Chapter 581

Vivian Bennett held her phone, her fingertips growing slightly cold.

Liam Sullivan's voice came through the receiver, tinged with a noticeable distance. The softness in her heart instantly froze.

"Liam, when are you coming back?" she asked softly, her voice carrying a trace of hope she hadn't even realized was there.

"Tomorrow." His reply was brief, almost cold. "There are still some things to wrap up here."

Vivian's heart tightened.

"The engagement party is tomorrow night," she couldn't help but remind him. "It's so rushed. Won't it be too hurried?"

"It'll be fine." His tone held no fluctuation, as if he were discussing something that had nothing to do with him.

A lump formed in Vivian's throat.

All the accumulated longing from these past days, all the words she wanted to say about hoping he'd come back early to be with her, suddenly stuck in her throat. Not a single word could escape.

She could only force a bitter smile. "Alright. Then get some rest, don't overwork yourself. I'll handle the arrangements for the engagement. You... just be there on time."

"Hmm."

"I'll hang up now." Her voice was as light as a sigh.

After so many days without contact, this was the first time she had taken the initiative to call him.

She had hoped he would say more. She had hoped he would suddenly say, "I'll come back to be with you right now."

But he didn't.

"Bye."

The dial tone buzzed in her ear.

Vivian stood there motionless, listening to the monotonous beeping, feeling as if all her strength had been drained.

This was the first time Liam had hung up on her.

It was just a trivial detail. Yet, it felt like a thin needle, piercing her heart without warning.

Dinner was with her cousin, Grace Harper.

They sat across from each other in silence. The quiet stretched across the dining table.

Vivian barely tasted the food. She ate a few bites hastily, put down her chopsticks, and went upstairs.

The night was deep.

She lay alone in the wide double bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

She was getting engaged tomorrow. Happiness was supposed to be within reach. So why did her heart feel so hollow now? Why were tears falling uncontrollably?

It wasn't exactly sadness. She couldn't name the emotion. She just felt uneasy. She felt cold.

On a night like this, lovers should be holding each other, sleeping soundly, looking forward to tomorrow's ceremony together.

But right now, she was alone.

The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. Suddenly, a wave of nausea churned in her stomach.

She hadn't eaten much for dinner. Now, the feeling was overwhelming. She rushed into the bathroom, leaning over the toilet, retching dryly for a long time. Only when there was nothing left to bring up did she weakly walk back to the bed.

Her stomach had been bothering her a lot lately. Probably due to the emotional stress.

After tomorrow, she really needed to see a doctor.

She didn't sleep all night.

When she got up the next morning, Vivian felt dizzy. The face in the mirror was pale, devoid of any color.

Today was her engagement day. A mountain of tasks awaited.

She forced herself to rally, ate a little something, and began coordinating with the wedding planning team, checking each preparation item one by one.

"Miss Bennett," the planner approached with the guest list. "Should we add your cousin's in-laws to the list? They wish to attend and are seeking your approval."

Vivian paused.

Previously, because Grace was divorcing Jason Harper, the Harper family's names weren't on the guest list at all.

But now Grace was here. If the Harpers didn't attend, it wouldn't look good for Grace either. For the sake of appearances, they should be invited.

She took the pen and added the Harper family's names to the list.

The pen tip scratched lightly against the paper.

She had no idea that this seemingly considerate decision would later stir up such a storm.