Chapter 160

Nathaniel remained silent.

He walked to the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing at the endless blue ocean.

This breathtaking view was exclusive to only their two penthouses in the entire complex.

What an odd coincidence. It felt like fate had tied him and Vivian together with invisible strings.

How many nights had they both admired this same sea, unaware of each other's thoughts?

"Tell me why you wanted to move out." After a long pause, Nathaniel turned and asked in that deep, velvety voice.

Vivian was rummaging through living room drawers for blankets when his question caught her off guard.

"Because I want to!" she snapped.

She added self-mockingly, "Mainly because I know you can't stand me. Living next door means constant awkward encounters. I'm doing us both a favor by disappearing from your sight."

He scoffed. "Always playing the martyr when you don't know shit."

"Maybe I am. You're always busy with Cassandra Delacroix. You'd rather stay at Blackwood Villa. Why bother coming here? My consideration was clearly unnecessary."

Sunlight silhouetted Nathaniel's chiseled features as a rare smirk appeared. He studied Vivian's face intently before declaring, "You're jealous."

Her cheeks burned. "Don't flatter yourself. I don't like you. Why would I be jealous?"

"Oh, you are," Nathaniel stated with absolute certainty. This wasn't a question - it was a verdict.

After years of women throwing themselves at him, he could recognize attraction when he saw it.

For the first time since that humiliating video leaked, Nathaniel felt he'd regained the upper hand.

No matter what madness had possessed him to cling to Vivian that night, one thing was clear - this woman still had feelings for him!

Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting Nathaniel's imposing frame in golden light as he advanced toward Vivian.

"What do you want?"

As he closed the distance, blocking her escape like an immovable fortress, Vivian instinctively raised her arms defensively.

'Is he seriously trying some cheesy kabedon move like those cringey drama CEOs?'

Nathaniel stopped inches away, raking his gaze over her body before reaching for her waist-

"Back off, you bastard! Don't even think about touching me!"

She crossed her arms protectively over her chest, perhaps overreacting slightly.

While she could probably take Nathaniel in a fight, she'd rather avoid physical altercations... for the babies' sake.

Nathaniel rolled his eyes. "Your dress is unzipped," he deadpanned, pointing at her side.

"What?"

Her throat went dry as fumbling fingers confirmed his words.

'Shit! I totally forgot to zip up!'

The side zipper ran nearly the entire dress length. Through the gap, everything - her waist, her curves, possibly more - was clearly visible!

No wonder she'd gotten so many strange looks earlier. She'd assumed people were admiring her outfit, not staring at her wardrobe malfunction.

'This is beyond mortifying!'

Scarlet heat spread from Vivian's neck to her cheeks. She wished the floor would swallow her whole.

Trying to appear unbothered, she attempted to zip up - only to freeze in horror when the fabric wouldn't close. The once loose-fitting dress no longer accommodated her changing body!

"Need help?" Nathaniel asked drily, watching her struggle. "You seem to be having... difficulties."

'Damn right I am - with two babies growing inside me!'

"No!" Vivian hissed through gritted teeth. "The best help you can offer is getting the hell out of here!"

He arched an eyebrow. "I'll leave. But first, know this - while I don't like you, I don't despise you either. Stop with the self-sacrificing act."

Vivian blinked in shock.

She'd always assumed this ice-cold man loathed her existence. Why else would he constantly glare and reject her?

Yet here he was, claiming he didn't hate her?

"And eat less," Nathaniel added abruptly.

His piercing gaze dropped to her waist as he asked with sudden intensity, "You've gotten wider. Are you... pregnant?"