Chapter 360

The images of his bravery and compassion kept replaying in her mind like a broken record, while the sharp edges of her painful memories gradually softened into obscurity. Vivian couldn't pinpoint the exact moment when her determination had started wavering.

Without warning, her carefully constructed walls had completely collapsed.

Dr. Harrison turned to her, his voice gentle yet firm. "Mrs. Blackwood, please listen to Mr. Blackwood."

"Blackwood. He mustn't get agitated now. Any emotional distress could complicate his recovery," the doctor added.

Lost in her whirlwind of thoughts - or perhaps searching for any reason to retreat - Vivian missed the odd logic in Dr. Harrison's words. Since when did someone's mood affect a simple arm injury?

After what felt like an eternity, she finally surrendered, murmuring awkwardly, "The announcement's already been made on the show. How can we possibly divorce now?"

A fleeting triumph sparked in Adrian's eyes. He glanced up, catching the knowing smirks on Ethan's and Dr. Harrison's faces before silencing them with a sharp look. Immediately, their expressions turned professional.

When Vivian looked up again, she noticed the strange atmosphere but was too preoccupied with thoughts of the divorce and Adrian's injury to dwell on it. A suffocating confusion overwhelmed her, making her feel like she'd been pushed toward a cliff's edge with no retreat possible. The only way was forward.

The decision to divorce had been born from desperation, a life-or-death choice. Now she couldn't tell whether stepping back would be a mistake or simply delay the inevitable. But she had to accept this was fate's design. What was meant to happen would happen. They were all just pieces on fate's chessboard.

After Adrian's medical examination, he fell into a deep sleep. Ethan brought Vivian a meal, his concern evident. "Mrs. Blackwood," he began softly.

"Please eat and rest. The doctor said Mr. Blackwood lost significant blood and won't wake for hours."

Vivian accepted the food but shook her head. "You should rest. I'll stay. If he wakes and doesn't see me..." Her voice trailed off, the unspoken consequences hanging between them.

Ethan didn't argue, giving a respectful nod. "Mrs. Blackwood, I'll be in the hallway. Call if you need anything." He quietly exited, leaving Vivian alone with her sleeping husband.

Food was the last thing on her mind. She set the tray aside and turned her attention to Adrian. His peaceful expression made his aristocratic features appear almost fragile, stirring unexpected protectiveness in her. Gently, she traced the line of his brow with her fingertips, whispering, "Adrian, I truly don't know who owes whom in this tangled web of ours."

The sudden vibration of her phone shattered the hospital room's quiet. Vivian glanced at the screen - Julian.

Her eyes darted to Adrian, still sleeping soundly. Stealing toward the door, she answered in hushed tones while keeping watch on her husband.

"Julian? What is it?"

"Is this a bad time?" came the familiar voice.