Chapter 117

"Alright, Vivian," Dominic responded swiftly, nudging Adrian forward, the packages in his hands making their movement clumsy.

Initially, Dominic had perceived Vivian as a quiet, unassuming homemaker. But after multiple encounters, his opinion had transformed completely. Though usually soft-spoken and reserved, Vivian showed flashes of fiery determination that mirrored Adrian's own passionate nature.

It was impressive how well Vivian appeared to be thriving since her separation from Adrian, something Dominic found quite extraordinary.

The three entered the elevator, and as it rose, the air grew heavy with unspoken tension. The brief ascent stretched into what felt like an endless moment.

Dominic, typically the mediator, found himself powerless to bridge the frosty divide between them.

When the doors slid open, Dominic stepped out first, setting down the items with practiced efficiency. Checking his phone, his face lit up at an urgent notification. "Adrian, Vivian, something's come up. I need to leave. You two carry on."

With that, he pressed the elevator button and disappeared behind closing doors.

Left alone in the corridor, Vivian and Adrian stood meters apart, deliberately avoiding eye contact. They faced opposite directions, the space between them crackling with uncomfortable energy neither wished to acknowledge.

Exiting the elevator and unlocking her apartment door, Vivian hesitated slightly, moving aside to create space. "Thanks. Just leave them by the entrance," she directed, her tone courteous yet detached.

As she contemplated how to politely suggest Adrian's departure, he had already deposited the packages and made himself comfortable on the sofa. Glancing back at her lingering near the doorway, he remarked casually, "I'm parched."

His voice carried a note of expectation as he added, "After all my efforts today, you wouldn't deny me a drink, would you?"

Her expression frosty, Vivian slowly closed the door and moved toward the kitchen, intending to boil water. But her hand paused mid-air above the kettle. A realization struck - she owed him nothing. On days when cramps wracked her body, she didn't even indulge in warm drinks for herself. Why should she extend this courtesy to what was essentially a stranger now?

Changing course, she turned and retrieved a glass and bottled water from the fridge. Approaching Adrian, she extended the chilled water with visible reluctance.

He frowned, making no move to accept it. "Cold drinks don't agree with me," he complained.

Vivian's shoulders lifted in an indifferent shrug. "That's all I'm offering," she countered, impatience coloring her tone.

This sudden pickiness contrasted sharply with the man who used to thrive on iced coffee during marathon work sessions. Vivian's well-meaning reminders about his health had only ever irritated him.

His gaze fixed on the glass in her hand, Adrian spoke with playful lightness. "I believe I'll take that one instead."