Chapter 359

Vivian's pulse raced as she took in Adrian's pale complexion. "He never complains about pain! Dr. Harrison, should we treat him here or get him to the hospital immediately?"

Dr. Harrison exchanged a knowing glance with Ethan. He remembered all too well how Adrian had walked through a hail of bullets during that business ambush last year without uttering a single groan. This wasn't pain - this was performance art of the highest caliber.

Vivian sprang into action. "Ethan, you drive. I'll take shotgun. Dr. Harrison, you and Adrian should sit in back."

The doctor hesitated for a split second, catching Adrian's subtle but unmistakable signal in his peripheral vision. The message was clear: Play along.

Clearing his throat, Dr. Harrison finished wrapping the wound with practiced efficiency. "Mrs. Blackwood, it's done." He paused dramatically. "But I strongly recommend you sit with him. Significant blood loss could cause fainting. He'll need stabilization."

Vivian didn't argue, simply nodding. She knew Adrian's aversion to physical contact ran deeper than most - deeper even than her own. For years, even his closest associates maintained careful boundaries.

Sliding into the backseat, she positioned herself beside him, carefully supporting his weight. He leaned against her tentatively at first, as if testing the waters. After a charged silence, he whispered hoarsely, "Can I ask you something?"

His lips were bloodless, his breathing shallow. He looked heartbreakingly fragile.

"Save your strength," Vivian urged. "We can talk later."

Adrian turned his face toward hers, his breath warm against her cheek. "I'm afraid there might not be a later."

Noticing his pallor, Vivian rubbed his uninjured arm briskly. "Are you cold?" She knew hypothermia was a real risk with severe blood loss.

"Don't say things like that," she snapped, sharper than intended. "You'll be fine. Just hold on." Despite his obvious pain, Adrian straightened slightly, locking eyes with her with startling intensity.

"Can we forget about divorce? Wipe the slate clean. Start over."

Vivian froze, the air rushing from her lungs. Every instinct screamed at her to retreat, and she inched away slightly.

Without missing a beat, Adrian pressed his hand to his wound, letting out a pained groan as he discreetly increased the pressure.

"Are you okay?" Vivian asked, torn between concern and suspicion as she watched him. The fresh bandages were already saturated with blood. Panic clawed at her throat as tears pricked her eyes. She turned desperately to Dr. Harrison in the front seat. "Doctor, why is he bleeding so much?"

Dr. Harrison, fully aware of Adrian's charade, pretended not to hear, engrossed in his phone.

Adrian ignored her question entirely, repeating, "Can we just not get divorced?"

Vivian's mind went blank, the only sound the pounding of her own heartbeat. Adrian had publicly claimed her on that reality show, had thrown himself in front of a blade for her in that parking lot...