Chapter 361

The familiar warmth in his voice wrapped around her like a cashmere blanket. Vivian found herself softening her tone instinctively.

"It's alright. I'm at the hospital, so I'm keeping my voice down."

"Hospital?" Julian's tone shifted instantly, sharp with concern. "Are you hurt? What happened?"

"It's not me," she began, then hesitated, glancing back at Adrian's sleeping form. "Adrian got injured."

She'd nearly said "a friend," but caught herself just in time. The memory of their recent conversation about giving their marriage another chance made her choose her words carefully.

The line went silent for several heartbeats. The prolonged quiet made Vivian's fingers tighten around her phone.

Changing the subject with forced lightness, she asked, "Any news about Vincent Lockwood?"

"Not yet," Julian replied with a quiet chuckle. "But I'm flying to Ravenshore tomorrow. Wanted to see you before I left."

Vivian hesitated, her gaze drifting to Adrian's bandaged arm resting on the hospital blanket. "I'm sorry, Julian. Things are... complicated right now."

"Never apologize to me," Julian murmured, his voice softening. After a beat, Vivian offered, "When you return, dinner's on me."

"Deal," he agreed. "Take care, Vivian. I'll call when I'm back."

The call ended. Vivian lowered her phone, turning to find Adrian's dark eyes wide open, fixed on her with unsettling intensity. "Who was that dinner invitation for?" His voice was rough from sleep but carried unmistakable authority.

Startled, Vivian nearly dropped her phone. "You're awake?" She busied herself pouring water from the bedside carafe, testing the temperature before setting it down. "Here, drink this. It'll help your throat."

Without warning, Adrian's hand shot out, his fingers encircling her wrist with surprising strength despite his injury. "I asked you a question," he repeated, his grip tightening slightly. "Who are you having dinner with?"

Vivian couldn't suppress a small smile at his obvious jealousy. "Julian wanted to meet before his trip. I said no," she explained, watching his frown deepen. Tilting her head, she teased, "What's this? The great Adrian Blackwood feeling possessive?"

Adrian released her with a dismissive scoff, settling back against the pillows with deliberate nonchalance. "You're my wife now," he declared loftily, ignoring her teasing. "Certain appearances must be maintained."

Vivian's amusement faded into quiet determination. "First and foremost, I'm Vivian Hartley," she countered evenly. "Your wife comes second. I'll keep appropriate boundaries, but I won't cut people out of my life."

Adrian froze, his hand hovering over the water glass. His piercing gaze searched her face as if measuring her resolve.

Vivian met his stare without flinching. "I agreed to try again, Adrian. Not to erase myself. Never again."

The unspoken words hung between them, heavy with the weight of past mistakes and fragile new beginnings.