Chapter 89 Ridiculous Declaration of Sovereignty
Liam emerged from a brisk cold shower, and he now was much calmer. There, on the bed, lay Vivian, sprawled with one hand outstretched, already fast asleep. His chosen meal sat untouched on the table.
He gently maneuvered her to a better position, ensuring her comfort, tucking the sheets snugly, before settling down himself to partake in his meal.
Hurriedly arriving, he didn't eat much, remaining quite hungry. Amid his recent flurry of activities at the factory and laboratory, his meals had become irregular. These days, his stomach had been out of sorts, a result of irregular eating patterns, prone to discomfort whether hungry or overly full.
Cautious not to consume too much, he took a few bites before setting his food aside, his gaze drifting back to the slumbering Vivian. Unexpectedly, a gentle snore escaped her lips.
Having spent such a considerable amount of time together, it appeared to be her first instance of snoring, indicating recent exhaustion.
Being pregnant altered one's constitution, as he also noticed the dark circles under her eyes. For someone who valued beauty so deeply, she had unintentionally displayed a weary demeanor, which meant that she had truly underwent quite some hardship. However, he should have suspected her.
Feeling remorseful, he walked over and lay down beside her, embracing her from behind, thinking maybe they should stay like this. They should get married, have children, and run Liavian Perfumes well in the future. Even without Evelyn, he could find someone else! When looking for a wife, he should find someone obedient, gentle, and kind.
Just the thought of Evelyn made his neck ache faintly. Every time he thought of her, he felt like the person in the alley that day was not the same as the usual her.
Perhaps feeling uncomfortable being held, Vivian made a sound, turned around, and naturally embraced him.
Then, she woke up.
"Did I fall asleep?" She rubbed her eyes and looked up, still looking cute with sleepy eyes.
"You're too tired. Go back to sleep," he said, then he thought of something else, "Or, do you want to get up and eat something?"
Reminded by him, she realized she was indeed hungry. She nodded. "Okay!"
Getting up, she walked over to the table. The food had clearly been touched, but Liam was considerate, using a fork to move some aside, leaving plenty for her.
She was in the middle of a meal, having just taken a few bites, when her phone next to her vibrated.
With Liam around, she habitually kept her phone close, fearful of him uncovering something.
Although she hadn’t looked yet, a sense of unease lingered. Casting a quick glance, she saw Liam also engrossed with his phone, which eased her tension as she unlocked the phone.
Sure enough, it was a message from Rosen, concise in wording.
Rosen: [Come to the hotel restaurant. Keep me company for a meal.]
The tone carried a sense of command. Vivian furrowed her brow.
Vivian: [I've already retired for the night.]
Rosen: [Is this your way of refusal?]
Even through the screen, she could discern his displeasure. Shivering involuntarily, she contemplated refusing, yet hesitated, caught in the grip of trepidation.
Glancing briefly at Liam, she pondered that since he was present, Rosen would likely not act too rashly.
Vvian: [Okay.]
After replying, she quickly deleted their chat conversation.
All chat records were gone, and she would clear away any traces that could be left behind, leaving no evidence.
Setting down her fork, she sat down and sighed.
"What's the matter?" Upon hearing the voice, Liam immediately stood up with concern, casting a glance at the items on the table, which had remained largely untouched. "Is it not to your taste? What would you like to eat? I can have it brought here, or I can go out and get it for you."
Shaking her head, she replied, "I might just be feeling a bit stifled in the room. How about we go out for some fresh air, and you accompany me for a meal outside?"
"Alright, give me a moment to change clothes. Where would you like to dine?" he asked promptly, getting up.
Lowering her gaze, she appeared weary. "I'm quite tired and not in the mood for a long walk. The hotel has a restaurant. Perhaps we could dine there."
"Okay!" Liam complied with her every wish.
After changing clothes, she linked arms with Liam and went to the hotel restaurant. Burdened with thoughts, she quickly scanned the room upon entering and soon found Rosen's location. Subconsciously, she tightened her grip on Liam's arm, trying to appear calm and composed.
"Two, please," Liam said to the waiter.
Guided by the server, they walked towards their table. Vivian pretended to notice something suddenly and nudged him. "Isn't that Rosen!"
Liam was somewhat displeased when he saw him. However, since it was his mother who introduced Rosen, and he had indeed been helpful in resolving the company's issues, it wouldn't be right to be ungrateful.
Although Liam didn't particularly like Rosen, he did have skills and abilities. If he could be of use, there was no need to worry.
Suppressing the fleeting desires in his heart, he nodded. "Let's exchange greetings."
They veered in another direction, heading directly towards Rosen.
"Hello, Rosen." Liam initiated the greeting.
Vivian, following suit, nodded politely. "Rosen, what a coincidence."
Rosen raised an eyelid, his deep blue eyes glinting with a playful smile. He glanced at Vivian before shifting his gaze to Liam. "Scott."
"When did you arrive? Are you here for your girlfriend?" he teased.
Liam didn't hide it. He pulled Vivian's hand down, which he was holding with both of his hands. "Yes! Vivian is so beautiful. It's the first time she's been away from me for so long. I couldn't help feeling worried about her!"
"And I'm here for my wife!" he laughed, turning to Vivian with affection, "We're getting married soon."
Vivian was surprised.
While they have been together for a long time and have attended various events, he always accompanied her, but they have never openly acknowledged their relationship in such a public manner before. This sudden declaration seemed to signify Liam asserting his dominance.
Vivian was somewhat moved, yet also found it a bit amusing.
He didn't really know that to Rosen, it didn't matter who she belonged to. For him, it was merely a transaction.
Rosen never intended to steal her away or make her his girlfriend. Liam's display of ownership seemed somewhat ridiculous in this light.
She slowly looked towards Rosen and indeed saw the mocking smile on his lips and the indifferent smile on his face. "Well, congratulations to both of you! Since this is the case, why don't we sit down together? This meal is on me, consider it a celebration for you."
He appeared sincere and generous, genuinely feeling happy for them.
Liam didn't refuse, nodding. "Sure!" And then he gracefully led Vivian to sit opposite Rosen.