Chapter 119

A flush of humiliation crept up Vivian's neck as she recognized she might have overestimated her importance in Adrian's world again. Wordlessly, she turned toward the hallway to organize the shopping bags she'd carried in earlier. Adrian, on his part, pulled out his phone and started attending to urgent emails.

They occupied opposite ends of the living room, wrapped in a silence that was both uncomfortable and strangely soothing. As Vivian sorted through her purchases, she momentarily forgot Adrian was even present.

There was something therapeutic about methodically stocking the pantry, each item finding its designated spot. After nearly forty minutes of organizing, her stomach growled loudly in protest.

Retrieving two packs of ramen from the freshly stocked shelves, she headed toward the kitchen. Just then, Adrian glanced up from his screen. "I haven't eaten either. Mind if I join you?"

Vivian ignored him and reached for a saucepan to boil water. His voice floated across the open space. "Easy on the spice, please."

Her kitchen had an open concept, and through the swirling steam, she could see Adrian lounging on the sofa, fingers dancing across his phone as he responded to messages. For one surreal moment, she felt dizzy with recognition. This was exactly the domestic scene she'd fantasized about during their marriage - sharing mundane moments while remaining connected across the room.

A bitter smile twisted her lips. The irony wasn't lost on her - experiencing her marital ideal on the verge of divorce.

Lost in thought, she reached for the heavy pot with one hand. The water level was higher than usual since she was cooking for two. The pot tilted precariously, sending a wave of scalding broth toward her bare feet. She jumped back, but not fast enough - the boiling liquid splashed across her left foot.

The skin turned an angry red instantly, the burn radiating sharp pain through her nerves. She couldn't suppress a soft whimper. "Ah!"

"What happened?" Adrian was already striding across the room before the words left his mouth, phone forgotten on the couch.

"N-nothing serious," she stammered, taking an awkward step backward. "Just spilled some hot water." She forced a casual tone, though her toes curled in pain.

Memories surfaced of how she used to dramatize minor discomforts just to earn his concern. The recollection made her cringe.

Adrian's gaze dropped to her reddening foot. He bent suddenly, one arm sliding behind her knees as if to carry her. "I can walk," Vivian insisted, stepping back so quickly she nearly stumbled. "Don't make a big deal out of it."

Adrian straightened but kept a steadying hand on her elbow, his voice laced with frustration. "When I don't notice your hints, you accuse me of indifference. When I try to help, you say I'm exaggerating. That's quite the contradiction, Vivian. What exactly do you want from me? Do you even know?"

She let him guide her to the sofa, her voice quiet but firm. "I know precisely what I want, Adrian. People evolve. There was a time I craved your affection and a happy home. You met that with detachment. Now I've realized I won't stay in this one-sided marriage any longer. And still, you're dissatisfied. First you claimed I asked for too much. Now you question if I know my own mind? Mr. Blackwood, perhaps the confusion lies with you. My desires have always been clear - first it was love and family. Now it's freedom."

Adrian had no interest in dissecting philosophical debates about relationships. Turning away with visible irritation, he muttered, "I never knew you had such a gift for rhetoric. You've certainly prepared quite the arsenal of arguments."