Chapter 471

Vivian descended the marble staircase, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet. The scent of seafood wafted through the air as the housekeeper approached with a delicate porcelain bowl. "Mrs. Blackwood, it took three markets to find decent crab roe this season. I've prepared it with hand-pulled noodles, along with avocado crab rolls and mango salsa as appetizers."

Her stomach growled at the mention of crab, Vivian's favorite indulgence. She practically skipped to the dining table, her silk robe fluttering behind her. But as the first forkful neared her lips, a sudden wave of nausea crashed over her.

She barely managed to push the plate away before doubling over, dry heaving into the silver wastebasket nearby.

The housekeeper rushed forward with a crystal glass of ginger tea and a linen napkin. Vivian waved her off weakly. "You have the crab. Just make me some plain noodles with extra chili oil, would you?"

"Shall I call Dr. Harrison, Mrs. Blackwood?" The housekeeper's brow furrowed with concern. "You've been pale all week."

Vivian shook her head. "Just a stomach bug, nothing serious." She forced a smile, though her hands trembled slightly.

After a hesitant pause, the housekeeper lowered her voice. "Forgive me for saying so, but... have you considered taking a pregnancy test?"

The words hit Vivian like a thunderbolt. Her teacup clattered against the saucer. "A pregnancy test?"

After picking at her dinner, Vivian retreated to the master suite. She curled into the velvet chaise lounge, intending to watch an old French film. But exhaustion claimed her before the opening credits finished rolling.

Her breathing slowed as she sank deeper into the cushions, one hand resting unconsciously over her abdomen.

Adrian returned home to find his wife asleep in a pool of golden lamplight. The sight made his breath catch - Vivian's chest rising and falling gently, her hair fanned across the cushions like spilled ink. The summer heat had left a dewy sheen on her collarbones, making her skin glow like polished pearls in the dim light.

He reached out without thinking, his fingers brushing the delicate curve of her ankle. Her skin was cool from the evening breeze drifting through the balcony doors. The contrast between her chilled skin and his warm touch sent a jolt through him. His hand lingered, tracing absent circles on her calf.

Shrugging off his suit jacket, Adrian bent to gather her into his arms. Just as he slid one hand beneath her knees, Vivian's lashes fluttered open.

"Adrian?" Her voice was thick with sleep, her eyes unfocused. She blinked up at him like a disoriented kitten.

The sight made his chest tighten. He lowered her gently back onto the chaise, unable to suppress a grin. "Dreaming about me, darling? You were making the most adorable little noises."

Vivian bolted upright, immediately patting her mouth with the back of her hand. When she found no drool, she shot him a glare that would melt steel. "You're insufferable!"

Adrian stretched his arms behind his head, the picture of feline satisfaction. "Guilty. Got any plans to punish me?" His smirk widened as her cheeks flushed pink.