Chapter 9

This guy… he really didn’t want her to know the ugly truth. So he staged everything, putting on the perfect act of a gentle, loving husband right in front of her. Wouldn't let her out of the house—partly because of that twisted possessiveness, but maybe also ‘cause he knew that once she stepped outside, she’d start noticing things. Vivian was kicking herself inside—why had she been so blind in her past life? So hooked on the warmth Alexander gave her that not even a hint of suspicion crossed her mind. Heck, it never even occurred to her to check up on him. Everything she didn’t know about him… must’ve hurt like hell. "Come to my place tonight," Alexander said stiffly, turning away like he didn’t even hear what she just said. "Why?" Vivian sighed in her heart but didn’t push it. This time around, she wasn’t rushing anything. She had all the time in the world. "Hotels aren’t safe." "Am I troubling you?" "No." He wanted her to trouble him. Preferably for life. "Then thanks, Mr. Brooks." Vivian hesitated for a second, then agreed. After two whole years, she could finally be near him again. She wasn’t ready to let that go just yet. Alexander actually smiled. Having her close… made life feel whole again somehow. He hadn’t felt so at ease in who knows how long. But the moment he thought about how she wasn't planning to stay for good, that warm look faded, and his brows knitted together. I need to figure this out… When the car pulled up at the Brooks estate, Alexander got out and saw Ethan already opening the door for Vivian like a gentleman, hand above her head so she wouldn’t bump it. "Thanks," Vivian smiled politely and stepped out. "You’re wel—" Ethan didn’t even have time to finish. He felt a chill run down his spine as Alexander’s cold, dangerous aura swept over him. His knees gave out and bam—onto the ground he went. What… what did he do wrong? Did he seriously mess up by holding the door for Miss Grant? "Inside," Alexander said curtly, stepping in front of Vivian like a damn wall. "…" Next second, she was shoved right back into the car. Door shut. What... just happened? Vivian sat there dumbfounded, then watched as the door opened again. Alexander's warm hand was there, right above the door. "...Pfft!" Alexander, you’re so freaking adorable. She totally got what he was doing now, and held back her laugh as she stepped down again. She glanced back and smiled, "Thank you, Mr. Brooks." His dark eyes flickered, and he let out a quiet “Mm.” Then he walked over, took her small hand in his, and they headed to the villa together. Meanwhile, Ethan was still frozen on the spot, wiping cold sweat from his forehead like he’d just escaped death. So much for harmless kindness—apparently, even that wasn’t safe around Miss Grant. Better stay back and keep his head down. Guided by Alexander, Vivian stepped slowly into the Brooks mansion. Looking around the all-too-familiar space, her fingers instinctively gripped his a little tighter. Those last two years before she died, she’d pretty much lived inside these walls. The longer she was here, the heavier it weighed on her. Yet… she couldn’t bring herself to leave. It was also here she’d carried out her revenge for him. Everyone involved in that setup—they all got their payback. Every last one of them. But Alexander… he never came back to life. "Vivian." He stopped and looked down at her face. She looked pale. Not right at all. That one word—her name—pulled her out of the storm in her head, and she looked up fast. The pain squeezing her chest like a vice suddenly loosened up. She reached out and hugged him tightly around the waist. He’s alive. He’s really alive. Alexander is still here.