Chapter 500

Vivian took two more delicate bites before leaning back with a satisfied sigh, rubbing her stomach. "I'm completely stuffed. Such a shame to waste this."

Without missing a beat, Adrian picked up the half-eaten drumstick and took a generous bite of her leftovers.

Vivian's breath caught in her throat. Adrian—the man who insisted on separate towels for hands and face, who alphabetized his spice rack—was casually finishing her meal without hesitation. It wasn't the action itself that shocked her, but the profound intimacy it represented. This simple act felt more vulnerable than any passionate embrace they'd shared.

It spoke of unspoken trust and devotion—something Vivian had always struggled to give or receive. Even parents stopped eating their children's leftovers once they grew past toddler age.

When Adrian finished, Vivian rested her head against his thigh and gazed up at him with sleepy eyes. "I need to brush my teeth."

Her bedtime rituals were non-negotiable—pitch darkness, absolute silence, the thermostat set precisely to 68°F, weighted blankets, and only 800-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. The faintest hint of food residue in her mouth would keep her awake all night.

Adrian set the empty wonton bowl aside. "Shall I carry you to the bathroom?"

Vivian pouted adorably. "No, I don't want to move. Can't I just brush here in bed?"

Adrian stood immediately. "Stay put."

He meticulously wiped down the nightstand with a disinfectant cloth, cracked the window to circulate fresh air, and disposed of their takeout containers.

Vivian watched fondly as he performed these domestic routines. Once the trash was taken out, Adrian returned to their ensuite bathroom.

Moments later, he reappeared carrying a porcelain basin. Inside rested a crystal water glass and her favorite electric toothbrush, already loaded with her preferred mint toothpaste.

Vivian sat up and began brushing lazily, taking exaggerated swishes of water between strokes. When she finished, Adrian produced a warm washcloth and tenderly dabbed away the toothpaste traces from her lips.

Content, Vivian burrowed back under the covers. Adrian cleaned up efficiently, killed the lights, and slid in beside her. He cocooned them both in the duvet, pulling her petite frame snugly against his chest.

The next morning, Vivian awoke to an unexpected floral fragrance permeating the air.

Her eyes flew open to discover an extravagant bouquet propped against her nightstand. Towering stems of rare indigo Manta roses stretched nearly a meter high, their smoky violet petals unfurling dramatically. It was the exact viral "candy stick" arrangement she'd admired yesterday while scrolling through social media.

She'd casually mentioned to Adrian, "Now this is what a proper romantic gesture looks like." Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine he'd race out at dawn to procure this specific trending bouquet.

Compared to the six-carat diamond earrings or couture gowns in her closet, these flowers seemed modest. Yet the thoughtful execution—remembering her offhand comment and acting on it—sent her heart soaring. Any lingering sleepiness evaporated as pure joy bubbled up inside her. This surprise set the tone for what promised to be a magical day.