Chapter 8: Are You Testing Me on Purpose?

In the warm, candlelit ambiance of the restaurant, Adrian Cross and Chloe Bennett sat across from each other. The man’s well-defined hand reached out to wipe a trace of sauce from the corner of the woman’s mouth. His posture was intimate, and the indulgence in his eyes was nearly overflowing.

Vivian Hale couldn't help but let out a cold sneer. As expected, Adrian had indeed gone to dinner with Chloe. However, looking at the handsome man in the photo treating Chloe like a precious treasure, her mood was still far from pleasant. Once upon a time, Adrian had regarded her as the pearl of his palm. He had cherished her so much it was as if he feared she would melt if held in his mouth or break if held in his hands. With just a word from her, the man would drop a hundred-billion-dollar contract to rush home early just to have dinner with her. But now, everything had changed.

Vivian reined in her emotions. Now was not the time for nostalgia. She carefully saved the photo and replied to Pearl's message. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

...

One o'clock in the morning. Vivian was still packing her things; she had assumed Adrian wouldn't return tonight. After all, the waiter at the restaurant had sent her the bill—he and Chloe had consumed quite a lot of alcohol. To her surprise, just as she was nearly finished packing, the sudden roar of a car engine echoed from outside. Moments later, the front door swung open. Vivian looked over and, with a single glance, recognized exactly who it was. His suit was disheveled, and the strong scent of alcohol was mingled with the cloyingly sweet fragrance of women's perfume.

Seeing Vivian standing in the middle of the living room, Adrian smiled. "Wife, I'm back to be with you."

It was the real Adrian Cross. Vivian suppressed her disgust, steadied her heart, and stepped forward with feigned concern to support him. "Honey, why did you drink so much tonight? Rest for a bit; I'll go get you a hot towel." It seemed she needed to move out even sooner. She could no longer stand being alone with this man for even a single second.

She helped Adrian lie down on the sofa and turned to head toward the bathroom. However, in the next second, her wrist was seized, and she was pulled tightly into the man's embrace. Nose to nose, their breaths intertwined. Whether Adrian was truly drunk or simply moved by emotion, his deep eyes were filled with infatuation. Gazing at Vivian’s jade-like complexion, her trembling lashes, and her red lips, the man’s voice turned husky: "Wife, you're so beautiful."

As he spoke, Adrian’s large hand reached under Vivian’s nightgown, sliding up her smooth thigh. In truth, he didn't not love her. It was just too difficult to overcome the barrier in his heart. He sometimes hated himself for this and desperately wanted to be braver—emotions that became even harder to control after discovering she might have been touched by someone else.

Vivian was pinned in his arms. Pushing Adrian back slightly, she spotted a crimson lipstick stain on his shirt collar, along with a strand of chestnut-colored hair. This was Chloe’s habitual way of marking her territory. Only Adrian himself was oblivious to it. She sneered inwardly, but an idea formed.

Vivian lowered her gaze, acting piteously. "Honey, there's someone else's lipstick on your shirt." Adrian’s movements froze instantly. He sat up, still holding Vivian, masking the panic that flashed through his eyes. "I suppose while we were discussing work tonight, Chloe leaned in too close to speak to me and accidentally brushed against it. I’ll tell her to be more careful next time."

As he spoke, he observed Vivian’s expression. Vivian remained silent. Adrian’s gaze darkened; she didn't care? She didn't even suspect him? His lips nipped ambiguously at her earlobe, his breath burning hot. "Didn't you arrange for me to have dinner with her? What, are you jealous now?"

Vivian endured the nausea rising within her, but her voice carried a hint of grievance: "No, I'm not." Looking at her like this, Adrian found her both pitiable and lovely. Clearly jealous, yet pretending to be sensible. A look of satisfaction crossed his lips as his hands began to wander restlessly. "Don't worry, there's nothing between Chloe and me. At most, we're just boss and subordinate. She isn't my type."

Vivian asked intentionally, "Then what is your type?" Adrian laughed. "You, of course! Don't you know my heart best? You even brought Chloe in front of me—were you testing your husband on purpose because you're mad at me?"

Watching him use a strategic retreat to treat her like a fool, Vivian didn't expose him. It wasn't the first time, but at least this time she was no longer kept in the dark. She pushed Adrian away forcefully and stood up, feigning hurt. "What are you saying? I just didn't want you to be too tired. Chloe seems sensible and capable at work. I was just afraid you wouldn't take care of yourself and forget to eat while working with her."

Seeing that she was entirely focused on his well-being, Adrian felt a sense of comfort. Perhaps he really should be braver. He reached out again to take Vivian’s hand. "Let's not talk about that. Vivian, we..." Before he could finish, a beep sounded from the kitchen.

Vivian snapped back to reality. She let out a startled "Ah!" and said hurriedly, "I forgot I was boiling porridge for you. Drink some first. Besides... did you forget that my 'time' hasn't passed yet?" With that, she hurried into the kitchen.

Being interrupted several times ignited a sense of irritability in Adrian. He took off his suit jacket, looked at the smudge of red lipstick, and inexplicably thought of Chloe’s submissive, water-like demeanor. His eyes clouded with complicated thoughts, and he eventually stood up. As he headed toward the door, Vivian happened to walk out carrying a bowl.

Seeing his movements, she knew instantly where he was going. Even though everything was within her expectations, Adrian had even less patience than she had imagined. Vivian masked her emotions and called out anxiously, "Honey, it's so late. Where are you going?" Adrian didn't look back. "There's an emergency with a project. I have to go to the office to handle it." He promptly shut the door and left.

Vivian stood there holding the bowl, her eyes downcast, feeling only irony. The current Adrian couldn't even be bothered to find a plausible excuse anymore. It must be exhausting for him, running back and forth between the villa and Chloe. But this was exactly what she wanted. Since his heart and mind were entirely on that woman, he naturally wouldn't notice the changes at home. Moving out under the guise of a vacation would also allow her to shake off that stand-in.

Vivian placed the bowl on the table and began to savor the contents; it was actually a beauty-enhancing silver ear and lotus seed congee she had brewed for herself. The sweet taste stimulated her taste buds. The play was finally about to begin.

Early the next morning. After breakfast, Vivian contacted a moving company. Within half an hour, the crew arrived. She didn't actually have that much to move. Vivian directed the movers to box up the game design manuscripts she had created, then packed her important documents and a few changes of clothes.

She hadn't spent these past years in idle stagnation. Only now, as she cleaned, did she realize she had accumulated so many works of her own heart and soul. Every manuscript carried her dreams and hard work. The documents and drafts alone occupied two large boxes. Two workers carried them out. However, because there were too many things on the floor, the worker on the left accidentally tripped, bumping into a nearby bookshelf.

Vivian cried out, "Careful!" The moment the words left her mouth, the shelf wobbled, and a picture frame hit the floor with a loud clatter. A yellowed photograph slid out from a hidden layer within the frame.