Chapter 403

Vivian's smile faltered. She straightened her posture, turning to face him fully. "So during those two years when I was just a homemaker... that's how you saw it? That none of it mattered?"

Adrian hesitated, his stormy gray eyes locking with hers. "In certain aspects, yes," he confessed, measuring each word.

A soft exhale escaped Vivian's lips, her expression more contemplative than upset. "It wasn't all drudgery, you know. At the time, I genuinely believed keeping our home perfect and cooking for the man I loved had meaning. But—"

She paused deliberately, weighing her next words. "When you invest too much of yourself in another person, pieces of your own identity start slipping away. Everyone needs their own space, their own sense of self."

Adrian's features softened as he nodded in understanding.

Vivian reached for his hand, her delicate fingers enveloping his larger ones. She held his gaze, her voice steady yet warm. "From now on, just say what you're thinking, alright? Don't make me play guessing games. Open communication is the foundation of any relationship."

Adrian studied her for a prolonged moment before his lips curved into that rare, genuine smile. "Deal," he murmured. Leaning in, he gently brushed aside her chestnut bangs before pressing a whisper-soft kiss to her forehead.

Time seemed to accelerate, and before they knew it, filming for "Ambermyst" was drawing to a close. Vivian's personal life flourished alongside her thriving career.

The internet buzzed with constant updates, and thanks to the Blackwood Group's meticulous reputation management, negative press about Vivian had virtually disappeared. Those who'd previously encountered the gossip now wondered if they'd imagined the whole scandal.

"Spotlight Night," the variety show postponed due to Vivian's earlier controversy, had finally been rescheduled. The lengthy delay meant much of the content had already leaked, including the revelation that Serena Whitmore would be appearing on the same episode.

Though Adrian had been personally driving Vivian to set every day, today's schedule coincided with an important board meeting, leaving Audrey to take over chauffeur duties.

As Audrey pulled up in her candy-apple red Maserati—a lavish gift from Dominic—Vivian casually mentioned sharing the stage with Serena. Audrey nearly slammed the brakes in shock.

"Wait, seriously? They're pairing you two together? That's practically begging for drama!"

Vivian remained composed, her fingers tracing patterns on the car window. "The producers would love nothing more than awkward tension between us. Controversy drives ratings."

Audrey smacked the steering wheel in frustration. "This is beyond tasteless. They're exploiting personal history for cheap thrills."

Her outburst faded as she absently stroked the leather-wrapped wheel, the extravagant present from Dominic stirring mixed emotions. Their unlikely romance—between a free-spirited stylist and a corporate heir—only grew stronger with each passing month.

Returning to the present, Vivian offered, "It's probably just scheduling. Both 'Blazing Horizon' and 'Ambermyst' have similar release timelines. They're just maximizing publicity opportunities."