Shadows Gathered Under Fading Lights by Nyx Rowan novel Chapter 54

The smile in Vivian’s eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a coldness sharp enough to cut glass.

“Charles Foster, what the hell are you trying to do?

Footsteps sounded behind her. Vivian turned-

And collided with Charles‘ chest.

Just like the first time they’d met.

Only this time, he was holding a bouquet of roses in his arms-

Champagne roses. Her favorite.

He offered a silent smile and spoke in a gentle voice

“Vivian, half the roses in the garden have withered. Come home with me–I’ll plant you bigger, fresher ones.”

Vivian met his gaze, gave a low, contemptuous laugh–and knocked the bouquet from his hands in

one sharp motion.

Delicate petals scattered across the ground, reflecting in Charles‘ dimmed eyes.

“You know why they withered?”

Her voice cut deep, each word laced with mockery like a blade twisting in his chest.

“You shoved me into that flower bed yourself–for your precious ex–wife and her darling son. Your bodyguards crushed half the garden just to drag me into that lockdown room.”

“These flowers were silent witnesses to your hypocrisy–how you fawned over Diana while feeding me lies about love. And now you bring them to me? What, to make me sick?”

A heavy, bruising ache thudded through Charles‘ chest.

He shut his eyes, his brows furrowed tight.

A moment later, he collected himself and forced a calm expression.

“Alright, you don’t like the flowers. Maybe you’ll like the gifts.”

Vivian scoffed.

“God, Charles, could you sink any lower? I don’t need your gifts.”

He swallowed hard and gently placed a small box cutter into her hand.

“Just one look. Please.”

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She opened the first box.

Inside lay a pair of ultra–rare black diamond earrings–global limited edition, worth millions.

Charles spoke softly,

“Vivian, I thought black suits you–it’s mysterious and beautiful.”

She lifted an eyebrow with a half–smile.

“Oh really?”

“Funny, I remember the first photo you ever took with Diana… she was wearing a black dress.”

“Did black look mysterious and beautiful on her, too?”

Charles‘ breath caught.

“Vivian… you know I’ve always loved you.”

She looked away and opened the second box.

Inside lay a ruby diamond necklace–quiet and radiant, the same one that caused a stir when it was

auctioned off by Skyfire Auctions.

Charles‘ eyes lit up.

“Vivian, I meant what I said―rubies represent love. I swore I’d buy the brightest, purest one in the world for you. Winning it at Skyfire was my promise to you.”

Her eyes turned to frost.

“Diana adored red. Bold, showy, over–the–top–her favorite color. So tell me, Charles, when you raised that paddle at Skyfire, was it my face in your mind… or hers?”

“Vivian…”

Charles‘ eyes turned red as he struggled to explain but couldn’t find the words.

Watching him suffer, Vivian felt only boredom.

She cast him a cool glance and shoved the necklace against his chest.

“Enough. Drop this pathetic show. You may not be red of acting, but I am done watching.”

“Charles Foster, go home. Even if you spend every cent you have, even if you ripped the stars from

the sky and scattered them at my feet-”

“I won’t look back.

And I sure as hell won’t go back to being your caged bird.”

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With that, Vivian pulled out her hairpin and turned to walk inside.

A breeze lifted her hair, a strand brushing past Charles‘ fingertips.

Then vanishing.

He stood frozen, breathing in the fading trace of her scent, until a single tear dropped, landing

warm in his palm.

“Vivian…”

“I’d rather die than let you go.”

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