Chapter 229

Brandon's heart ached so fiercely it felt ready to burst.

Looking at Vivian, he didn't even know who deserved the blame.

In the end, it all came back to him.

He blamed himself for thinking he could control everything.

He cursed his ownstupidity.

Brandon let go of Vivian's collar and pulled his hand away from hers.

Without another word, he turned and stumbled toward the door.

"Brandon!" Vivian's voice rang out before he could

reach it.

"You'll still stay with me, won't you? Four months.

You promised. Even if it's just pretend... Even if you only act like you love me... Stay with me, and I won't tell Millie about that incident."

Brandon couldn't help but chuckle. It was a laugh soaked in sorrow and bitterness.

For a moment, he didn't know what to do.

"Brandon, I swear I'll behave. I lost control only those two times-no more. I haven't hurt her since. Please,give me one last chance."

But Brandon said nothing. He only laughed again.

He felt like he was losing his mind.

If he truly went mad, maybe he could break the promise he made to Vivian. Maybe then he could run to Millie and beg her to come back.

Yet, cruelly, he was still painfully clear-headed.

He knew exactly what he had to do.

Eugene knocked on the door before stepping in.

Inside, the air felt strange-thick with tension.

"Is... is everything alright?" he asked.

He'd heard faint arguing outside but couldn't catch the exact words.

"Mr. Watson?" Eugene tried again.

Brandon finally stopped laughing. Drawing all his emotions inward, he looked at Eugene calmly.

Eugene felt a prickle of unease.

"She's ill. Make sure she gets proper treatment,"Brandon said flatly.

Eugene understood. Vivian would finally face the real treatment for the illness she had been faking all along.

Brandon left without another glance.

Vivian let out a quiet breath of relief. In her mind,she

had passed this hurdle.

Brandon could never stomach Millie finding out what happened. For that reason alone, Vivian believed he wouldn't do anything do her.

Without the six-month agreement, he would never have accepted her terms.

But with only four months left, he might still cling to hope that things could return to normal afterwards.That was why he would stick to the deal.

Vivian, however, knew she had to move fast. Four months was all she had to become Mrs.Watson.

She sniffled at the thought, bent down, and picked up her phone from the floor.

Eugene stood nearby.

"Miss Simpson, you're ill and need professional help,"he said.

Vivian blinked at him in confusion.

"I'll arrange the right treatment for your condition.I

hope you'll cooperate," Eugene continued.

He left before she could reply.

Vivian stood still,feeling unsettled.

After a moment, she pulled another phone from under the mattress; slipped out to the balcony, and dialed a number.

The line clicked, and a voice answered. "What's the matter?"

Vivian whispered, "Did you hide well? Was everything from before cleaned up? Brandon won't find out, wil he?"

There was a pause. "Vivian, I've risked everything for you. I set the trap for Brandon, and now I have to run for my life.Yet you still doubt me?"

"It's not like that. It's just... Brandon's been acting strange. He's discovered things. He knows I faked depression. Do you think he'll check my other records from Flaville?" she asked quickly.

She glanced around to make sure no one was watching and lowered her voice further.

"He can't find out about this. Have your friends in Flaville cover it up. After four months, whether it's a miracle or a misdiagnosis, there has to be a reason why I'm still alive."

Silence lingered on the other end.

Vivian softened her tone. "You're the love of my life.Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today.Everything I'm doing now is for our future. And you know... I've never let him touch me. Doesn't that prove it? I love you and only you."

Eventually, the voice replied, "I understand."

She hung up, checked the balcony again to make sure no one heard her, and only then allowed herself to breathe.

Millie was still asleep.

Her dreams dragged her through memories she wished she could forget-her father's death,her stepfather's abuse, Brandon saving her life twice, his betrayal, and the sharp agony of falling down the stairs.

She jolted awake, momentarily unsure of where she was.

"Millie?" a voice called. She turned to see Myron.

"What's wrong?" He hurried to her side, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and helped her sit up.

"Did you have a nightmare?" he asked gently.

Millie's chest tightened. The loss of her child still cut deep.

Tears welled as the memories crashed over her.

"Myron," she whispered.

"I'm right here," he said, voice warm with concern.

Suddenly, she buried her face in his chest and broke into sobs.

For so long, she had worn her strength like armor,pretending nothing could shake her. But she had her own wounds, and she had simply chosen not to share them.

This nightmare had torn down her walls.

Myron didn't know exactly what had happened-only that she was hurting.

He held her close, murmuring quiet reassurances.

In time, she calmed down, lifting her head with a hint of embarrassment.

Myron chuckled softly and brushed away her tears.

"I've cried all over your shirt," she said, noticing the damp patch.

"It's fine," he replied, cupping her face and wiping the last traces of tears.

"It's good to let it out. Millie, I know you've been through so much. But now you have me. Don't carry it all alone from now on. Whatever happens,

remember-I'm here with you. You can trust me completely and lean on me."

His voice was steady and sincere, his touch warm and reassuring.