Chapter 376

Adrian crossed his tiny arms, his little face scrunched up in concentration. The four-year-old mimicked an adult's posture, one hand thoughtfully stroking his chin.

"Mommy," he declared with all the gravity a child could muster, "I've decided. I don't like you anymore. Not even a little bit!"

Vivian suppressed a smile. With his sharp features and those piercing dark eyes, he was the spitting image of Nathaniel.

She crouched to his level, mirroring his seriousness. "Oh? So my little Adrian doesn't want me anymore? Not even a tiny bit? You won't miss me at all?"

The boy faltered. His thick brows knitted together, frustration flashing in his gaze.

"Mommy!" he huffed, tiny fists clenching. "You're being silly! What if someone hurts you when you're gone? I can't protect you from here!"

Her heart swelled. So that was it—her little warrior was worried.

"I promise I'll be careful," she said, ruffling his hair. "Just a few days, and I'll be back before you know it. Be good for Grandma Evelyn, okay? And take care of Abigail."

Her children were her greatest blessings.

Abigail was sunshine incarnate—sweet words, sweeter smiles, always knowing just how to lift her spirits.

Adrian, though, was different. Serious beyond his years, fiercely protective, with a quiet wisdom that often left her humbled. A boy of action, just like his father.

Sophia grinned, nudging the sulking child. "Don't worry, kiddo. I'll keep your mom safe. Nobody messes with my best friend!"

Adrian shot her a withering look. "Aunt Sophia, you can't even find your keys most days."

"Ouch!" Sophia clutched her chest dramatically. "That hurt, you little menace!"

The boy turned back to Vivian, lower lip trembling. "You promised we'd go together. But you left without us. I'm mad! I won't talk to you until you come home!"

Before she could respond, he spun on his heel and stormed off.

"Adrian! Wait—"

Evelyn patted her shoulder. "Don't fret, Miss Vivian. He's a smart boy—he'll understand. Let me talk to him."

Abigail nodded solemnly, her big eyes earnest. "I'll make him forgive you, Mommy. I'll cry until he says sorry!"

Vivian laughed, pulling her daughter close. "My secret weapon. Your brother can't resist those tears."

The little girl preened. "I'm the best, right?"

"The very best." Vivian kissed her forehead. "Dream of me tonight, sweetheart."

"Only if you dream of me too!"

Their goodbye stretched until Vivian finally, reluctantly, ended the call.

The silence that followed was heavy. Less than a day apart, and already her chest ached with missing them.

She clenched her fists.

Finish this. Get back to them. Fast.