Chapter 499

To her surprise, Vivian didn't feel angry at all. She completely understood why Adrian would be jealous when she went out to meet Julian Montclair in the middle of the night.

Stretching her arms, she slipped her feet into plush velvet slippers and made her way upstairs. The day had drained every ounce of her energy, and now fatigue crashed over her like a tidal wave. Secretly, she was grateful Adrian had tricked her into coming home early. At least now she could finally collapse into bed.

She changed into silk pajamas, slid beneath the satin sheets, and fell into a dreamless sleep almost instantly.

When Adrian returned, the mansion was bathed in golden light from strategically placed lamps. The warm glow created an inviting atmosphere despite the late hour. He'd always preferred cooler, more clinical lighting - but Vivian had insisted warm tones made their house feel lived-in.

Now, returning at this ungodly hour, he appreciated her choice. He carried a takeout box of Vivian's favorite late-night comfort food upstairs.

Pushing open the bedroom door, he found the bedside lamp still glowing, illuminating Vivian's sleeping form curled under the duvet. A faint smile touched his lips. Normally Vivian couldn't sleep with any lights on. She must have been completely exhausted.

The faint coppery scent of blood clung stubbornly to his leather jacket. Though the dark material hid any stains, the metallic tang lingered in the air.

Adrian placed the food container on the nightstand and headed straight for the ensuite bathroom. After scrubbing away the day's events under scalding water, he changed into fresh sleepwear. He considered discarding the jacket but remembered it was part of a set Vivian had lovingly picked out. Instead, he buried it at the bottom of the hamper, covering it with a bathrobe for good measure. Satisfied, he emerged from the bathroom.

The sound of the door clicking shut stirred Vivian from sleep. She blinked up at him with heavy-lidded eyes, her expression soft with lingering drowsiness.

Adrian approached, retrieving the takeout box before perching on the edge of their king-sized bed. Vivian's hand slipped out from under the covers to brush against his. Her fingers were warm and delicate against his skin, grounding him in the present.

"Want to keep sleeping or have a midnight snack?" he murmured, his voice low.

"What'd you bring?" Vivian's words came out thick with sleep, the question ending in a sleepy little whimper.

He tested the temperature of the container before opening it. "Those crispy chicken wings from that place you love near the studio."

The rich aroma of perfectly fried chicken filled the air between them. Vivian's stomach betrayed her with an audible growl. She gave an embarrassed chuckle, pushing herself up against the tufted headboard. "Just a couple bites."

Adrian selected the plumpest wing and offered it to her. Vivian hesitated for a heartbeat.

In the past, she would have taken the food and eaten it herself, maintaining careful boundaries even in their most intimate moments. But their relationship had evolved - she'd learned that love wasn't about independence, but interdependence. These small acts of care were the threads weaving their lives together.

She leaned forward to take a delicate bite, her gaze lingering on Adrian's sharp jawline. "Perfect," she murmured, her lips curving into a genuine smile.

Seeing her pleasure sent unexpected warmth spreading through Adrian's chest. For the first time, he understood that caring for someone wasn't an obligation - it could be profoundly fulfilling. He brought the chicken to her lips again, coaxing her to take another bite.