Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 116

Vivian wasn't the least bit anxious. Leaning forward, she nestled against his chest, cradling his face in her hands. She kissed him with patient, thorough devotion, her tongue boldly parting his lips to intertwine with his.

Only when they were both breathless did she pull back. Resting her forehead against his, she gazed into his eyes, her expression pleading. "Are you still mad?"

"..."

Julian met her gaze and quickly surrendered with a helpless sigh.

"You know I could never stay mad at you."

His strong arm hooked around her waist, careful to avoid her injured leg, adjusting her into a more comfortable position against him. He lowered his head, burying his face in the crook of her neck, nuzzling her almost pitifully.

"I was worried. I was terrified."

"Just thinking about how much pain and suffering you'd be in if I had actually left."

"If—God forbid—there was permanent damage to your knee... I'd never forgive myself for the rest of my life."

Vivian's heart soared with sweetness. Suddenly, her knee didn't hurt at all, and the anxiety she'd harbored for days vanished into thin air.

"I'm perfectly fine now, see?"

She lifted a hand to his head resting near her cheek, gently stroking his hair as if comforting a child, her voice soft. "Neither of us expected it to be this serious. Even if something had happened, it wouldn't be your fault. Besides, haven't you already..."

The rest of her words were swallowed by Julian turning his head to capture her lips.

"Don't say things like that," he commanded.

Displeased, Vivian instinctively argued back, "But I was trying to compliment you..."

"No 'what ifs'."

Julian bit her lower lip in light punishment. "I won't let anything like that happen."

Vivian smiled, obediently dropping the subject rather than provoking him further. "Okay, I'll listen to you."

They shared a moment of intimacy before Julian slowly released her. "Want to eat a little more?"

Vivian immediately pouted, looking up at him pitifully. "...Do I have to?"

"It's good for you."

Conversely, Elara had only called a few times, all clumped around four o'clock.

Julian froze. While he was still wondering why his mother was in such a panic, the phone lit up with another incoming call from her.

He answered on instinct.

"Hello."

"Julian, where are you right now?"

Meredith didn't have time for guessing games, cutting straight to the chase. "Did you forget it's Melody's fourth birthday party today? How could you suddenly go MIA on such an important day?"

"Your father has been asking about you too. Elara said something came up and you'd be late, but I can tell he doesn't buy it."

"We originally planned to leave right after the party, but now he's insisting there's no rush, clearly waiting for you to show up."

"What on earth happened that made you abandon Melody's birthday?"

"Whatever it is, get back here right now."