Chapter 314

"Evelyn, now you finally understand how it feels when the man you love doesn't trust you."

"Everything I've done today is nothing compared to the humiliation and schemes you put me through in the beginning."

"Of course, what I plan to return to you will be far more than this."

"I always seem to hurt you unintentionally." Alexander's deep, gravelly voice softened. "But I promise this will never happen again."

Vivian turned her head just as he looked up.

Their gazes collided unexpectedly. His ocean-deep eyes swirled with dizzying intensity, instantly capturing her full attention.

Her heartbeat quickened inexplicably. A warm flush crept from her ears to her cheeks.

She stared dazedly at his impossibly handsome face, her pulse accelerating. The clear pools of her eyes gradually clouded, taking on a sultry, intoxicated glow.

Seeing Vivian's flushed cheeks and half-lidded gaze fixed on him, Alexander's own heartbeat stuttered.

The face before him perfectly mirrored the woman in his memories. The resemblance stirred something deep within him.

Yet he knew with absolute certainty they were different people. He shouldn't feel this way. But his erratic pulse betrayed him, creating dangerous illusions.

An unexpected tenderness seemed to be taking root in his heart for this woman.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he murmured.

Vivian startled. Her breathing and heartbeat had gone haywire, overwhelmed by that once-familiar heat.

Then realization struck.

"I tasted the wine Victoria prepared for you earlier. I think she drugged it to keep you here tonight. I'm feeling... strange now."

Through sheer willpower, she articulated her suspicion clearly.

Alexander's expression darkened instantly. A shadow of sorrow crossed his striking features, displeasure knitting his brows.

Six years ago, he'd believed Vivian used drugs to fabricate their relationship. No matter how she'd pleaded or accused Victoria, he'd refused to listen.

Now history repeated itself, proving him wrong yet again.

Crushing guilt constricted his chest, making breathing difficult.

How many wrongs had he committed against her? Could he even count them all?

And even if he could, how could he possibly atone?

As Alexander wrestled with these thoughts, Vivian swayed unsteadily to her feet.

Her movements were clumsy, like someone intoxicated.

Alexander immediately rose and caught her in his arms.

The moment she fell against that familiar-yet-unfamiliar chest, the heat intensified. His distinctive scent teased her senses, sending feather-light tremors through her body.

"Let me go. I need to return—"

"Do you really think I'd send you back to Sebastian in this state?" His husky voice sent shivers down her spine.

Vivian lifted her liquid gaze. "Then what? Are you suggesting I stay with you like this?"

Alexander's voice dropped lower. "We've been intimate before. Why not again? Besides, it would help your current... condition."

"—"

Without waiting for her response, Alexander swept her into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom—