Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 55

"Oh really? And how exactly do you plan on inspecting them?" Vivienne teased. "Take a wild guess," he replied, his voice dropping an octave. "You're terrible," Vivienne giggled, feigning a blush as she playfully slapped his chest. "What? You don't like it?" "I love it." Julian let out a low, satisfied laugh. Sensing he was in a generous mood, Vivienne carefully steered the conversation. "You know, I actually bumped into Willow at the gym earlier." The moment her name hung in the air, the warmth vanished from Julian's face. "What the hell was she doing there?" "I have no idea," Vivienne lied smoothly, playing the innocent card. "I assume she was trying to work out. I just don't understand how she could possibly afford a place like that. Do you think she..." She let the sentence trail off, watching the irritation harden Julian's jaw. Deciding it was too risky to push that angle, she swiftly pivoted. "I bet she's doing all of this just for you. She's desperate for your attention. Julian, if she actually manages to get in shape, would you ever change your mind about her?" "I knew it. She's absolutely relentless," Julian scoffed coldly. "Do you honestly think I would?" Vivienne lowered her head, looking perfectly submissive and quiet. It was her signature move, guaranteed to trigger his protective instincts. Right on cue, Julian's expression softened. He reached over and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Relax. You know exactly how I feel about you. Besides, I know exactly who she is. I've seen her at her absolute worst." He stopped the car at a red light and turned to look Vivienne deep in the eyes. "I despise the way she constantly hovers around me, always so pathetic and timid. I barely have to look at her, and she looks terrified. She creeps around trying to memorize everything I like, hoarding my old belongings like some kind of psycho. I could live a thousand lifetimes and never want a woman like that." He leaned in, his gaze tracing Vivienne's face. "I like my women exactly like you. Elegant, sophisticated, and pure." He kissed her softly. "Are we clear?" "Yes. I love you too," she whispered, returning the kiss with practiced enthusiasm. "Where are we heading now? Out for dinner?" "We're eating at home. My parents are coming over." "Perfect. Things have been so crazy lately, I've missed seeing them." The Cullinan cruised smoothly toward Emerald Heights, arriving at the sprawling estate thirty minutes later. The second they walked through the grand double doors, Toby sprinted across the marble foyer and threw himself into Vivienne's arms. "Mommy!" he cheered. Vivienne caught him, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "Toby, what did I tell you? You have to call me Aunt Vivienne, remember?" Toby pouted, kicking his legs in frustration. "But I want to call you Mommy! You are my real mommy!" "I know, sweetheart, but—" "But nothing," a sharp voice interrupted from the sweeping staircase. It was Susannah Sinclair, descending with regal authority. "If my grandson wants to call you his mother, let him. There are no outsiders here." "I know, Mom, I'm just worried about the staff hearing and starting rumors," Vivienne explained meekly. "Let them talk. Toby is a Sinclair by blood. We might have to keep things quiet for now, but claiming his rightful place in this family is inevitable." Dismissing the conversation, Susannah waved the boy over. "Come here, darling. Come see what Nana brought you." Toby, always eager to be spoiled, immediately abandoned Vivienne and ran to the older woman. "Nana!" "There's my good boy." Susannah opened a ventilated designer carrier and pulled out a small puppy. It was the exact same breed as Willow's dog, Cooper. Seeing the puppy, Toby shrieked with joy. "A dog! I love him! Thank you, Nana!"