Chapter 579

Who doesn't have secrets?

"Who doesn't have things they keep hidden? Can you honestly say you've been completely open with me?"

Vivian Bennett looked up, tears welling in her eyes, her voice tinged with accusation.

Liam Sullivan's eyes darkened. "What are you implying? That you've never trusted me?"

Vivian bit her lip. "And you? Can you swear you haven't kept anything from me?"

Liam clenched his fist, took a deep breath, and suddenly laughed. "So, in the end, you fundamentally don't trust me. Your trust in me is as thin as paper."

He reached out, his fingertips brushing the stray hairs at her temple, gently caressing her cheek.

"Vivian, you trust me so little."

Vivian pulled his hand away, a self-mocking smile curling her lips. "And you? How much trust do you have in me? Liam Sullivan, some things are my bottom line. You cannot cross them."

Liam stiffened.

He had never imagined a trust crisis would arise between them.

"Why exactly won't you tell me?" He closed his eyes briefly, his voice calm.

"I said I can't!" Vivian turned her face away, her chest tight with panic.

Liam closed his eyes, feeling weary. "I don't know what's happening to us. But I think we both need to cool off."

Vivian's face paled. "What about the engagement and the wedding..."

"They proceed as planned." Liam's tone was firm. "I won't give up."

He turned and left, hailing a taxi.

Even after arguing like that, he didn't take the car, leaving it for her.

Vivian sat on the park bench, her head throbbing, her heart in turmoil.

She didn't know what she was thinking.

She only knew that the matter concerning that girl absolutely could not be spoken aloud.

It was a Pandora's box.

Once opened, everything would spiral out of control.

I'm sorry.

She would rather he misunderstood than speak it.

The day of the engagement drew nearer.

Everything was ready. The engagement party was tomorrow night.

Yet Vivian couldn't feel happy.

Since their argument that day, Liam had flown to Europe on a business trip.

Perhaps he was deliberately avoiding her, giving them both space to cool down.

But it only made her more unsettled.

The closer the wedding date came, the more anxious she grew.

But she had to pretend to be happy.

Accompanied by her best friend Sophia Miller, she tried on her gown for the final time.

Time was tight. The gown had just been finished and air-freighted over.

With the designer's help, Vivian changed into the off-white strapless gown.

The bodice featured a petal-shaped bustier, with a smooth, high waistline.

The skirt was double-layered. The inner layer was a lightly pouffed tulle, the outer layer embroidered flowing satin.

In this gown, she looked noble, pure, and beautiful, like a dream.

Sophia couldn't help but sigh in admiration. "It's a pity Mr. Sullivan isn't here to see how stunning you look."

Vivian's smile was strained as she adjusted the skirt. "He saw it earlier. Seeing it now or not is the same."

"True. But when he sees his beautiful fiancée tomorrow, he'll definitely regret going on that trip."

Sophia grumbled.

"Honestly, Mr. Sullivan is something else. The wedding is almost here, and he's still running around. If it were me, I'd definitely stay by my loved one, waiting sweetly for the big day. Is business really more important than getting married?"

Vivian turned her head, hiding the disappointment in her eyes.

She knew why Liam was avoiding her.

But it still hurt.

It felt like he was punishing her.

She was anxious and uneasy about this marriage, yet he couldn't understand, nor could he stay by her side.

But it didn't matter.

Just wait until tomorrow.

Once they were engaged, everything would gradually become settled.

He wouldn't leave her alone then.