Chapter 577

Liam Sullivan stepped through the door, a large bouquet of vibrant red roses cradled in his arms.

Vivian Bennett understood his intention immediately.

He was making up for the lack of ceremony on the night they had officially registered their marriage.

She accepted the flowers with a smile.

Their rich, sweet fragrance instantly enveloped her senses.

Liam suddenly leaned close to her ear.

His voice was low and tender.

"Tonight, let's re-experience a proper couple's date. What should we do first? Dinner, I think."

He took a half-step back and made an elegant, inviting gesture with a slight bow.

"May I have the honor of taking this beautiful lady to dinner?"

Vivian placed her hand lightly in his palm.

A flicker of mischief danced in her eyes.

"Well, I do have quite a few admirers. But since you're being so sincere, I suppose I can reluctantly agree."

"You little minx, teasing me?" Liam laughed, pulling her into a hug.

They drove to a highly-rated restaurant in the city center.

To recreate the atmosphere of an ordinary couple's date, they didn't book a private dining room.

Instead, they chose a table in the open dining area.

"Ethan Roscente and his fiancée highly recommended this place. Said their private kitchen dishes are quite special," Liam said, pulling out her chair.

"After so many extravagant feasts, I find myself craving homely flavors more," Vivian said, eagerly opening the menu.

Compared to refined French cuisine, she preferred simple, heartfelt cooking.

As they chatted and laughed, her gaze drifted absently toward the closing elevator doors.

Her entire body froze.

Inside the elevator with silver rose-patterned décor stood a few ordinary customers.

And at the back of the crowd, a girl stood quietly.

That face...

Vivian's heart felt like it was trying to hammer its way out of her chest.

It was her again!

The girl who looked exactly like Liam's first love!

In a flash, Vivian whirled around.

She hooked her arms around Liam's neck and pulled him toward her, tilting her head up to kiss his lips.

Liam was momentarily startled.

Then he turned passive into active.

One hand settled firmly on her waist, deepening the sudden kiss.

His response was fervent and lingering, filled with an undeniable possessiveness.

A stunningly attractive couple kissing passionately in public instantly drew the attention of everyone around them.

Vivian had only meant to divert Liam's attention.

But under his ardent assault, she grew dizzy.

Only when her peripheral vision confirmed the elevator had ascended to an unseen floor did she gently push against his shoulders.

Liam released her reluctantly, a smile spreading in his eyes.

"So a date comes with such surprises... Vivian, your sudden passion is quite overwhelming."

Vivian's cheeks burned.

She quickly glanced at the curious onlookers, grabbed Liam's hand, and pulled him toward the restaurant exit.

"We're not eating here. Let's go somewhere else."

Her heart was still racing wildly.

It wasn't a hallucination.

It wasn't a dream.

That girl really existed.

She was in the same city.

She had even appeared in the same restaurant.

Who was she?

Why did she look so much like the girl in the photograph?

Countless questions swirled in her mind.

But at this moment, Vivian had only one thought.

She absolutely could not let Liam see her.

"I don't know why you suddenly changed your mind," Liam said, letting her lead him, his tone indulgent.

"But tonight, you're in charge."

Vivian drove halfway across the city.

She finally stopped at a private kitchen restaurant far from the downtown core.

The distance provided a sense of security, allowing her breathing to settle slightly.

During dinner, she was somewhat distracted.

Liam, keenly aware of her unusual mood, didn't press her.

He simply kept serving her dishes and making light conversation to cheer her up.

After the meal, they went to see a romantic movie.

On screen, the male and female leads overcame hardships to finally be together.

But Vivian couldn't immerse herself in the story.

The image of that girl lingered in her mind like a ghost.

It was a heavy, oppressive weight, making it hard for her to breathe.