Ch. 701..710
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 701
“It’s nothing.” Vivian shook her head. It’s all thanks to Finnick that Evelyn would donate her bone marrow to Rachel. If not for him, I’m sure Evelyn would’ve never agreed to it.
Soon, Evelyn was pushed out of the operating theater, and Rachel’s operation begun.
“F-Finnick,” Evelyn whispered weakly as she reached out to him. Evidently, she wanted Finnick to hold her hand.
The nurse beside her felt perplexed as she looked at Evelyn’s weak state. Although the donor would be weak after withdrawing bone marrow, they would not be weak to the point they could barely speak.
When Finnick turned to see Evelyn’s outstretched hand, several emotions flashed past his eyes. Instead of responding to her, he said to the nurse at the side, “Send her to her ward to rest.”
“No need!” Evelyn blurted out. Then, she realized that she needed to keep up her act, so she deliberately coughed softly and continued, “N-No need. I’ll wait for Mom to come out of her surgery. That way… That way, I’ll feel reassured.”
“Sure.” With that said, Finnick turned his attention to Vivian instead. He consoled, “Don’t feel nervous. The surgeon is a well-known doctor in this field. Nothing will happen.”
“Really?” Despite his reassurances, Vivian was still worried.
“Yes.” Finnick held her hands. “He’s been researching about this for dozens of years. There are many patients he has saved from this, so nothing will go wrong.”
“Okay.” Nodding to him, Vivian finally relaxed a little. As she stared at the doors of the operating theater, she prayed that the surgery would go well.
With one arm around Vivian’s shoulders and one hand holding hers, Finnick kept her company outside the operating theater. His physical presence was a silent comfort and strength for her.
Staring at them, Evelyn, who had been adamant about staying outside the operating theater earlier, was about to explode in jealousy. Finnick didn’t even want to spare a word for me, who just donated my bone marrow, but he’s now so gentle with Vivian. Why?
Snapping her head to the side, Evelyn realized Hunter was also glaring at Finnick and Vivian with his fists clenched.
Unable to keep watching their intimacy, Evelyn voiced, “I’m not feeling too well. Hunter, send me back to rest.”
Like her, Hunter could not bear to watch them any longer. He was afraid that if he continued, he would not be able to stop himself from punching Finnick. Hence, the moment he heard Evelyn’s words, he immediately agreed to push her away, albeit with a gloomy face.
Finnick was expressionless when he saw the two leaving as if they were strangers, which they were to him.
Not letting himself think more about the two that just left, Finnick continued consoling the nervous Vivian.
After reaching a distance away from Finnick and Vivian, Evelyn finally let her anger out. There were no signs of her earlier weakness as she screeched at Hunter, “What’s wrong with you? Why are Vivian and Finnick together again? It’s been so long! Why haven’t you won her over?”
“Have I not been staying in the hospital recently? Once I’m out of the hospital, I’ll definitely do my best to win Vivian over,” Hunter mumbled as he tried his best to tamp down the fury in him.
His half-hearted reply only made Evelyn angrier. “By the time you discharge from the hospital, they’ll be married!”
No. I can’t stand aside and do nothing as they get back together. Evelyn racked her brain to come up with a plan to separate them, and soon, it appeared.
A cunning glint flashed across her eyes as she gestured for Hunter to hunch over. Not knowing what evil plans Evelyn had again, Hunter warily leaned his ear toward her.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 702
Right after he heard Evelyn’s words, he exploded in wrath. At Evelyn, he bellowed, “Evelyn Morrison, aren’t you sick of this already?”
Of their many years of friendship, this was the first time Hunter had shouted at her. For a moment, Evelyn was dumbfounded. By the time she came back to her senses, she was enraged and embarrassed.
“Why are you shouting at me?” Evelyn screamed at him, feeling humiliated by his words.
Until now, she thought Hunter was her admirer. That was why she always felt superior whenever Hunter was around. Evelyn could not take it when she realized how rude he was to her a moment ago.
“Are you actually asking me why I’m shouting at you? Don’t you know how harmful this is to Vivian? How can you do this to a girl?”
Although he knew Evelyn had been coming up with ways to deal with Vivian, the plan she told him earlier still stunned him with how ruthless she was. He could not believe that she could actually think of trying to get people to assault and demean Vivian.
“What’s wrong? That woman only has herself to blame for this. No one asked her to take Finnick away from me! This is what happens to those who try to take my things from me!”
Evelyn felt that there was nothing wrong with her actions at all. On the other hand, Hunter’s agitated reaction rose her suspicion. He always knew she hated Vivian. Didn’t he promise to help me deal with Vivian earlier? Why is he shouting at me because of her now?
Suspiciously staring at Hunter, Evelyn hissed, “Didn’t you say you’re going to help me deal with her? Why are you siding with her now? Have you fallen in love with that b*tch?”
“Can you be more civilized when you speak? Have some awareness of how you’re presenting yourself!” When Hunter heard the way Evelyn was addressing Vivian, he sincerely felt that not only was the woman vicious, but she was also uncultured. I must have been blind to have fallen in love with someone like her back then.
“What’s wrong with how I present myself?” His words only made her more furious. “You really must have fallen in love with that b*tch, haven’t you? What’s good about her that all of you adore her so much?”
“Vivian’s the best woman I’ve ever seen. So what if I’ve fallen in love with her?” By now, anger had overwhelmed Hunter’s rationality. He did not care that he was playing the role of a spy anymore as he confessed his love for Vivian.
For a moment, his confession rendered Evelyn speechless. Finally, she could only squeeze out, “Y-You—”
After taking in a deep breath, she hissed, “Don’t forget about your motive for getting close to her. Let me tell you, Hunter. You have to help me deal with her. If you don’t, I’ll tell Vivian that you were nothing but a sly fox approaching her. If Vivian finds out about this, do you really think she’ll still be friends with you?”
“Ha!” Hunter scoffed. He had expected this from Evelyn, for this was the way she dealt with everything. Even now, she still thought of threatening him. However, this time, her plan was going to fall through.
“I’ve confessed about this to Vivian a long time ago. If you want to tell her about it, go ahead.” As he spoke, he glared daggers at her.
“Evelyn, I’m warning you. I hope you don’t think of executing plans like the one you told me about earlier. Don’t you forget what I do. If I find out that you’re going to hurt Vivian, I’m going to make sure you’ll have a few years in jail.”
“How dare you?” Evelyn screeched at him. “Aren’t you in love with me? How can you be in love with that ugly Vivian? Which part of her is better than me?”
“Vivian is better than you in every way,” Hunter scoffed in disdain. “If you talk about ugly, I don’t think there’s any woman who has an uglier inside than you. To have fallen in love with a vicious woman like you is the most disgusting thing I’ve done in my entire life.”
With that said, he shot a look of disgust at her before leaving. He truly did not want to waste any more time on a woman like her.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 703
“Get back here, Hunter!” As she was bound to a wheelchair, she could only yell at Hunter’s retreating figure. “How dare you leave me here alone! I just came out of surgery! Are you even a man?”
Hearing her loud voice behind him, Hunter only sneered in disdain before leaving the hospital. The entire time, he never spared her a single glance. Even if she were to drop dead right now, he would not feel any pity for her.
When Evelyn realized Hunter was leaving without even giving her another look, she clenched her hands so hard she nearly broke her nails.
Why? Why do all men around me like Vivian? What’s good about that ugly and b*tchy woman? Finnick and Hunter clearly loved me first. What spell does Vivian have them under?
Rage thrummed through her veins as she thought, I’m never going to let Vivian off so easily. So what if Hunter doesn’t help me? I can still make Finnick and Vivian separate!
With a scowl on her face, Evelyn swore. Vivian, just you wait. I’ll definitely make you suffer hundreds and thousands of times worse than the humiliation I’ve suffered today.
Meanwhile, after Rachel’s surgery, Vivian had been keeping her company in the ward. As the anesthesia had yet to wear off, Rachel was still unconscious.
Although the doctor said that the surgery was a success and that Rachel was out of danger, Vivian was still wracked with worry. Until she saw Rachel wake with her own eyes, her heart remained in her throat, unable to descend back to her chest.
She had rushed back from Thymion and waited outside the operating theater for such a long time. By now, Vivian was exhausted. Yet, she dared not close her eyes to rest; she kept watching Rachel, fearing that the other woman’s condition would worsen.
All of the sudden, Rachel’s lips moved, but Vivian could not hear what she said. Afraid that Rachel was feeling unwell, Vivian swiftly leaned her ear to Rachel’s lips. Finally, she could hear Rachel’s mumbles.
“Evelyn… E-Evelyn, my d-dear daughter. I miss you… Evelyn.”
Upon hearing her words, Vivian slowly sat back down on her chair as melancholy surged into her heart.
I’ve done so much for her, but at the end of the day, Evelyn is still her only daughter? What about me? We’ve depended on each other for over twenty years. Has Rachel ever think of me as her daughter?
Wiping her tears away, Vivian stared at the mumbling Rachel in a daze.
The woman in front of her was someone she once trusted and was closest to. Yet now, Vivian did not know how long it had been since she called Rachel “Mom”. This word used to be the word that supported me through thick and thin. When did I become unable to call her that?
At the thought of that, Vivian’s tears fell again. She’s my mother, and I’m her daughter. Why are we like strangers now?
“Vivian.” Finnick’s voice suddenly came from behind her. Hurriedly wiping away her tears, Vivian plastered a smile on her face as she turned around.
However, she could not conceal those reddened eyes of hers from Finnick. He walked toward her and cupped her cheeks gently. His heart aching, he asked, “Why are you crying again? Don’t worry. I’ve asked the doctor, and he told me that her surgery has gone smoothly. She’s no longer in any danger, so you can rest assured.”
“Okay.” Vivian nodded before falling silent.
When he realized she did not look happier after hearing his reassurances, he could not help but wonder, Why is she upset if not for Rachel’s condition?
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 704
Finnick crouched down in front of Vivian and gently queried, “What happened, Vivian? You seem unhappy.”
His questions sent a pang of sorrow into her heart, and she averted her eyes after a glance at him. Forcing a smile onto her face, she mumbled, “Nothing. How can I not be happy that the surgery went smoothly? I’m happy.”
Finnick would not be easily fooled. He had seen the downcast look in her eyes, and he wanted to know what had happened.
Straightening her and making her look at him, Finnick uttered, “Vivian, you have to tell me if there’s anything on your mind. Trust me. No matter how difficult it is, I’ll do my best to solve it for you.”
The solemn look Finnick had in his eyes touched Vivian, but it also made her feel helpless. To Rachel, she only had one daughter—Evelyn. Vivian, the adopted daughter, was no one to her. How am I supposed to tell him about this? What can he do about it?
“I’m really fine,” Vivian reassured him. “Thank you for today. Without you, the surgery would not have gone as smoothly as it did.”
Finnick panicked when he realized Vivian still refused to be honest with him. He thought they were much closer after today, but it seemed like he was still not someone she could fully trust.
“Vivian, we—” Right as Finnick was about to continue, Rachel began mumbling again.
“Evelyn, Evelyn… Evelyn, c-come and see me. Evelyn…”
Turning to look at Rachel before spotting the desolation on her face, Finnick finally realized what she was upset about.
He reached out to hold her hands as he whispered, “Vivian, don’t overthink it. Evelyn’s her biological daughter, so she’ll think about her a little more. Don’t take it to heart.”
Hearing him, tears brimmed in Vivian’s eyes again. That’s right. Evelyn’s her biological daughter. It’s normal for a mother to think about her daughter. To Rachel, I’m still the adopted one. Naturally, I’m not as important to her as Evelyn. Why am I sad about that?
When he saw Vivian’s reaction, he realized he had said the wrong words to her. For a brief moment, he wished he could punch himself. Why did I have to say that? I’m only making her even more upset.
He pulled her into his arms and consoled, “It’s all right, Vivian. It’s all right. You still have me. No matter what happens, you’re always the most important person to me. I’ll always be by your side; I’ll never let you be alone.”
Finnick had whispered plenty of sweet words to her while he was courting her, but none had moved her as much as the words he was saying now. Perhaps, it was because this was the moment she needed these words most.
As she lay in his arms, tears streamed down her cheeks. Yet, as her tears escaped her eyes, so did the sorrow from her chest. Only when she was less tensed then did she realize how suggestive their position was.
Breaking from Finnick’s arms, Vivian blushed. “It’s been a few days since we’ve come here. You must have many things to attend to. I’m fine here alone. You should go ahead with your work.”
However, there was no way Finnick would leave her here in the hospital alone. “We’ll talk about the company matters later. I’m worried to leave you here alone, so I’ll stay with you.”
“It’s fine.” His words made her face heat up even more. “It’s not like you can do anything here anyway. I can take care of her by myself. Don’t worry.”
“But—”
“Hush. I really can do this by myself. You should get going.”
Vivian sounded adamant, and when he thought about Noah’s urgent tone, he relented. “All right. I’ll go back to the office first. If anything happens, you have to call me right away. I’ll come to you immediately.”
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 705
“I know.” Vivian nodded gratefully. “Hurry.”
“Call me if anything happens,” Finnick repeated anxiously before hesitantly retreating from the ward.
Not long after Finnick left, Rachel woke.
The moment Rachel opened her eyes, Vivian stood up and asked, “How do you feel? Do you feel unwell?”
“I-I…” As Rachel had just woken up, her mind was still muddled.
“You just came out of surgery,” Vivian informed. “The surgery went well, so you’re fine now. However, you need to make sure that you get adequate rest. The doctor said your body might show signs of transplant rejection in the beginning, but it’s temporary. You’ll be fine after enduring it. Let me call for a doctor to check you up now.”
At that, Vivian turned, about to call the doctor. However, Rachel stopped her. “Vivian, where’s Evelyn? She just came out of surgery too. Is she… Is she fine?”
When Vivian heard Rachel’s immediate concern for Evelyn upon her awakening, her heart ached even more. She had been running herself ragged for Rachel recently, but it seemed like Evelyn was the only one in Rachel’s heart; Rachel did not even feel upset about how Vivian had worked herself to the ground.
Swallowing her misery, Vivian replied, “Evelyn’s fine. She has gone back to rest now. Once you’re better, I’ll ask her to visit you.”
“No! There’s no need for that,” Rachel blurted out. “She already has weak health. She… She must be even weaker now. You don’t need to rush her to visit me. Let her rest first.”
“Okay,” Vivian murmured as her eyes watered. Pasting a smile onto her face, she continued, “I understand. Rest first, then. I’ll ask the doctor to do a checkup for you.”
“Okay.” After hearing that Evelyn was fine, Rachel’s heart in her throat returned to her chest. Soon, she fell asleep again.
When Vivian stepped out of the ward, she tilted her head back and took in a deep breath, forcing her tears to go away. It’s not the first time something like this happened. I should’ve gotten used to it.
Walking toward the room where the doctors were, Vivian unexpectedly encountered Hunter around the corner.
“Vivian! How’s Ms. Rachel?” Hunter was delighted to see Vivian, but when he saw her bloodshot eyes, his delight turned into heartache.
She must be drained after these few days. Yet, there was nothing Hunter could do about it.
“She has woken up, and I’m about to ask a doctor to check on her. Thank you for your concern,” Vivian answered with a smile. “How are you? Have you not recovered from your injury yet?”
Every time Vivian thought about how Hunter was hurt because of her, she could not help but feel guilty. That was because other than the beginning, she never visited him.
“It’s fine. I’m almost recovered.” Hunter shrugged as he returned the smile. Her concern for him made some of his prior delight return. “I actually plan to discharge from the hospital, but the doctor told me that it’s better for me to stay for another two days, so I’m still here.”
“It’s best that you leave the hospital only when you’re completely recovered,” Vivian muttered in worry. “It’ll be terrible if your recovery doesn’t go well.”
“Okay,” Hunter beamed. However, it seemed like he thought of something, for his expression turned solemn again.
“What’s wrong?” she asked when she noticed the change.
“Vivian, you have to be careful these few days,” Hunter warned. “Evelyn tried to get me to help her set you up again yesterday, and in my anger, I revealed to her I won’t be helping her anymore. However, I’m scared that even without my help, she’ll still try to hurt you. That’s why you have to be careful.”
Vivian narrowed her eyes after hearing Hunter’s words. I can’t believe Evelyn still hasn’t given up on her plan to sabotage me.
“I understand. I’ll be careful. Thank you,” Vivian uttered sincerely. “I’ll be looking for the doctor now, then. You be careful too.”
“Okay. Hurry on.” Hunter waved at her.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 706
After getting the doctor to check up on Rachel and making sure she was fine, Vivian’s heart finally lowered back into her chest.
In the following days, Vivian remained in the hospital taking care of Rachel. During those days, Evelyn came to visit several times, but both of them knew that her visit was not due to her concern for Rachel’s health.
As Finnick was worried about Vivian being alone in the hospital, he went there to keep her company whenever he was . That was the main reason for Evelyn’s continuous visits to the hospital.
Every time she saw Finnick, she would gaze at him with watery eyes. She would then apologize, hoping that he could forgive her. Rachel could not bear to watch her daughter’s miserable look. Naturally, she helped her to persuade Finnick that Evelyn did not mean to do what she did and for him to give her a chance.
Finnick could ignore Evelyn, but he could not do the same to Rachel, especially since the older woman was still recovering from her surgery. After the scene repeated several times, Finnick informed Vivian about his decision. From then on, he rarely visited the hospital.
Meanwhile, as Vivian was too busy taking care of Rachel, she had forgotten to ask Finnick about the incident from five years ago.
“Vivian, why isn’t Finnick coming to the hospital recently?” Evelyn asked sweetly as she held onto Vivian’s hand in front of Rachel.
In response, Vivian retracted her hand and did not try to conceal the hatred in her eyes. “How would I know? Maybe he’s busy at work. If you want to meet him, you can meet him in his office.”
Evelyn immediately teared up at that. It was as if she did not sense Evelyn’s hatred for her, for she grabbed Vivian’s hands again and sobbed, “I want to meet him, but… but Finnick won’t want to see me. Vivian, help me, please. Can’t you invite him out to meet me?”
“This is between him and you. There’s nothing I can do about it.” Prying her hand away from hers again, Vivian rose to her feet and kept a distance away from Evelyn. She’s always acting like this. As long as Rachel is around, she’ll pretend as if she’s on good terms with me. It’s disgusting.
“Vivian, how can you talk in that way with Evelyn?” Rachel reprimanded. Her heart broke with how Vivian kept dismissing Evelyn.
“Evelyn already knows that she’s in the wrong for what happened back then. What’s wrong with helping her meet with Finnick? You can’t lose your trust in her forever just because of one mistake of hers!”
“Yes, Vivian, I know I’ve done wrong. I won’t do anything to hurt you again. I swear!” Evelyn quickly added.
“I’ve already divorced Finnick, so I don’t have a say about who he meets and who he doesn’t,” Vivian fumed. She could no longer suppress her anger anymore. I’ve been slaving away taking care of Rachel, but all I get is a reprimand.
“Evelyn, if you want to meet Finnick, go ahead. I’m no one to him and vice versa. I have no right to decide whether he forgives or not.”
With that said, Vivian took her phone and left the ward.
After exiting the hospital, she hailed a cab back to the Morrison residence. Recently, she had been exhausted, both mentally and physically. All she wanted now was to have a long rest, or else she would have a mental breakdown.
When she reached home, she realized Benedict was still not home from his trip. Similarly, Larry was not around; he was still in school. After greeting Ms. Booker, the nanny, she headed straight to her bedroom to sleep. She was simply too tired for anything else.
It had been days since she had a good rest, so her sleep was a deep one. In fact, she did not even dream. By the time she woke, the sky was already dark.
Rubbing her eyes, Vivian sat up on the bed. Right then, the scent of corn soup from downstairs wafted across her nose and made her stomach growl.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 707
Is Ben back? With that thought, Vivian changed and went downstairs. To her surprise, the one cooking was not Benedict but her son, Larry.
“Little pumpkin, what are you doing?” When Vivian walked to the kitchen doorway, she could see the boy standing on the stool, stirring the soup with Ms. Booker’s help.
“Mommy, you’re up!” Upon noticing his mother by the doorway, Larry jumped off the stool. “Mommy, did you have a good sleep? Where have you been these few days?”
With a smile, she lifted him into her arms and poked his cheek. “A lady was sick, so I’ve been taking care of her in the hospital. How have you been?”
From their return to the country until now, Vivian had yet to bring Larry to visit Rachel. Partially, she was afraid of Finnick realizing they had a child. Another reason was that every time she thought about how Rachel only had Evelyn in her heart, she felt disinterested in letting her know about Larry.
“Then, is that lady all okay now?” Larry asked with wide eyes.
“Yes.” Vivian smiled as she tapped his forehead. “She’s fine now. Can you tell me what you are making?”
“I’m making corn soup for you, Mommy.” Jumping off Rachel’s arms, Larry ran back to the stove and looked into the pot. “Ms. Booker told me that this soup is good for you. I was sure that you’ll be hungry after you wake, Mommy, so I asked Ms. Booker to teach me how to make this for you.”
I see. Vivian’s heart melted at how her dear son was so concerned with her; all of her upset earlier was now washed away by how sweet her son was.
Walking to him, Vivian lifted the pot lid and said, “It looks like I can drink the soup now. Little pumpkin, why don’t you take two bowls for me? I want to have a taste of the soup that my little pumpkin made for me.”
“Of course!” Larry exclaimed before sprinting toward the cabinet with his short legs.
After turning off the stove, Ms. Booker politely informed Vivian, “Miss, please wait at the dining table with Mr. Larry. I’ll serve the soup to you.”
“No need,” Vivian chuckled. “I can do it myself.”
After all, this was the first time her precious son was cooking for her. How could she not serve the soup herself?
“As you wish,” Ms. Booker replied with a faint smile before leaving. Mr. Larry’s a sweet boy. He’s already better than most kids just with how nice he is to his mother.
“Here you go, Mommy.” Soon, Larry brought the spoon and bowl to Vivian.
“Be a dear and wait for me at the dining table, will you? It’ll be bad if you scald yourself, little pumpkin,” Vivian instructed as she scooped the soup.
“Okay.” Nodding obediently, Larry ran toward the dining table and sat down.
At her son’s obedience, Vivian smiled. Fate is still good to me to have given me such a caring child.
“Mommy, is it good?” Larry nervously asked when he saw Vivian put the spoon into her mouth.
“Wow!” Vivian exclaimed dramatically. “It’s so good! Is my darling a cooking genius? How can his first cooking be so delicious?”
“Really?” Hearing her words, a bright smile crept upon Larry’s round face, and he promptly tried the soup.
Even the boy himself felt that the soup was good, and he urged, “It really is good! Mommy, drink more of it!”
Vivian patted his head endearingly before returning to her soup. Is it too hot? Why does it feel like my eyes are watering from the steam?
“Mommy, can I ask you a question?” Larry carefully queried, having sensed that his mother was in a good mood today.
“Of course,” Vivian replied with a smile. “What does my little pumpkin want to ask me?”
“Mommy, how are you with Daddy? Can I… Can I meet Daddy?” On Larry’s face was a nervous look.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 708
Vivian froze for a second. In the next, a wave of pain crashed into her heart like a tsunami. She walked toward Larry and lifted the boy into her arms.
“Little pumpkin, do you want Daddy?”
“Yes, of course!” Larry nodded fervently. “I even dreamt of Daddy accompanying me.”
Looking at the desperation on Larry’s face, Vivian felt apologetic toward him.
He should have been like the other kids; he should’ve had a happy childhood with his parents, but it’s already this tough for him to meet his father. If I’m to tell Finnick now that I didn’t lose the baby—that I gave birth to the baby in A Nation—he wouldn’t suspect that Larry’s not his, would he? Maybe I should give Finnick a chance. For Larry’s sake. For Larry to grow up happy and healthy. At the very least, I should listen to Finnick’s explanation about what happened back then.
“Mommy, Mommy! Are you going to patch things up with Daddy?” Larry excitedly asked as he hugged her neck.
Gazing into Larry’s eyes, Vivian answered, “Little pumpkin, I can’t guarantee that I can patch things up with Daddy, but I’ll give him a chance. The reason for my separation from your daddy back then was that Daddy did something to make me very upset. So I’m going to listen to Daddy’s explanation before I decide whether I’ll be with him again. Can you understand what I’m telling you?”
“Yes, I understand.” The boy nodded excitedly. “I’m sure there’s some misunderstanding between Daddy and Mommy. Daddy wouldn’t do something to make Mommy upset, so Mommy, you have to listen to Daddy’s explanation, okay?”
I hope that’s the case. Vivian stared at the boy’s serious expression.
After tucking Larry in, Vivian went to the living room to call Finnick.
“Hello. Vivian, is there anything? It’s quite late.” Finnick was overjoyed that Vivian had called him, but at the same time, he was worried that she had encountered troubles.
Finnick knew well that she was not calling because she missed him.
“It’s nothing much, just…” Vivian trailed off, hesitating. “Thank you for helping me out so much a while back. Are you tomorrow? I’d like to thank you in person, and… and talk to you about other things.”
“Of course I am,” came Finnick’s instant reply. “I’m always to meet up with you.”
His sudden sweet words warmed her heart. For a moment, she was at a loss for a reply. Vivian remembered that Finnick was not good with sweet nothings like these. When did he learn how to speak like this? However, she had to admit that she was thrilled to hear him say them.
When Finnick heard the prolonged silence from the other end of the line, he could imagine how red her face would be. Chuckling, he softly asked, “Vivian, where would you like to meet tomorrow? I’ll come to you.”
“Huh?” His voice dragged her back to reality as her face flushed even redder. In fact, she started stuttering as well. “T-Tomorrow, m-my mother’s going to be discharged, so I have to send her home first. Pick me up after work from her place tomorrow night. You still remember the address, right?”
“Of course I do,” Finnick replied. Even when his voice sounded robotic through the speakers, she could hear how gentle he spoke. “That’s settled, then. I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”
“All right. See you tomorrow.” With a swift response, Vivian ended the call. Only after she took in two deep breaths, then could she feel her heartbeat slowing back down.
Although she had a fight with Rachel the day before, Vivian still went to pick her from the hospital the next day. At the end of the day, Vivian still could not bring herself to ignore her foster mother.
However, when she arrived at Rachel’s ward, she realized Evelyn was there too. Halting in her tracks, the first thought that entered Vivian’s mind was to turn and leave. However, Rachel had already seen her. If Vivian were to walk away at that moment, things would turn awkward between Rachel and her.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 709
“Vivian, you’re here!” Evelyn exclaimed, pretending to be excited when she saw Vivian by the doorway. “I thought you won’t be coming today.”
Wheeling herself to Vivian’s side, Evelyn held onto her arm and muttered sweetly, “Vivian, I was wrong for what happened yesterday. Let me apologize to you. I’m sorry, you’re right. You and Finnick are divorced. I would be making things difficult for you by asking you to talk to him about my matters. I won’t voice unreasonable requests like this to you anymore. Just think of me for being insensible yesterday. Please forgive me.”
Not in the mood to entertain Evelyn’s acts, Vivian pried her arm off and walked toward Rachel instead; it was as if Vivian had not heard Evelyn’s words at all. “I’m going to deal with the procedures for your discharge first. Pack up. When I come back, I’ll take them up the car.”
When Evelyn noticed Vivian ignoring her, she clenched her fist as anger briefly crossed her face. However, in the next second, she looked like the epitome of misery again.
Walking toward Vivian, Evelyn carefully asked, “Vivian, I really know I’m in the wrong now. Please forgive me. I’ll do my best to fix what I’ve done wrong from now on. Please give me a chance to change!”
Anger stirred in Vivian as she watched Evelyn feign distress. At that very moment, she only wanted to yell at her to drop the act.
However, Rachel was around, and it felt inappropriate for her to do so. With how important Evelyn was to her, if Vivian were to lose her temper with Evelyn, she was sure that Rachel would reprimand her for it.
Hence, she took in two deep breaths, trying her best to suppress the rage in her. Then, she continued ignoring Evelyn. She said to Rachel, “Pack up first. I’ll deal with the paperwork now.”
“Vivian…” Evelyn ground her teeth at how Vivian completely ignored her, but on the surface, she maintained a sad look as she tried to stop Vivian.
Spotting Evelyn about to come close to her, Vivian walked around her and continued to the doorways.
“Vivian William, stop right there!” Rachel fumed when she saw her daughter getting ignored. “Evelyn already knows that she’s wrong. Why can’t you give her a chance? She’s so sincere in apologizing to you, so what’s the matter with your attitude?”
Hearing Rachel’s reprimanding voice, Vivian’s eyes reddened as she halted in her tracks. However, she did not turn around as she said in a calm voice, “What would you like me to do?”
“Evelyn didn’t mean to do it back then, and nothing happened to you,” Rachel continued, having not noticed Vivian’s upset. “Not only has she donated her bone marrow to save my life, but she even took care of me until now. I can see that she really knows that she’s done wrong. Even if she did put you in a tight spot by asking you to talk to Finnick, she apologized to you today. How can you pretend as if you didn’t see her in the room?”
Vivian’s tears fell as sorrow overtook her heart. Nothing happened to me back then? How can she say nothing happened to me back then? Evelyn made me escape the country in a haste, and she destroyed my marriage, forcing my son to grow up without his father’s companion. Do these mean nothing to Rachel, the mother I love? Moreover, Evelyn’s her daughter. Isn’t it her duty to donate her bone marrow to her mother and take care of her? I took care of her, too, for so many days. Does it mean nothing to her too? Does only Evelyn’s care mean something to her?
Reaching up to wipe away her tears, Vivian forced her voice to sound as level as possible. “I know. I’m the one who did things wrong.”
With that said, Vivian left the ward without sparing them another glance. It was as if someone gripped tightly onto her heart, threatening to crush it. This will be the last time. Once Rachel is out of the hospital, I’d have returned the favor of her raising me. This will be it for our relationship. I’ll never see her again.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 710
After dealing with the paperwork, Vivian returned to the ward. She was silent for the entire time while she carried the suitcase up the car and sent Rachel and Evelyn home.
Evidently, Rachel sensed her anger. After her own fury dissipated, she realized she had gone overboard earlier. Vivian would naturally feel upset for her to be so protective of Evelyn.
“Vivian,” Rachel muttered as she held Vivian’s hand with a smile. “I was a little too anxious when I saw Evelyn cry earlier, so I’ve said harsh words to you. Don’t take it to heart.”
“It’s fine,” was Vivian’s only possible reply to how Rachel was putting her pride aside.
Patting Vivian’s hand, Rachel chuckled, “Vivian, I know you’re a child with a big and soft heart. You must be tired after these few days. I’ll cook and make your favorite braised pork, okay?”
It had been a long time since she heard Rachel talk to her in such a gentle way, and Vivian could not get used to it; it felt odd to her. After a moment of hesitating, she nodded. “Okay.”
“I’ll make it right away.” With a smile, Rachel entered the kitchen.
After her mother entered the kitchen, Evelyn blinked before touching the packet in her pocket. No one in the house noticed her sly grin.
“Ms. Rachel, let me help you. You’ve just been discharged from the hospital, so you shouldn’t tire yourself out.” With that, Evelyn wheeled herself into the kitchen.
“Okay, then Mom will…” Rachel abruptly stopped as she nervously looked at Evelyn. She knew Evelyn did not like her to call herself that way.
However, it seemed like there were no changes in Evelyn’s expression, so she sighed in relief. Then, with a bright smile, she announced, “Let me teach you the best way to make braised pork today.”
“That’s great! Thank you, Ms. Rachel.”
…
Hearing the merry voices from the kitchen, Vivian, who was on the living room’s couch, felt her chest tighten. I’m the outsider now, aren’t I?
While Rachel was not paying attention in the kitchen, Evelyn had lifted the lid of the pot and poured in the powder from the packet in her pocket.
Staring at the powder that quickly dissolved into the soup, a malicious grin grew on Evelyn’s lips. Ha. Vivian, you’re doomed this time.
“Vivian, wash your hands and get ready for your meal. Have a test and tell me whether my cooking has gotten better or not.” It seemed like her time with Evelyn had been a joyous one, as she was in high spirits.
Walking over to look at the table full of dishes, Vivian’s heart skipped a beat. Ever since she returned from overseas, this was the first time she had eaten Rachel’s cooking.
“All right,” came her reply before she sat down at the table.
“Evelyn, hurry up and come over for your food.” After putting the plates on the table, Rachel returned to the kitchen to push Evelyn out.
“Ms. Rachel, your cooking is still as good as ever. The food smells great,” Evelyn commented.
“Is that so?” Rachel beamed. “I remember you used to love my food. Eat more today, then.”
“Okay.” Evelyn nodded fervently with a glowing smile.
At the sight of the happy mother and daughter, Vivian’s heart sank. I’m the extra here. I should’ve left earlier.
Vivian hung her head and quietly stirred her food. She was trying hard not to let her tears fall, but Rachel’s focus was not on her at all, so she never realized something was amiss with Vivian.
“Evelyn, try these fried mushrooms and these beans. I remember you love these best.” Rachel kept putting more and more of the side dishes into Evelyn’s plate. Soon, what was on Evelyn’s plate was a mountain.
“Thank you, Ms. Rachel,” was what Evelyn said. However, she was growling at her in her mind. With the kind of relationship Evelyn had with Vivian, it would be suspicious if she were to take the side dishes for Vivian. Therefore, the best candidate to do so was Rachel.