have misunderstood them. Now, everyone must be gossiping about her.
Charlotte was elated to hear Vivian’s denial. “Ms. Morrison, are you really not going to get back together with Mr. Norton?”
“Um… Yes.” Vivian hesitatingly nodded, not knowing why Charlotte looked so happy.
“Then can I chase after Mr. Norton?” Charlotte asked in a low voice, her eyes shining with excitement.
“What?” Vivian couldn’t believe her ears. Did she say she wanted to chase after Finnick?
“No?” Charlotte’s eyes dimed with disappointment upon seeing Vivian’s reaction. “Is it because you still like Mr. Norton? If that’s so, then I…”
Vivian immediately denied, “Of course not! I was just surprised that you like Finnick. After all, the two of you have quite a large age gap.”
Hearing that, Charlotte couldn’t contain herself. “What’s the problem with that? I’ve always liked a more mature man. Besides, Mr. Norton is damn handsome. He looks no different from a man in his late twenties.”
“Is it?” Inexplicably, Vivian felt like her heart was being tied into a knot.
In the end, she cast the blame on Finnick. Hmph! I was right! This man sure knows how to lure young girls. He really is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. On the surface, that man looks like a gentleman, but he’s heartless and cruel.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 675
Sneaking a glance at Finnick, Charlotte whispered, “Ms. Morrison, since you’re not planning to reconcile your relationship with Mr. Norton, can I ask you a favor?”
“What is it?” Vivian projected a calm facade, suppressing her irritation. She was unwilling to let Finnick affect her emotion.
“Later, we are going to ride the cable car to the camping spot. Could you let him board the same cable car with me? I wished to spend more time with him.” Charlotte clasped her hands together as she pleaded.
“Well…” Vivian was stumped by her request. Will it be too intrusive if I make Finnick sit with Charlotte? If Finnick knows about it, he will probably be mad at me.
Charlotte grabbed her arm as she pleaded, “Ms. Morrison, please, help me this time. I really hope Mr. Norton can get to know me. Who knows? Maybe he will like me.”
She lowered her head to hide her face that was flushed scarlet.
Looking at Charlotte’s beautiful face, Vivian was not at all surprised that she would think that way. After all, who wouldn’t like a beautiful and young woman? Finnick was not an exception, or he wouldn’t date Evelyn back then.
If Finnick falls in love with Charlotte, then perhaps he will give up on me. With that in mind, Vivian agreed to Charlotte’s request, “Alright. I’ll try, but I can’t guarantee that he will ride the same cable car with you.”
Charlotte beamed. “Thank you so much, Ms. Morrison. Since you’re Mr. Norton’s ex-wife, your words definitely carry much more weight. If you help me persuade him, I believe he will agree with sitting with me.”
Vivian frowned slightly. For some reason, Charlotte’s words made her feel uncomfortable.
Yet, Charlotte didn’t realize there was any problem with her words. The young lady was now sneakily observing Finnick, who was sitting in front.
Oh, Finnick is just so handsome. He looks even more charming in real life than in photos. God must have favored him so much that he shaped him into such a perfect being. It will be a dream come true if I can have him as my boyfriend.
Well, perhaps this man will be mine pretty soon. Charlotte’s smile widened at the thought, for she was very confident that any man would succumb to her beauty.
Back then, she had many admirers who came from rich family though she rejected all of them. To her, it was not enough that a man was wealthy; he should have a good character as well.
Now, she finally met Finnick, the man of her dream. Not only was he good-looking, he was also the president of a large company. Everything about that man met her expectations.
Soon the bus came to a stop. Everyone then boarded the cable car, heading toward the island.
Before Vivian went to find Finnick, Charlotte pulled her into the first cable car. “Ms. Morrison, we’ll sit together.”
Vivian was confused. “I thought you want to sit with Finnick? I was going to talk to him.”
With a smile, Charlotte waved her hand dismissively. “There is no need to ask him.” She looked confident while fixing her eyes on Finnick, who was at some distance away.
A smug smile emerged on her face when she saw Finnick walking toward them. Here he comes!
She pleaded coyly, “Vivian, I’m counting on you to create an opportunity for me so that I can spend some time alone with Mr. Norton.”
Gazing at the young lady sitting beside her, Vivian’s eyes flickered. It is obviously within Charlotte’s expectation that Finnick will come up to us. It looks like this lady is a guileful one. She is using me to attain her goal.
Yet, Vivian didn’t take it to heart. It was understandable for Charlotte to use her scheming little mind to get the man she liked. After all, Vivian had agreed to help her anyway.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 676
Standing by the cable car, Finnick asked, “Vivian, can I join you guys?”
Vivian noticed Charlotte shot her a look, signaling her to agree with Finnick’s request. She forced a smile and said, “Sure.”
Instantly, a grin flitted across Finnick’s face. Meanwhile, Charlotte’s heart fluttered upon seeing the man’s bright smile. Oh, he looks warm and cute with his smile. If only he can smile at me like that…
As for Vivian, she felt uncomfortable to have Finnick sitting opposite her, let alone to need to talk to him. Fortunately, it didn’t seem like he was going to talk to her either. Also, she would appreciate it if that man could stop smiling at her; it gave her goosebumps.
Just then, Charlotte broke the silence, “Hi, Mr. Norton. I’m Charlotte, Vivian’s friend and also her subordinate.” With a bright smile, she reached out her hand for a handshake.
“Hi.” Finnick gave her a limp handshake. Then, he shifted his gaze back to Vivian, smiling at her as if the two of them were the only ones in the cable car.
Finally, it was time for the cable car to leave. Vivian hopped out of the cable car in the nick of time as the door was closing.
She waved at them while saying, “I suddenly remembered I forgot about something. I’ll take the next ride.”
“Vivian!” Finnick wanted to get out of the cable car, yet the door had closed. Now he and Charlotte were the only ones left.
She only recalled it when the door was about to close? She must have done it on purpose! Finnick slammed the cable car window in anger.
Initially, he was glad when Vivian agreed to let him in the cable car. Now, it turned out that it was just her trick to get him into the cable car with another woman. Why is she doing that? How dare she!
Charlotte said smilingly, “Mr. Norton, perhaps Vivian has really forgotten something important. She will catch up soon, so there is no need to worry about her.”
Finnick uttered a response without even looking at her. Still mad at Vivian, he fixed his gaze on the place where she sat earlier. It looks like I have indulged her too much. Now she even dared to set me up with another woman!
Charlotte felt awkward at the man’s distant attitude. Yet her awkwardness was soon replaced by delight.
She had always known that she was beautiful. To her surprise, Finnick was unlike her other admirers who would drool over her beautiful face. Instead, as if he paid no heed to her look, he had only taken a glance at her when she greeted him.
The way he ignored other women and was only obsessed with the one he loved floated her boat. That way, if they ever became a couple, she wouldn’t need to worry that he might dump her for another prettier woman.
“Mr. Norton, what are your hobby and interest?” asked Charlotte, trying to strike up a conversation with Finnick.
Finnick cast a glance at her, feeling annoyed.
He was really not in the mood to have a conversation. In fact, he was so mad at Vivian for setting him up with another woman that he wished to smash the window to vent his anger.
Yet, thinking that the lady had taken the initiative to talk to him and that she was Vivian’s colleague, Finnick could only suppress his anger. “Work,” he replied curtly.
“Huh?” Charlotte was slightly bewildered by his answer, yet she immediately concurred with him, “Mr. Norton, you like to work? Me too! I love my job as it gives me a sense of belonging. Also, It gives me a great sense of accomplishment whenever I finish a task. I always…”
Finnick could feel his temple throbbing as the young lady talked non-stop.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 677
What a talkative young lady! Initially, he told Charlotte that he liked to work, hoping to end the conversation. It was beyond his expectation that instead of being discouraged, that young lady would ramble on.
Meanwhile, Vivian was riding the second cable car with another colleague. The whole journey to the island would take about three hours.
Initially, she could still retain her composure. As time passed, she couldn’t help looking at the two in the cable car in front.
She couldn’t see Finnick’s face as the latter had his back facing her. Yet, she could clearly see Charlotte’s expression.
The young lady covered her mouth as she giggled, occasionally talking with her hands when she got excited. Vivian supposed the two were having a wonderful time chatting with each other.
She quickly turned her head to hide her teary eyes from her colleague and suppress the bitterness in her heart.
Isn’t that what I wanted? Finnick will no longer pester me if he falls in love with another woman. But why do I feel so sad seeing him chattering with Charlotte?
Although she tried to hide her emotions, Sarah took notice of her abnormality. “Vivian, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She held back her tears and turned to face Sarah, flashing her a reassuring smile. “I’m fine.”
Sarah pursed her lips, unconvinced. She could tell Vivian’s smile carried with it a tinge of bitterness. What happened? Why does Vivian suddenly look so sad?
Feeling curious, she followed Vivian’s gaze and saw Charlotte chatting away happily with Finnick. So, this is why Vivian is unhappy?
She then shifted her eyes back to Vivian, whose eyes were watery.
Holding Vivian’s sleeve, she tried to comfort her, “Vivian, you and Finnick…” Before this, she had had the feeling that Vivian still loved Finnick. She knew she was right after seeing Vivian’s reaction.
Before she could finish her words, Vivian interrupted her, “I have nothing to do with him. Sarah, I don’t want to talk about him.”
Eventually, Sarah swallowed her words. She decided to talk with Vivian later when she felt better.
As for Vivian, she forced herself not to look at Finnick and Charlotte. It’s his dom to be with another woman, and that has nothing to with me. I shouldn’t feel sad about it.
Meanwhile, after a whole lot of talking, Charlotte finally came up with a conclusion, “Mr. Norton, we have a common interest; both of us love to work. Don’t you think this is fate?”
I didn’t even say a word. From where did she get that conclusion? Anyway, it’s rare to see young people who love their job as much as this young lady does. Finnick plastered a perfunctory smile on his face as a response.
Seeing his smile, Charlotte brightened up. He’s smiling at me! Does he agree with me saying that it is fated that we have something in common?
“Mr. Norton, you agree with me, don’t you?” Feeling encouraged, she asked, “Can I have your number?”
Hearing that, Finnick’s expression turned icy. He instantly knew Charlotte is setting her cap at him.
He looked up to face Charlotte, his eyes burning with anger. Does Vivian know about this? Or is this the reason she leaves the two of us alone? I really have indulged her too much!
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 678
Charlotte was disconcerted when she saw Finnick’s face darkened. Did I say something wrong?
Just then, the cable car in motion suddenly jerked. At that moment, a thought came into her mind, and she lurched toward Finnick.
Like a doe caught in the headlights, the young lady who “accidentally” fell into Finnick’s arms apologized, “I’m so sorry, Mr. Norton.” Yet, instead of pulling herself away, she rubbed her breasts against Finnick’s chest.
There was a hint of smugness in her eyes. She was confident with her look and her body. There was no way Finnick would reject a beautiful woman who threw herself at him.
To her surprise, Finnick ordered harshly, “Get off me!” The man held a frosty expression, the fury in his eyes barely veiled.
Charlotte was disappointed that the man rejected her advances. What’s wrong with him? Is he an ascetic or something?
She reluctantly pulled herself away from him and then sat beside him. “Mr. Norton, I’m sorry about that. Did I hurt you?”
Finnick cast his gaze outside the window, ignoring Charlotte’s question. He was unwilling to have any interaction with the woman who tried to seduce him.
At the same time, he felt fury rose within him. Vivian, do you really want me to be with another woman?
On the other hand, Charlotte was unsettled when the man ignored her. Yet, her eyes were once again filled with confidence when she recalled how her admirers swooned over her. Perhaps he didn’t get my signal, or he wouldn’t be so calm.
She then moved closer to him, her body almost touching his. “Mr. Norton, let me have a closer look to make sure I didn’t injure you. I…”
Finnick’s face was full of disgust when he saw Charlotte reaching out her hands to unbutton his shirt. “Don’t you dare come any closer!” His voice was cold and stony.
In the face of Finnick’s overbearing aura and icy stare, Charlotte had no choice but to stay away from him.
Finnick rolled his eyes at her. Then, with his fists clenched, he once again cast his gaze outside the window. Vivian, wait till we arrive at the island!
Although Charlotte was frightened by Finnick’s fierce stare, she was unwilling to give up.
This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be so close to Finnick. If she let this opportunity slip, it would be impossible for her to find another perfect man like him.
With a pitiful look, she explained herself in a tearful voice, “Mr. Norton, I have no other intentions whatsoever. I was just trying to see if you are injured. I hope you won’t misunderstand me.”
Hearing her lame excuse, Finnick turned to face her. “You know better whether it was a misunderstanding or not. Even if you have other intentions, you’d better hide them and think twice before you act. If what happened earlier ever happens again, there will be no place for you in Sunshine City.”
Charlotte was daunted by his threat, knowing that the man really meant what he said.
She backed away and dared not utter a single word, afraid that she might offend Finnick. How did things turn out this way? All my admirers would do everything to please me, but Finnick turned his cold shoulder at me even when I threw myself at him.
Her eyes reddened, her heart filled with the feeling of resentment. Finnick pulled a long face while Charlotte shed tears during the remaining journey. The two remained silent until they arrived at the destination.
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Finnick hopped out of the cable car as soon as it stopped. He stood at the side with a grouchy expression on his face as he waited for Vivian. Charlotte got out of the cable car hesitantly. All she could do was stand nervously and away from Finnick. They waited for the person in the following cable car.
Soon, the cable car carrying Vivian arrived as well. The first thing Vivian saw when she hopped out of the cable car was Charlotte standing beside Finnick. Charlotte had bloodshot eyes and looked so sad that it almost felt like she was wronged.
What’s going on? Isn’t she delighted just a few minutes ago? Did Finnick bully her? Those thoughts prompted Vivian to approach them with a frown on.
“Charlotte, what’s wrong? Why are you…” said Vivian. She never got to finish her sentence because Finnick grabbed her wrist and pulled her to the side.
“What are you doing, Finnick? Let me go!” demanded Vivian. She had no idea where Finnick was dragging her, so she struggled as hard as she could. What is it with this guy?
Finnick never answered Vivian’s question. His entire body exuded a zing aura, and his grip on Vivian’s wrist became even tighter.
“Let me go, Finnick. Where are you taking me?” growled Vivian as she struggled the entire way. Unfortunately, there was a huge gap between men’s and women’s physical strength, so there was no way she could break of Finnick’s hold. Vivian ended up hurting her own wrist.
Every employee of the magazine company murmured and gossiped when they saw Finnick dragging Vivian away like that. Everyone was speculating about the relationship between Finnick and Vivian.
After an intense debate, everyone agreed on a single point. Finnick is going to court the Chief Editor and win her back!
Shannon looked upset as she listened to the others discussing the matter. Vivian is so lucky. What gives? It’s been five years, but she still managed to win him back again.
Shannon’s nail dug into her own palm. She was fuming with jealousy. What is so great about Vivian? Why is she always one step ahead of me?
No! I will not stand by idly and watch that b*tch Vivian remain on top of me. Someday, somehow, I will teach her a lesson and crush her ego!
Finnick only stopped when he had already dragged Vivian all the way to the secluded area behind the trees. He turned around and saw the fury burning in Vivian’s eyes.
She flung Finnick’s hand away hard and yelled angrily, “What has gotten into your head? What did I do this time to piss you off?”
The anger burning in Finnick’s eyes became more intense when he realized that Vivian didn’t even know what her mistake was. He growled, “How dare you ask me. Tell me why you did it!”
“What are you talking about?” roared Vivian, who refused to back down.
Finnick was so angry that he had to take two deep breaths before he could speak. Through gritted teeth, he spat, “Did you deliberately leave me in that cable car with that woman? Why did you do that?”
Ah, so that’s what he’s talking about! Vivian recalled how Finnick was chatting away happily with Charlotte just moments ago and how he was throwing a tantrum afterward. At that moment, Vivian found the guy to be extremely hypocritical, and she suddenly felt like she had been wronged for some unknown reason.
“Naturally, I did that to match-make the two of you. What’s wrong? Are you dissatisfied despite having a beautiful woman throwing herself at you?” said Vivian bitterly, with obvious jealousy in her tone. However, Vivian never realized how jealous she sounded, and Finnick, being too angry, neglected that as well.
The fury in Finnick’s eyes burned brighter when he heard Vivian’s confession of how she was deliberately setting him up with another woman. This idiot… She actually wants me to be with someone else!
Finnick pulled Vivian into his arms and forced her back to a tree before he tilted his head down and kissed her lips without any hesitation.
“Mmm…” Vivian never expected Finnick to make that move suddenly. She had her guard down, and that allowed Finnick to kiss her.
Vivian tried to push him away, but she soon realized that he had locked her hands in, and there was no way she could break .
Finnick had one hand constricting Vivian’s hands and had his other hand pinned on the back of her head. His kiss was domineering and eager as if he was trying to release all of his pent-up emotions via that kiss.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 680
Finnick had forced Vivian’s teeth to part, and Vivian soon felt his warm tongue raiding her mouth. She couldn’t disregard his presence, no matter how hard she tried.
She wanted to retaliate by biting him, but it seemed that Finnick had already anticipated that. Before Vivian could do anything, the hand at the back of her head shifted and confined her jaw. That made it impossible for her to do what she initially planned.
There was no saying how much time had passed, but Finnick explored every section of Vivian’s lips before the anger in him slowly dissipated. His kiss became soft and tender.
Finnick had never felt more satisfied before. He enjoyed that kiss and felt like they were the only two people in the world. How he wished that they could spend the rest of their lives like that.
At first, Vivian struggled hard, but she later lost all her energy and could only give in. She noticed how Finnick’s kiss was becoming gentler until it was as light as a feather caressing her tongue. She could feel her heart softening and her mind losing the will to resist.
Finnick slowly put some distance between them after ending that kiss. He saw how Vivian had her eyes closed, and that got him to grin instinctively. The determination in his eyes became stronger as well.
“Vivian, do you really think that I’d give up on being with you? I will never do that, not in this lifetime, so you should stop behaving that way in the future.”
Vivian could still feel Finnick’s breath on her when he spoke, and that prompted her to blush a little when she opened her eyes. That was when she was ambushed by Finnick’s gaze, which was shining with blatant love.
“I love you, Vivian. Only you. And that is true no matter if we’re in the past, present, or future. Promise me that you will not do anything like that again, okay?” said Finnick. He looked into Vivian’s eyes and was sincere when he declared his love and made his promise. His tone was so sweet that it could drown her.
Vivian felt her heart thumping faster after hearing Finnick’s profession of love. She could even feel her heart jumping out of rhythm in her heart.
She instinctively blushed. She didn’t have the time to think things through, so she pushed Finnick away before running to the others without ever looking back.
Vivian promised herself that she would never fall for Finnick again, but she realized that she couldn’t control her heart at all. She would get agitated, and her heart would thump faster whenever he was around. She couldn’t even think straight under those circumstances.
Finnick chased after Vivian when he saw her running away like that. He grabbed her wrist when he caught up to her.
He forced her to face him and looked into her eyes before he said, “I meant every word I said earlier, Vivian. Can’t you give us a chance to start over? I promise that I….”
“Let’s talk about this some other time,” interrupted Vivian nervously as she flung his hand away and herself from his grip. She added, “Everyone’s watching, and I don’t want a rumor to spread.”
Finnick tilted his head to look behind Vivian’s back upon hearing that. True to her words, he saw that everyone was looking over.
He felt his heart ached a little when he saw how troubled she looked. Gah, never mind. We have all the time in the world, so there is no need to put on a show in front of everybody now.
Without saying another word, Finnick took the initiative to back away two steps and said, “Let’s go. It’s impolite to make the others wait too long.”
Even Vivian couldn’t deny that she was touched when she saw Finnick’s considerate gesture. At the very least, she knew that the man still respected her.
The two of them walked to the others. Vivian couldn’t help feeling a little awkward when she sensed that everyone was scanning her from head to toe. She quickly spoke up to divert their attention.
“Alright, then. Everyone’s here, so let’s head out right away to find the site to set up our camps. It’ll only become more challenging once the night falls.”
The Chief Editor had already issued the instructions, so it wasn’t right for anyone to continue gossiping anymore. They moved forward in unison to look for a place to set up camp.