Chapter 74

When Vivian opened the door, Brandon found himself surprised by the scene before him.

Vivian greeted him,wearing only a delicate nightgown with thin straps.

A faint frown creased Brandon's brow.

The silence between them lingered, as Vivian, clearly aware of her appearance, refused to meet his eyes and kept her head lowered.

Instead of commenting, Brandon shrugged off his jacket and gently placed it around her shoulders.

"Let's go inside. You'll catch a chill out here," said Brandon.

At last, Vivian gave a small nod and stepped aside,letting him in.

Her eyes drifted over Brandon, quickly picking up on his freshly changed shirt and trousers-a different set from earlier that day when he left her.

Noticing his new clothes made it obvious he had

gotten dressed again before arriving.

Puzzlement crept in-what possible reason did Brandon have to change, especially when he had spent the evening with Millie under the same roof?

Irritation simmered the longer Vivian dwelled on that thought.

After all the effort she put into taking Millie's place in Brandon's life, she now faced his meddlesome grandparents and the threat of a child who seemed to come out of nowhere.

One misstep, and it could ruin everything Vivian had fought for. What if Millie got pregnant again?

Still, brooding over the situation wouldn't help.Vivian forced herself to remain calm, knowing that composure was her only weapon now.

Taking a spot beside Brandon, Vivian dabbed at her eyes, trying to muffle her sobs.

Uncertainty crept into Brandon's expression as he watched her, not knowing what to say or do.

Eventually, he found his voice. "Can you try to stop crying?"

That only made Vivian's shoulders shake harder, her tears coming faster.

Red-rimmed eyes searched his face as she reached up,clutching at his collar in desperation.

Brandon's brow furrowed as he gently removed her hand from his shirt. "What are you trying to do?"

Tears fell freely as Vivian choked out her question."You promised you'd leave her-you told me you were getting a divorce. Why did you end up with her anyway? It hurts so much, Brandon. I can't take it."

A wave of helplessness washed over Brandon as he looked into her tear-streaked face.

Their eyes met for a long moment before he finally spoke. "I didn't."

A beat of silence passed before he added, "Millie and I didn't do anything. My grandparents just insisted on breakfast tomorrow. That's all."

Vivian's heart lifted at his words. "Is that the truth?"

Turning away, Brandon responded with a quiet, "Yeah."

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Vivian's mind once she realized Brandon wasn't hiding anything.

Millie couldn't accomplish anything,even with all the support in the world.

A sideways glance at Brandon filled Vivian with

confidence; she believed she finally had control.

No matter what Millie did-even if she tried to tempt him in the most obvious ways-Vivian was certain Brandon would remain indifferent.

Despite these smug thoughts, Vivian let her tears fall for effect.

Winning Brandon over fully was her true goal; after that,everything else would fall into place.

The idea emboldened her, so she shifted closer.

Her voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned in, her breath warm against him. "Brandon..."

Tonight's preparations hadn't been for nothing. She had chosen her nightgown carefully and dabbed on a fragrance designed to pull him closer.

Without hesitation, Vivian let herself rest against his shoulder,the image of vulnerability.

In a gentle tone, she said, "I'm sorry for doubting you.I just... couldn't help but worry."

Brandon discreetly shifted away from her, hoping to put a bit more space between them.

Upon catching Brandon's retreat, Vivian's reddened eyes fixed on him. "Why are you pulling away from me?"

Brandon didn't meet her gaze, instead asking quietly,"Are you feeling all right? Is everything okay with your health?"

That question gave Vivian pause; she mistook his retreat for concern about her well-being.

A shy flush colored her cheeks as she answered, "I'm fine. I just want you to stay with me tonight. Please?I really am okay."

Both of them knew exactly what her invitation meant -there was no need for subtlety between adults.

Rather than feeling drawn in, Brandon felt tension building in his temples.

Vivian's intentions were perfectly clear, and still, he couldn't find any interest.

Despite her alluring nightgown and the perfume she had carefully chosen, his body and mind simply wouldn't respond.

Desire was nowhere to be found.

Edging closer, Vivian reached for his hand and tried to guide it to her chest.

That was enough-Brandon pushed himself up from the couch.

Brandon?" Vivian called after him, confused.

Facing away, he spoke in an even tone. "You're not well.Get some rest."

A tremor crept into Vivian's question. "Is there something about me you just don't like?"

No response came fromn Brandon.

Tears made her words wobble. "Why is she allowed,but I'm not?"

She left nothing hidden. "I want to be with you,Brandon. Can't we just have this one night?"

Brandon's feelings didn't change. There was no spark,no interest.

Making for the door, he tossed out a reason. "I need to go. Grandma expects me for breakfast tomorrow morning."

Vivian's cry stopped him in his tracks, raw and pleading."Brandon!"

Spinning around, Brandon caught sight of her, utterly exposed and shaking with emotion.

Tears streaked her cheeks as she begged. "Why can't you just give me what I want,just this once?"

Without hesitating, he shut the door behind him to keep her out of the possible prying eyes from the hallway and moved toward her.

Gently, he gathered her clothes and draped them over her shoulders.

His voice was tired, stripped of all pretense. "I just don't have it in me tonight. I'm completely worn out."

Absolutely no desire stirred within him, not even the faintest hint.

Nakedness did nothing to bridge the distance between them; Brandon felt empty inside as he looked at Vivian.

He managed only a quiet, "Take care of yourself."

Vivian's sobs grew louder, pain cracking through each breath.

A desperate plea tumbled out. "But you promised,Brandon. You said you'd grant my wish. I'm running out of time, and you still won't touch me."

She asked further, voice trembling, "Is it Millie? Do you still love her?"

Tears streaming down her face, Vivian kept begging."Just once-please. Pretend I'm her if you have to.l just want you tonight."

That shattered image of Millie, her face stained with tears, flashed across Brandon's mind, confusion twisting inside him.

He kept his tone gentle but distant. "Try get some rest. I'm leaving now. The doctor will come by to check on you soon."

Vivian's scream echoed in the room, ragged with heartbreak. "I don't want a doctor!"

Glancing over his shoulder, Brandon caught the raw question in her eyes. "Is it... do you think I'm unclean?"

Utterly undone, Vivian broke down. "All this time,you've never touched me. Is it because of what happened that day?"

Shoulders drooping, Brandon stayed silent, his hands balled tight at his sides.

A harsh,humorless laugh broke from Vivian. "I knew it.I'm cheap. I'm filthy." Regret crept into her voice. "But this isn't what I ever wanted, Brandon..."

She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.

Those words left her utterly drained, her body giving out as she collapsed in a heap, racked with sobs.

Brandon stood motionless, watching her fall apart on the floor,his right hand beginning to shake.

Moments ticked by before he finally crouched beside her and held out a tissue.

With a voice barely above a whisper, he said, "You're not to blame for any of it. I am."

At that moment, the doctor Brandon had called knocked on the door. He gently helped Vivian into her clothes and invited the doctor inside.

One look at the doctor and Vivian's eyes filled with fear.

Worry gnawed at her, terrified of her secrets being exposed.