Chapter 638
Liam Sullivan gazed at her, complex emotions swirling in his eyes.
"I never imagined you'd have so little faith in love."
He paused, his voice low.
"Or perhaps, you don't truly believe I can give you a complete love."
A faint curve touched Vivian Bennett's lips.
"I believe you love me. Truly."
It was just that this love always had a transparent barrier.
He would never break through all restraints for her, never place her feelings above everything else.
In his heart, career, family, and duty always came first.
She was perhaps just one link in that chain.
"You're being unusually docile tonight. Are these words just to please me too?"
Liam narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the faint, elusive smile on her face.
A hint of displeasure colored his tone.
Vivian's heart contracted slightly.
So that's how he interpreted her.
She shrugged indifferently.
"If you insist on thinking that, I have nothing more to say."
"But I have never doubted your feelings for me."
It was just that this love wasn't pure enough, not thorough enough.
It carried control and neglect, yet it was never false.
"If you understand my heart, why do you always oppose me?"
"Shh—"
She raised a finger, gently pressing it to her lips.
Her voice was soft as a sea breeze.
"Don't break the peace now."
Vivian turned her hand, grasping his palm.
She led him onto a massive rock.
They sat side by side.
She leaned against his shoulder, listening to the waves crashing against the shore again and again.
Drowsiness gradually washed over her.
Let this be... the last beautiful dream.
Leave behind some fragments to cherish.
So that in the future, when looking back, it won't be a complete blank.
"Sleepy?"
Liam felt her docilely nestling into his embrace, drawing warmth from him.
The tense atmosphere softened imperceptibly.
It had been a long time since they had embraced so quietly.
No arguments, no suspicions.
Only warmth spread from his chest.
Sweet and lingering.
He raised a hand, smoothing her hair tousled by the sea breeze.
He truly wished time could freeze at this moment.
This island was like an illusion.
Too beautiful to be real.
"Not sleepy. Just a bit cold. The sea wind at night is too biting."
Her voice was soft, carrying a slight tremble.
"This will keep you warm."
He took off his jacket and draped it over her.
Then he pulled her hand, tucking it inside his shirt against his skin.
Vivian looked up like a startled little animal, blinking.
"I'm warm now, but you'll catch a chill."
"I'm a man. I don't get sick so easily."
"You're not made of iron. You'll still get sick when it's time. Let's go back."
She stood up, pulling him up with her.
"A virtuous wife wouldn't let her husband stay out until the dead of night."
Liam chuckled lowly.
"Virtuous wife you may be. As for a good mother... you can claim that title after we have children."
Vivian stiffened.
Her smile became strained.
"Yes, what qualifies me as a good mother?"
She hadn't even been able to keep her child.
What right did she have to mention those words?
A sharp pain suddenly pierced her heart.
Her eyes uncontrollably reddened.
"What's wrong?"
Liam noticed her change, frowning.
"Suddenly unhappy again?"
"No. Sand got in my eye. It hurts terribly."
She hurriedly raised a hand to rub her eye.
Tears, however, kept falling.
She could only use this excuse to hide her emotional turmoil.
"Don't rub it. Let me blow it out for you."
Liam wrapped an arm around her shoulder, turning her to face him.
He lowered his head, gently blowing into her eye.
Vivian fought back her tears, forcing a smile.
"Alright. The sand should be out now. I'll just use some eye drops when we get back."
"Mhm."
Liam took her hand, walking back quickly.
He found eye drops and carefully administered them for her.
Only then did he relax.
Vivian gradually calmed her emotions.
She glanced at the time.
After a moment's hesitation, she silently lay down on the bed.