Chapter 970 Vincent Doesn't Want to Act Anymore
Lily arrived home early, making her way to Vincent's apartment. She'd planned to surprise him with her unexpected return, but found the place empty.
She considered going to his office but hesitated, worried she might disturb him while he was working. Instead, she decided to wait patiently at home for his return.
It surprised even Lily that after everything she'd been through, she could still feel this way about someone. In the past, she'd opened her heart only to be left shattered. The pain had taught her to build walls, to disguise her true self, terrified of letting anyone in.
Then Xavier had re-entered her life. During those days when he was on the run, they'd lived together in that shabby little rental, spending every waking moment in each other's company.
It would be a lie to say she hadn't developed feelings for him. But Lily had been wounded too deeply before. Her instinct was always self-preservation—at the first hint that someone might hurt her, she'd withdraw to protect herself.
That's why, despite the pain it caused her, she had ultimately plotted Xavier's death.
Afterward, she'd suffered countless sleepless nights, jolting awake from nightmares. It was partly why she'd been so determined to have her two children—a form of atonement.
Meeting Vincent had finally eased those nightmares. Even doing nothing but sleeping beside him brought her a sense of security she hadn't felt in years.
She'd fallen for Vincent, enjoying their time together and wanting to build a future with him. Lily understood that opening her heart meant creating a vulnerability, a potential weakness that could lead to her downfall. Yet she'd taken the risk anyway.
After everything she'd lived through, she'd believed her heart had withered, turned cold as ice. But meeting Vincent, who carried his own scars, had awakened something in her she thought long dead.
Sprawled on Vincent's sofa, Lily texted him: [When are you coming home?]
Vincent didn't respond.
At the villa, Vincent saw Lily's message but deliberately ignored it.
The unloved were indeed the pitiful ones.
"I made this specially," Selene announced, bustling around the kitchen with surprising energy.
Vincent lounged on the sofa, wondering if he'd been too gentle the previous night. How else could she be so energetic today?
His business partners often complained that their women spent the day after being intimate demanding attention and gifts, yet here was Selene, not only full of vigor but charming the neighbors into giving her organic vegetables from their garden.
"Come try this—it's delicious," Selene said proudly.
She showed absolutely no signs of their passionate night together.
Vincent concluded he simply hadn't been vigorous enough. He'd expected Selene to be dramatic, perhaps using the opportunity to make small demands. But once again, she defied his expectations.
Instead, she'd woken up energized, exercised with the neighbors, and chatted so animatedly that one neighbor had nearly tried to introduce his son to her—a thought that made Vincent's jealousy flare.
His phone continued to vibrate with Lily's messages, but he continued to ignore them, preoccupied with planning how to ensure Selene would be too exhausted tomorrow to exercise with the neighbors again.
"These vegetables are so fresh—the neighbors grew them in their yard. Completely natural and organic," Selene boasted enthusiastically.
"Why only vegetables?" Vincent grumbled.
"It's vegetable season," Selene muttered. "Besides, have you ever had vegetables this good?"
Vincent grunted, picking up his fork to taste them. He'd intended to find fault, to discourage Selene from serving vegetables again, but was surprised by how delicious they were. Reluctantly, he forgave her.
"Vincent, have I upset you somehow? You seem unhappy," Selene asked quietly.
Vincent merely grunted, saying nothing.
Selene thought he resembled a three-year-old throwing a tantrum.
During the meal, Vincent ate with unusual appetite, consuming far more than his normal portion.
Selene nodded with satisfaction. "That's right, eat up."
She felt like a mother caring for him.
Vincent remained dissatisfied. He glanced at the time. "Tomorrow is my birthday."
He hadn't celebrated his birthday since his parents died, considering it meaningless. But now, Vincent suddenly wanted to celebrate—curious to see what surprise Selene might have for him.
So he told her about his birthday, the day his parents had once made special for him.
Selene looked at him in surprise.
Tomorrow... that was soon enough to prepare something. She'd better make it good, or who knew—he might send her back to prison.
Vincent left, warning Selene not to wander off.
Selene nodded obediently, which pleased him.
For the first time, Vincent felt that going home was something to look forward to. He had barely gotten into his car before feeling an impatience to return.
Meanwhile, at his other residence, Vincent felt increasingly irritated.
Someone was waiting for him at home—his real home—yet here he was, forced to play along with this woman.
He finally understood why Ethan and the others had refused to sacrifice themselves to entertain Lily. When you had someone you cared about at home, how could you pretend with someone else?
"Vincent, you're finally back! Is work keeping you so busy?" Lily ran to embrace him, complaining softly. "I came back early to surprise you, but I fell asleep waiting. You didn't even answer my messages."
Vincent subtly distanced himself from her. "I've been tired lately. How was your trip to Muskow? Did you meet the person?"
Lily studied Vincent's face. She was too perceptive not to notice his deliberate detachment. He wasn't even bothering to pretend anymore.
"Vincent, were you at the office all day?" Lily asked quietly.
"Where else would I be?" Vincent countered.
Lily remained silent.
A woman as clever as she was would certainly have people on Vincent's staff reporting to her. She knew he hadn't been to the office today.
Her heart raced with anxiety, but she dared not press further, afraid of irritating him. She would have to swallow her suspicions for now and investigate discreetly later.
"Vincent, I met him in Muskow," Lily said with a smile. "It was quite a surprise—you'll never guess who it was."
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