Alder rubbed his temple as he returned to his car parked outside and got inside, exhaling deeply.
Ken turned to him, surprised he is alone and asked about Lyra.
"She is not coming with us, let's go." he replied, and Ken zoomed off.
"Why did you take so long before informing about Vivienne's call?" he asked.
Ken turned slightly to him, seeing that furious look in his eyes and cleared his throat, thinking properly before responding.
"The housekeeper didn't say exactly what was wrong, and I thought it could wait till after the meeting." he answered.
Alder stared at him for a few seconds before closing his eyes.
He even took the time to send Lyra to the clinic when he should have been by Vivienne's side only to discover it's just her monthly period.
Maybe a few days alone will calm Vivienne down and then, he would think of a gift to calm her down.
"Hire a caretaker to take care of Vivienne at the hospital." he said and Ken nodded affirmatively.
~
After a long night rest, Vivienne woke up to a stranger sitting next to her bed and send her out when she found out she was hired by Alder.
She picked up her phone, finding the article Lyra showed her earlier easily and even saw a video of Alder speaking Lyra's praise.
More article recommendation popped up, and Vivienne is more dismayed to find several article and pictures of their relationship.
Some were speculations and others boldly talked about them being together and ready to tie the knot.
It was as if no one remembered she existed in Alder's life or the fact that he is married to another woman.
A few posts even scolded her, as a gold digger who caused the separation between the two lovebird.
The pictures of Alder holding hands with Lyra and whispering sweetly into her ears while they eat and golf together bought tears to Vivienne's eyes but she quickly wipe them away.
She recalled the words she said to Alder after she asked him to marry her back then and laughed at herself.
Not to appear selfish, she told him he could divorce her if he wasn't satisfied in two years.
She was confident she would win his heart before then.
There are only three months left and she doesn't even want to try anymore.
All she wants from him after this is a divorce. Since he cares so much about another woman, then she shouldn't hold him back.
Vivienne stayed in the hospital for a few more days.
Aside from the housekeeper's brief visits and the caretaker, no one kept her company.
But on the day of her discharge, Alder came and did the process himself.
He carried her bag himself, walked silently beside her, and though they didn't exchange a word, he stayed until she was settled in their room.
Vivienne had expected him to vanish again with some excuse about work Instead, he stayed in the house with her.
The same evening, he followed her to their room, adjusted the pillows, and even sat with her while she ate.
He barely said any word to her and she didn't talk to him either.
She even considered refusing his help but didn't have the strength for it and simply let him be.
The next day, when she tried to leave the bed too soon, Alder quietly placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Rest." His voice was firm but soft, as though he didn't trust himself to say more.
The following morning, she woke to find a tray of porridge, tea and a fruit plate by her bedside.
She called the housekeeper to thank her but she told her Alder had given the instructions before leaving for work.
Vivienne was surprised and nodded silently, wondering what game he is playing.
While she was pregnant with his child, he never as much as serve her water.
On the third day, Alder returned earlier than usual and slipped into the bed with her. Vivienne turned her back instantly and continued to sleep.
When she woke up, he was gone again but not without asking the housekeeper to serve her a certain meal.
The both of them went about their different work and didn't speak to each other and Vivienne wondered why he is not so busy these days to have time to keep her company.
After a few days, Vivienne couldn't bear the silence anymore and her heart betrayed her.
His small gesture of care was the same reason why she has always believed that he felt something for her and stayed firmly by his side.
Actually, the thoughts of a divorce scared her and if there is no Lyra, then maybe she might forgive him.
By the end of the week, Vivienne felt strong enough to walk around.
She decided to prepare Alder's favorite meal and talk about the matter between them.
She worked tirelessly in the kitchen, moving back and forth until sweat dotted her forehead, determined to have everything ready by four, the time he had been returning lately.
At five minutes to five, the food was all set on the dinning table, and she waited for him.
But the time passed but there was no sight of him and by six, there was still no sign of him.
Vivienne became worried, and decide to wait another ten minutes before picking her phone and putting a call across to him.
He answered on the third ring.
"Are you on your way home? I made some…" Vivienne didn't finish her words before Alder cut her off.
"I have an event to attend. I will be home late," he said curtly before ending the call.
Vivienne stared at the untouched dishes, disappointment pressing against her chest.
With a sigh, she sat down to eat alone.
She had barely lifted her spoon when her phone buzzed again.
"Vivienne, where are you?" Grace's voice came through, urgent.
The both of them had stayed friend even after Vivienne quit the company and they speak from time to time.
"At home," Vivienne replied.
There was a pause, then Grace whispered,
"Did you hear that Miss Lyra is pregnant."
Vivienne's hand froze, the spoon slipping back into her bowl. Her lips trembled.
"What does that have to do with me?" she said, fighting to remain calm.
"The rumor is that Alder is the father. There is even a party tonight to celebrate."
The words knocked the breath from Vivienne's lungs.
A party.
While she had been waiting, clinging to the scraps of hope he offered, he was celebrating with Lyra instead?