She loved him desperately—but only because his heart had once belonged to the man she truly loved. After losing her boyfriend in a tragic accident, she devoted herself to the recipient of his donated heart, pouring all her grief and longing into this stranger. She endured his coldness, his indifference, loving him with painful devotion—until the hospital revealed a terrible mistake. His heart was never her lover’s. The moment she learned the truth, she walked away without looking back, determined to find the real man carrying her beloved’s heartbeat. Meanwhile, the man she left behind—who had grown used to her relentless love—finally understood its worth only when it was gone. But by then, it was too late. In the end, she chose to let go of the past, realizing that some goodbyes are permanent, and some loves… were never hers to keep.

Chapter 1"Miss Delmont, there’s been a mistake. Your boyfriend’s heart wasn't transplanted to Mr. Balfour, the CEO of Balfour Enterprises. It went to someone else currently at Cresthaven."The voice on the other end of the line was filled with regret. Vivian Delmont remained silent for a long moment, the uncertainty echoing in her racing heart before she finally spoke up."I understand."As she ended the call, the door burst open, and Sebastian Balfour stormed in, his face a mask of urgency. Without a word of explanation, he grabbed her hand and pulled her outside."Come with me, now!"His grip was firm as he led her to the car. They sped through the city, running countless red lights, the roar of the engine and the rush of the wind the only sounds in her ears.Sebastian’s fingers tapped incessantly on the steering wheel, a telltale sign of his agitation.Vivian sat in a daze, memories of their past swirling in her mind. She had pursued Sebastian with relentless determination, eventually wearing him down into marriage. Yet, from their wedding photos to exchanging rings, even on their first night together, he was distant and indifferent, never showing this kind of emotional turmoil.The only person who could provoke such a reaction from him had to be that one special someone.A few minutes later, the car screeched to a halt outside a hospital. It was then Vivian learned that Vanessa, Sebastian’s childhood sweetheart, had been in a car accident and urgently needed a blood transfusion. Coincidentally, Vivian was a match.The nurse, just as frantic, took Vivian’s arm, ready to lead her to the donation room. Vivian, however, paused and turned to Sebastian."Sebastian, I'll donate the blood, but I need you to answer one question."Impatience edged his voice as he assumed her question would be about Vanessa. "I'll explain everything about Vanessa later."But Vivian shook her head. "That’s not what I want to know."She didn’t care about his relationship with Vanessa. After all, her heart belonged to someone else entirely.The only person she ever loved had died in a tragic car accident, saving her. His heart had been donated according to his wishes. To remain close to him, she had tracked down the recipient, who she believed was the head of Balfour Enterprises, Sebastian.With that belief, she had pursued him obsessively, becoming known as someone utterly devoted in their social circle, yet he remained unmoved.Only after some digging did she learn about Vanessa, the apple of his eye, whose casual remark kept him from confessing his feelings. Despite her international travels and numerous relationships, he waited for her, rejecting everyone else, including Vivian.It wasn’t until Vanessa posted a picture with her boyfriend that he, out of spite, accepted Vivian's confession and married her."I only have one question. Four years ago, you had a heart transplant. What was the donor's name?"Sebastian frowned at her unexpected question, puzzled but too anxious about Vanessa to hesitate in his answer."I only know his last name was Harrington."Harrington. A name completely different from Lucian Winslow.So it was a mistake after all."Thank you," she said, nodding, and followed the nurse into the donation room.Yet as she walked away, Sebastian felt an inexplicable sense of dread.Just as she was about to step fully into the room, he couldn’t help but ask, "Why do you want to know?"Her expression remained unchanged, as if it was the most ordinary question in the world."Just confirming something."Confirming that I no longer need you.As the needle pierced her vein and her blood flowed into the bag, Vivian used her free hand to send a message to her lawyer."Please draft a divorce agreement for me. I'm getting a divorce."Chapter 2After having her blood drawn, Vivian felt a bit dizzy and leaned against the wall for support as she walked out. She saw Sebastian standing beside Vanessa, who had just been wheeled out of the operating room.He held Vanessa's hand tightly, whispering softly to her, his expression gentle and tender. Not once did he think to ask about his wife's condition or if she felt unwell. Naturally, he didn't notice when Vivian quietly returned home alone.Back at the villa, Vivian headed to the kitchen. Her anemia was exacerbated by the excessive blood loss, leaving her pale and weak. She intended to make a bowl of hot soup to regain some strength, but as soon as she poured it into a bowl, her hands gave way, and it crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.In that instant, for the first time, Vivian's eyes brimmed with tears, breaking the stoic facade she had maintained despite years of ridicule and humiliation.She murmured to herself, "Luc... without you, I truly can't do anything right."The spilled soup reached her feet, and as she looked at the dark stain, memories from the past flooded back.There was a time when she had the most wonderful partner. A time when her beloved Luc was still alive.She often suffered from coldness and severe cramps during her cycle, and Luc would always take care of her, preparing a steaming bowl of soup, cooling it to the perfect temperature before feeding it to her.Sometimes, she'd indulge in a bit of childish pouting, and he'd pull her into his arms, warming her stomach with his large hands, saying it would ease her pain.When she was in a foul mood and everything irritated her, he would sit quietly beside her, allowing her to hit or scold him, only to tenderly blow on her hand afterward, asking if she hurt herself.As Vivian crouched to pick up the shattered pieces, a sharp pain pierced her fingertip. She realized she'd cut herself, a thin line of blood appearing. Whether it was from the physical pain or something deeper, tears began to fall in heavy drops onto the floor."How could I not see it? You loved me so deeply, yet Sebastian's heart never beat passionately for me," she thought.She collected the last of the broken shards and threw them into the trash, then smiled faintly to herself, "But it's alright, we'll see each other soon."The next day, Sebastian still hadn't returned. After freshening up, Vivian headed out to meet with a lawyer. As she sat across the table, a drafted divorce agreement lay in front of her."Miss Delmont, once both parties sign this divorce agreement and complete the one-month waiting period, the divorce will be finalized," the lawyer explained.Thinking of Sebastian, who hadn't even bothered to come home, she asked, "Can I sign on his behalf?""Miss Delmont, that's absolutely not allowed!" the lawyer replied firmly.Seeing his resolute refusal, she quickly added, "My husband wants the divorce too, he's just too busy to come. I can call him if you need proof."She pulled out her phone, scrolling to Sebastian's number, and dialed.After a long pause filled with the droning dial tone, the call connected. Without any pleasantries, Vivian spoke, "I need to discuss something with you..."Before she could finish, Sebastian interrupted, his voice cold and devoid of emotion, "I’m busy. Just handle it, no need to discuss."Then Vivian heard a woman's voice in the background—Vanessa, sounding petulant, "Sebastian, the medicine is so bitter... Can I skip it?"As the call ended, she faintly heard Sebastian’s gentle response, "No, you need to take it to get better soon."Vivian turned to the lawyer. Understanding Sebastian's indifference, the lawyer finally relented, nodding to allow a proxy signature.With relief, Vivian exhaled softly and proceeded to sign Sebastian’s name on the divorce papers.After leaving the law office, she booked a flight to Cresthaven for a month later.It was a week before Sebastian returned home.He arrived late at night, weary from travel, bringing a chill into the room. Vivian, half-asleep, barely reacted to his presence.It wasn’t until the mattress dipped beside her and she felt his arm wrap around her naturally, that she fully woke and instinctively moved away, gently pushing him back.Sebastian, experiencing rejection for the first time, looked momentarily stunned before frowning, "You always said you needed my heartbeat to fall asleep."In three years of marriage, Vivian had seldom asked Sebastian for anything, but he had agreed to this one request. It was right after their wedding, and aside from a marriage certificate, he had given her nothing.Yet she didn’t mind, simply leaning against him afterward, pressing her ear to his chest.He had asked why she liked resting against him like that.Under the moonlight, her eyes had sparkled with love and tenderness as she replied, "Because I love listening to your heartbeat. Can I always fall asleep like this?"Perhaps it was the overwhelming affection in her gaze that had compelled him to agree. This ritual had continued ever since; whenever he was home, she would naturally nestle into his arms, her head nestled close to his heart.But now, after a pause, she shook her head and said, "No need."Chapter 3She turned over, facing the other direction, while Sebastian watched her shadow curl up under the moonlight. A strange feeling crept into his heart.It was the first time he wasn't being clung to by Vivian with her usual intensity. He didn't even like her, so he should be glad she wasn't hanging onto him anymore. Yet, he felt a peculiar emptiness inside.He comforted himself, thinking he had just grown accustomed to her leaning on him, entirely dependent on him.The next morning, Vivian woke up late. After getting ready, she went downstairs, surprised to find Sebastian still there. Her surprise was evident as she blurted out, "Aren't you going to the hospital to see Miss Vandenberg today?"On any other day, he might have been a little impatient with that question, but today, he felt a quiet sense of relief.So, she was jealous of Vanessa yesterday."Vanessa is just a friend. She got into an accident shortly after returning home, so I took extra care of her. But she's been discharged now," he explained patiently, a rarity for him. After a pause, he added, "You wanted me to take you to see the sunset, right? I haven't spent much time with you lately, so how about I make it up to you today?""No need."Realizing she had mistaken him for someone else and with the divorce looming, Vivian had no intention of doing anything so meaningless. Instinctively, she refused. But Sebastian, convinced of the plan's reasonableness, had already arranged for the car to be brought around.Once in the car, she didn't persist in arguing, quietly resigning herself to the journey.The car headed towards the countryside, and soon they reached their destination. But just as they arrived at the hilltop, Sebastian's phone rang.He picked it up, and she caught a glimpse of the name "Vanessa" flashing across the screen.Whatever was said on the other end, it only took him a moment of hesitation before he got back into the car. Before leaving, he left her with a brief promise, "I'll be back to pick you up soon."Despite his words, Vivian waited for a long time. As the sun dipped lower and finally vanished, he still hadn't returned.There were no taxis to be found on the hill, and she didn't bother calling Sebastian to ask if he was coming back. Instead, she quietly began the long walk down.The hill was high, and the path steep. Even though it wasn't a muddy trail, by the time Vivian reached the bottom, her feet were blistered. She had just pulled out her phone to call a cab back to the villa when she received a message from one of Sebastian's friends."Urgent. Come to Nocturne Lounge."Most of Sebastian's friends looked down on her. They saw her as the woman who shamelessly pursued him for two years before finally marrying him, so they rarely contacted her. Seeing the message, she didn't hesitate and hailed a cab straight to Nocturne Lounge.It wasn't out of concern for Sebastian, but rather a fear that anything happening to him might affect the divorce.Upon arriving at the address they had sent, she pushed open the door to the private room, only to trip over a rope she hadn't noticed. She fell heavily, her head striking a nearby stool.The pain made her dizzy, and when she touched her head, her hand came away sticky.The group in the room watched her in her disarray, yet showed no intention of letting her off. The next moment, the door closed, and a bucket of water was upended over her."Whoosh!"As the water splashed down, drenching her completely, laughter erupted in the room, filled with mockery and disdain."Look at her, doesn't she look like a wet dog?" one of them jeered."Quinn, I have to admit, that's a fitting description," another chimed in.Despite the harsh air conditioning, the cold, wet clothes clinging to her skin, and the chill that made her shiver, Vivian's expression remained unchanged. She wiped her face with a calmness that belied the situation.Seeing her lack of reaction, some found it boring, while others thought it wasn't exciting enough and pulled out a phone to show her a video."Hey, you desperate fool, we called you here to let you know that Sebastian's true love is back."She looked up just as the screen displayed a scene of Sebastian in another room, crouched down gently massaging Vanessa's ankle, his expression filled with tenderness."See that? Sebastian left you today because he was throwing a welcome-back party for Vanessa. She just twisted her ankle, and he immediately whisked her away. Have you ever received that kind of treatment? You should just step aside gracefully, otherwise being thrown out would be embarrassing."The taunting continued, but Vivian stood up, struggling against the pain in her feet. Her eyes were deep and calm as she surveyed the room, her voice steady."Don't worry, I'll step aside. Because, truthfully, I don't like him either."Chapter 4Her voice wasn't loud, but it was as if someone had hit the pause button on everyone present. They stood frozen in place, and just at that moment, the door behind them opened once more.Sebastian emerged from behind the door, his brows furrowing instantly at the chaos in the room and the sight of Vivian, drenched from head to toe. His voice carried a note of displeasure. “What on earth is going on here?”Nobody had expected Sebastian to get angry on Vivian’s behalf. After a moment of awkward silence, someone chuckled nervously and tried to explain, “Sebastian, we were just joking around with Vivian. Don’t take it seriously.”“Is this what you call a joke?” he retorted, clearly not appeased by their explanation. While the others were busy making excuses, Vivian was more astonished by his reaction.After all, due to Sebastian’s indifference towards her over the years, his buddies had always ridiculed and mocked her.She had grown accustomed to such humiliation and teasing, yet here he was, suddenly standing up for her?“We just thought, now that the person you’ve been dreaming about for years is back, she should make some space for her…”Someone attempted to laugh off the situation, but before they could finish, Sebastian silenced them with a commanding, “Shut up!”Ignoring the puzzled looks from the others, he grabbed Vivian’s arm and made to leave. However, as he turned, Vanessa strolled in.Seeing him about to leave, she pouted, her displeasure evident. “Sebastian, we haven't even finished our game. I just got back from abroad and was finally having some fun, why leave now?”Her words seemed to sow doubt in Sebastian’s determination to leave. He turned to Vivian, asking, “Vivian, can you hold on a bit longer?”Vivian looked down at herself and suddenly chuckled.Even at a glance, anyone could see she was soaked through, her forehead streaked with blood, and yet he was asking if she could endure?But at that moment, she simply didn’t have the energy to argue with him.“You guys go ahead and play.”Those four words seemed to release Sebastian from a weight, and he visibly relaxed. The others quickly joined in, urging both of them to settle back on the couch to continue the game.The group resumed their game of Truth or Dare, and in the first round, Sebastian lost.“Sebastian, how old were you when you first had a crush?”As the question was read aloud, eyes darted between him and Vanessa, and he didn’t disappoint with his answer, pleasing everyone.“Fifteen.”His answer was confident, and Vivian couldn’t help but recall the year Vanessa moved next door to the Balfour family estate—Sebastian had indeed been fifteen.Whether by bad luck or not, Sebastian lost the next two rounds as well, and the questions grew bolder.“How old were you during your first wet dream?”“Seventeen.”“And who was it about?!”The final question stirred up a chorus of cheers, but Sebastian fell silent.He was about to forfeit and accept the penalty drink when someone stopped him. “Come on, Sebastian, if you don't want to say the name, just give us the initials!”Vivian sat quietly, watching as he finally released his grip on the glass and murmured a single letter.“V.”V, for Vanessa.It was obvious to everyone. Not only Vivian but everyone else understood, and the room buzzed with excitement, Vanessa’s cheeks turning a deeper shade of red.Amidst the noisy chatter, Vanessa finally lifted her head, her expression smug as she glanced over at Vivian sitting not far away.“Vivian must be bored sitting there alone. Why not join us?”With a "generous invitation," Vivian didn’t refuse and joined the game, and they all gathered around to resume.The luck shifted, and this time, it was Vivian who lost.She casually picked a card from the deck and flipped it over, revealing a simple question.“Is the person you love most here?”“Oh, come on, that’s too easy!”“Yeah, everyone knows Vivian’s head over heels for our Sebastian!”Amidst the grumbling, Vivian found herself at the center of attention. She slowly shook her head.“No.”Chapter 5As soon as she replied, the room erupted into a storm of whispers and shocked glances were cast in her direction.Even Sebastian, who had always seemed indifferent to Vivian in everyone's eyes, looked visibly unsettled.The tension hung thick in the air, and it took a while before someone awkwardly changed the topic, trying to smooth over the awkward moment. However, the mood was irreparably dampened, and the gathering soon came to an inconclusive end.Sebastian remained silent throughout, appearing as though he hadn’t given the incident much thought. But once he got into the car, his gaze fixed intently on her."What did you mean by your answer back there?"She met his eyes, about to speak, but he interrupted, "Are you still upset about the time I bailed on you during the sunset?"Only then did Vivian realize that, in his mind, she still deeply loved him and couldn’t even fathom the idea of not caring for him. He assumed her earlier words were just out of spite.But now, she couldn’t be bothered to explain. Let him think what he wants, she decided.Seeing her silence, Sebastian took it as confirmation, and his frustration eased slightly.After a moment, he added, "The weather’s been pretty bad lately. Let’s catch a sunset together another time."Vivian nodded noncommittally, as if in agreement, though she knew there would be no "next time" for them.The car soon arrived at the Balfour estate. After washing up, Sebastian lay down next to her, instinctively reaching out to hold her, but she pushed him away once again."No need, I can sleep on my own without listening to your heartbeat now."This was the second time Vivian expressed she didn’t need the comfort of his heartbeat. In the past, he would have felt relieved hearing those words, but strangely, now they only stirred an inexplicable irritation within him.Unwilling to hear more, he leaned in to kiss her, hoping to silence her, but she turned her head away, evading him. Her eyes remained closed, her voice weary."I'm tired. Let's just sleep."Sebastian, the proud CEO of Balfour Enterprises, who was used to being pursued and doted on, found himself repeatedly rebuffed today. His expression darkened, and he turned away, ignoring her.The next morning, Sebastian left early for the office. Vivian, still recovering from her injuries, stayed home to rest.Just after lunch, her phone rang. It was his assistant.The call connected, and the assistant's anxious voice came through, "Ma'am, Mr. Balfour's having heart trouble, and we’re out of medication at the office. Could you bring some over?"This wasn’t the first time the assistant had asked Vivian to deliver medicine. In the past, she didn’t even need prompting; she’d ensure the supply was always replenished. Whenever Sebastian felt unwell, her worry was palpable to anyone who saw her. But this time, she listened to the assistant’s request calmly before responding leisurely."The office is too far from the estate. You’ll need to buy them yourself.""What?!"The assistant’s voice was full of surprise, having never expected Vivian to refuse. Hesitant, he continued, "But I don’t know which ones to get. Didn’t you always handle this? Every time Mr. Balfour wasn’t well, you were always so concerned..."Before he could finish his rambling, she cut him off."Not anymore," she said, her voice steady, lacking any of the previous urgency. After listing the necessary medications, she added, "You're his assistant. It’s your responsibility now."With the call ended, the assistant stood there, slightly embarrassed but grateful he’d managed to jot down the needed medications. He quickly arranged for someone to purchase them.That evening, when Sebastian returned to the estate, he immediately saw Vivian sitting peacefully on the couch, watching TV.His expression darkened noticeably. "I wasn’t feeling well today. Didn’t you know?"The familiar voice, edged with accusation, didn’t even cause Vivian to shift her gaze from the television.Without looking up, she replied bluntly, "I did."He seemed stunned by her frankness, his face a mask of disbelief. "You knew and still didn’t come?""I told you, it’s too far."Chapter 6She lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes, and her tone was as casual as if she were saying she wasn’t hungry and didn’t want to eat. He stood by the sofa, looking down at her dark hair, a whirlpool of emotions churning inside him.Vivian had indeed changed. In the past, if he so much as had a headache, she would be more concerned than anyone. She would never have been this indifferent, as if he were just a stranger.Could she still be upset about him standing her up at sunrise?Frustration bubbled up within him. He rubbed his temples, forcing himself to let it go and change the subject.“Why don't you freshen up and change into something nice? We have a family dinner to attend later.”Hearing this, she finally looked up at him. But instead of the surprise he had expected, there was only astonishment in her eyes.After all, they had been married for three years, and besides a hasty wedding, Sebastian had given her nothing. No ceremony, no meeting his family. He had never taken her to the Balfour family’s monthly dinners.As for the reason, she had discovered it by accident.She remembered it was their first wedding anniversary. She had wanted to ask him if they should celebrate together, but instead overheard his conversation with Charles and Margaret Balfour.“Sebastian, it’s been a year since you got married. When are you planning to introduce your wife to us? We’ve got the family heirloom ready for her. Even though the Lanes are a small family, if she helps you forget Vanessa, it’s worth it.”Through the phone and the door, the voices of Charles and Margaret Balfour weren’t clear. But Sebastian’s cold response was unmistakable, “A marriage of convenience; no need for introductions.”Those few words clearly revealed Sebastian’s attitude towards her.Inside the room, Margaret Balfour’s voice continued, “You haven’t forgotten Vanessa? I thought getting married would...”“I tried, but I can’t forget.”The call ended with Margaret Balfour’s sigh. Vivian quietly closed the door and left, pretending she had never been there.She had accepted long ago that she wouldn’t set foot in the Balfour family estate. Now that she had realized she had mistaken the person and was ready to leave, he suddenly wanted to introduce her to his family?“No, thank you.” Vivian shook her head, softly declining his offer.This time, Sebastian couldn’t hold back any longer. Frowning, he spoke, “What’s wrong with you lately? You refuse everything I suggest. You didn’t used to be like this!”His voice rose with emotion, and she suddenly remembered how she used to comply with everything he said. After a silent moment, fearing she might reveal her feelings, she agreed to accompany Sebastian to the family estate.The estate wasn’t far from their villa. The drive there was brief, and as soon as they entered, she saw someone through the glass doors.It was Vanessa.She was chatting happily with Charles and Margaret Balfour. Margaret was lovingly slipping a jade bracelet onto Vanessa’s wrist. Upon seeing this, Sebastian’s expression shifted, and he explained in a low voice, “Vanessa is an old family friend, so she’s invited to our dinners…”He spoke while glancing at Vivian, but she was calmly changing her shoes, her expression serene, even with a hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth.“You don’t need to explain to me.”Sebastian paused, surprised by her reaction. As the disbelief was still evident in his eyes, Vanessa approached them. “Sebastian, your parents want you in the study. They have something to discuss with you.”His words were cut short, and he nodded, ready to bring Vivian along, but Vanessa stopped him. “They want to see you alone.”As soon as Sebastian’s figure disappeared around the corner, Vanessa waved her hand in front of Vivian’s face, her eyes filled with smugness and pride.“Do you know what this is? It’s the Balfour family heirloom. Margaret just gave it to me, saying that with my return, Sebastian is complete. You know, all these years, I never realized Sebastian has always loved me.”Vanessa’s gaze was fixed on Vivian, searching for any sign of pain or disappointment. But to her surprise, Vivian’s expression didn’t change. Her eyes didn’t linger on the bracelet even for a moment.Vivian simply listened until Vanessa finished, then looked at her with a faint smile, her voice calm, “Are you really unaware?”“What?” Vanessa was taken aback by Vivian’s sudden question, and Vivian continued, “You and Sebastian grew up together, and anyone could see the love in his eyes when he looked at you. You really didn’t know?”Chapter 7She emphasized the word "really" with a piercing gaze that made Vanessa's heart skip a beat. Yet, she quickly regained her composure, offering a casual smile."So what if I know? I am aware that Sebastian likes me, but I won't agree to be with him. I'll let him pine, always keeping me in his thoughts, watching the golden boy circle around me like a lost puppy. It's amusing, isn't it? Who else could manage that but me?""But I'm also aware of the saying that 'pride comes before a fall,' so I'm done playing. I'm planning to accept him now. Guess what? If I say yes to him, do you think he'd divorce you in a heartbeat and toss you aside like yesterday's news?""Oh."Vivian absorbed the provocative words without a flicker of emotion, merely responding with a nonchalant "oh" before attempting to brush past Vanessa and leave.Completely ignored, Vanessa was infuriated. She lifted her hand to grab Vivian, but Vivian was too quick, and instead, Vanessa only managed to snatch the necklace from her neck. She glanced at it with disdain before tossing it aside carelessly."Cheap trinket. What is this junk?"A crackling sound caught Vivian's attention. She turned to see her necklace fall into an outdoor barbecue pit, and her expression changed dramatically, panic flaring in her eyes.Without a second thought, she dashed towards the fire. Ignoring the searing heat from the burning coals, she thrust her hand into the flames."Ma'am!"The housekeeper cried out, trying to intervene, but it was too late. Even Vanessa, momentarily taken aback, shouted at Vivian."Are you crazy? It's just a necklace!"Amidst the chaos, Vivian managed to retrieve the necklace from the fire, but the pendant had lost its shape from the heat, its former luster now covered with a layer of soot, rendering it unrecognizable.Tears cascaded down her cheeks, but she didn't bother to wipe them away, consumed by regret and guilt.It was a gift from Lucian on her eighteenth birthday, now ruined beyond repair.Gently, she packed away the damaged necklace, then walked over to Vanessa with a determined look. Before Vanessa could react, Vivian slapped her hard across the face."Whack!"The slap landed with full force, and as Vanessa stared at her incredulously, Vivian's fury was far from quenched; she struck her again, swift and decisive.Dazed and furious, Vanessa was about to speak when Vivian slapped her once more.Three slaps in total, yet Vivian still felt it wasn't enough. Just as she was about to deliver another, Sebastian rushed out, shoving Vivian hard."Have you lost your mind?!"His voice was a mix of shock and anger, his heart pounding as he rushed to check on Vanessa, not noticing Vivian staggering backward from his shove, falling straight into the deep pool behind her."Help... help!"The pool was deep, and Vivian couldn't swim. Overcome by panic, she swallowed water, her throat and nose stinging painfully.The housekeeper's cries reached her ears in broken sentences. "Sir... she can't swim!"Upon hearing this, Sebastian's expression shifted, but he steeled himself, not sparing Vivian a glance."Don't rescue her! When she admits her mistake, then she can get out."With that, he carefully picked up Vanessa and left.Left unaided, Vivian sank several times, nearly losing consciousness. Yet, each time she drifted into darkness, she thought of Lucian.No, she hadn't met the person who had received Lucian’s heart donation. She couldn't die here.With sheer determination, Vivian used the last of her strength to crawl out of the pool, but once she was safe, she couldn't hold on any longer and fainted completely.Chapter 8When Vivian finally awoke, it was several days later. Sebastian sat by her bedside, a cloud of discontent shadowing his face. "You just received a ticket confirmation on your phone. Where are you planning to go?"In that instant, Vivian found it almost laughable. She had been on the brink of death because of him, nearly drowning in that pool. Yet, upon waking, there was no guilt or concern from him—only questions about her plans."I'm not going anywhere in particular. Just thought I'd take a little trip," she replied nonchalantly, offering a flimsy excuse. But then she raised her gaze to meet his directly. "Are you here to make me confess again? I won't. If she dares touch my things again, I'll retaliate.""It was just a necklace. Was it really worth it?" Sebastian's brow furrowed deeply. His question was cut short as he saw her tears burst forth like a dam breaking, her voice rising in volume."Yes, it was worth it! It was a gift from the person I loved most. It's precious to me!"Vivian didn't want to continue the charade with him. But unexpectedly, Sebastian's expression froze at her words. His demeanor shifted, becoming slightly awkward, his gaze softening somewhat. "That necklace? I just picked it up randomly. If you like it so much, I can get you another."She was momentarily stunned. Over the years, he had only ever given her one gift—a necklace. Had he confused it with the one she cherished?"Vivian, I can let it slide this time. Vanessa is my... friend. If you harm her again, I can't predict what I'll do."With that, he stood up and left without another word. As he departed, a nurse coming in to change Vivian’s bandages passed him, eyes alight with curiosity, whispering excitedly as she went by."That's Mr. Balfour, right? The one who rented out the entire floor to take care of his girlfriend? They said it was just a few slap marks, but he insisted on a full check-up. So devoted!""That's not all. The nurses say he applies her ointment himself every day, feeds her like she's a treasure."Vivian heard their words, but they felt like a story about someone else entirely. Indifferent to the tales of Sebastian’s devotion, she waited for the nurse to finish before quietly discharging herself.In the days that followed, Sebastian didn’t return home. Yet Vivian was keenly aware of his whereabouts, thanks to Vanessa’s taunting messages—how Sebastian took her to the seaside one day, watched fireworks with her the next, and even rented out an amusement park.Every time, Vivian merely glanced at the messages before ignoring them, busying herself with packing and researching the man who had received Lucian's heart transplant.A new beginning awaited her in Cresthaven, a chance to reclaim her place beside her "Luc."On the final day of the divorce cooling-off period, Vivian left the house, returning with their freshly issued divorce certificate.Upon her return, she found Sebastian sitting on the living room sofa. Seeing her, the tension in his brow eased slightly."Where have you been?"Surprise flickered in her eyes. He had been with Vanessa the past few days; she hadn’t expected him to be home today."You’re back. Not busy anymore?""Don't you remember?" It was a casual inquiry, but her response made his face darken."Remember what?""Today is our third wedding anniversary." Her apparent forgetfulness irked him, but recalling recent events, he suppressed his irritation. "I made a reservation. Let's go out for dinner."Vivian considered refusing but, recalling the divorce certificate in her bag, nodded in agreement. She would be leaving soon anyway. This would be the perfect moment to discuss their separation.As they reached the restaurant, her phone chimed with a message. It was from Vanessa.[Today is your anniversary, right? I'm planning on telling Sebastian today that I'm willing to be with him. Do you think you'll be thrown out right after I do?]Chapter 9Vivian hadn't put much stock in those words. After all, she was leaving today anyway. Just as she turned off her phone and looked up, she saw Vanessa approaching."Sebastian!"A flicker of surprise crossed Sebastian's face. "What are you doing here?"Vanessa smiled, her gaze openly fixed on him. "I came specifically to find you, Sebastian. I have something important to discuss with you, and I'd like to talk alone."She had thought it was a done deal, but after her words hung in the air, he remained silent. Unexpectedly, he glanced back at Vivian, who was trailing behind him, and hesitated."Today’s not convenient. Let’s talk another time."Vanessa widened her eyes in disbelief. She hadn't expected him to refuse her, and a wave of hurt washed over her face, her eyes quickly filling with tears. "Fine, if you won’t come with me, then there’s nothing left between us!"Wiping her tears, she turned and ran, not stopping until she reached the middle of the street.Sebastian’s heart lurched. Just as he was about to call out to her, he caught sight of a car careening out of control toward Vanessa. His pupils constricted, and in that split second, nothing else mattered. He lunged forward, pushing Vanessa out of the way.The next moment, there was a deafening crash."Sebastian!"Blood blossomed before Vivian’s eyes as Vanessa stood frozen on the spot, unable to do anything but scream and cry.In the end, it was Vivian who called for an ambulance and got Sebastian to the hospital.Sebastian’s friends rushed over as soon as they heard the news. They looked around and only saw Vivian, hands stained with blood, waiting outside the operating room."How is he? Where’s Vanessa?""The surgery’s still going on. As for Vanessa, she was crying so much that the doctors kicked her out for being too disruptive."Vivian answered their questions patiently, one by one.Finally, the "Surgery in Progress" sign turned off, and the doors to the operating room swung open. The doctor stepped out, removing his mask."The surgery was successful. He'll wake up by tomorrow."Hearing this, the group finally exhaled a sigh of relief. Thinking about why Sebastian had gotten hurt, they began to talk among themselves, not caring that Vivian was still there."Sebastian used to get into fights over Vanessa back in school. Now he’s risked his life for her. Luckily, he’s okay this time. Has he forgotten he just had heart surgery not long ago?""This time, Sebastian saved her life. Vanessa has to say yes to him now, right? Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise..."Vivian listened silently to their conversation. As she turned to leave, a voice, sharp with impatience, called out, "Where are you going? Sebastian’s coming out soon. Aren’t you going to take care of him?"She turned back, seeing their faces tinged with dissatisfaction.She shrugged, her tone indifferent. "We’re divorced. Why should I take care of him?""What?!"Her words sparked shock throughout the room. They looked at each other, stunned.Ignoring their stares, Vivian pulled out the divorce papers she carried with her and handed them to the person closest to her."I was going to give this to him today, but there wasn’t a chance. I can't wait until tomorrow. You can pass it on for me."Without waiting for their response, she turned and walked away.Behind her, they finally seemed to snap out of it, calling after her."Vivian, where are you going?"She chuckled softly, not turning back, tossing a single sentence over her shoulder."As you can see, I'm making way for Vanessa!""Oh, and give them my best wishes. I won’t be attending their wedding."After leaving the hospital, Vivian headed straight back to her villa. The thought of soon meeting the true recipient of her heart donation, of hearing Luc’s heartbeat once more, brought a small smile to her lips. She could hardly wait.Her bags were already packed. She picked up her suitcase, left the villa, hailed a cab, and went straight to the airport—never looking back.