Chapter 202:
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. I 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 to 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.
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Worry gnawed at her, terrified of her secrets being exposed.
Vivian lowered her head again, her voice trembling as she forced out a cry. “Brandon, I’m okay now. I really don’t want to see a doctor.”
Brandon frowned. “Your health isn’t great. Seeing a doctor might help ease things a little.”
The doctor beside them gave a small nod. He had heard about Vivian’s illness—who hadn’t? The media had been all over it, and he couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
Vivian managed a weak smile. “It’s fine. I’ll just take some painkillers.” Then she added in a low voice, laced with dry humor, “What’s one more day or one less? It doesn’t change much anymore.”
She looked over at Brandon again. He didn’t meet her gaze. Instead, he waved the doctor off and helped her up from the couch, walking her toward the bedroom. “This has nothing to do with you,” he said flatly. “I’m just exhausted from handling my grandparents today. I’m really not in the mood. You need to rest. So get some proper sleep.”
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