Chapter 628

Vivian Bennett's eyes snapped open.

Her chest heaved violently as she gasped for air, her consciousness clearing instantly as if doused with cold water.

No.

This feeling was wrong.

She turned her head stiffly, her movements slow like a film in slow motion, every inch of her muscles resisting.

No.

Please, don't let it be what she thought.

She couldn't accept this, not when she had been completely unaware—

Her gaze fell to the side.

Liam Sullivan was sleeping deeply.

Strands of his disheveled hair fell across his forehead, obscuring his thick eyelashes. He lay on his side, half his face buried in the pillow, his thin lips slightly upturned with a satisfied smile.

Like a child who had secretly gotten candy.

Vivian stared at him, feeling her blood run cold inch by inch.

She slowly lifted the blanket.

Her bare shoulders were exposed, covered in red marks of varying intensity. The air was thick with an intimate scent, familiar enough to make her stomach churn.

Her fingers clenched the edge of the blanket, her knuckles turning white.

She closed her eyes, then opened them again.

The evidence was right there, naked and undeniable.

"Liam Sullivan."

Her voice was hoarse.

She reached out and pushed him, hard.

"Get up!"

Liam frowned, his eyelashes fluttering a few times before he slowly opened his eyes.

The moment his gaze met hers, a flicker of light passed through his eyes, followed by a spreading smile.

"Awake?"

He reached out to pull her into an embrace.

Vivian jerked away violently.

"Don't touch me."

Her voice trembled, her eyes red.

Liam paused, watching her furious expression, understanding dawning in his heart.

But he didn't let go. Instead, he moved closer.

"Angry?"

His tone was light, even teasing.

Vivian trembled with rage.

"What did you do last night?"

"What married couples are supposed to do." Liam's expression didn't change. "You're my wife. What's the problem?"

"I didn't agree!"

"You didn't refuse either." Liam raised an eyebrow. "You were sleeping so soundly. How was I supposed to know you didn't want it?"

"You—"

Vivian was speechless.

She had indeed passed out, completely unaware.

But did that give him the right to do as he pleased?

"Liam Sullivan, you're shameless."

She gritted her teeth, enunciating each word.

Liam laughed.

"Yes, I'm shameless." He reached out and pinched her chin, forcing her to look at him. "But I'm only shameless with you."

"Let me go."

"No." Liam tightened his arms, holding her firmly against him. "I'll never let you go."

Vivian struggled.

But his strength was too great. She couldn't break free.

"You bastard..."

"Yeah, I'm a bastard." Liam lowered his head and kissed her forehead. "But I don't regret what happened last night."

Vivian froze.

"Even if you hate me, I don't regret it." Liam's voice softened, carrying a stubborn note. "Vivian, you're mine. You'll always be mine."

The air grew quiet.

Only the sound of their intermingled breaths remained.

Vivian looked at him and suddenly felt exhausted.

She closed her eyes and stopped struggling.

Liam sensed her softening and relaxed, holding her even tighter.

"Don't be angry." He whispered, coaxing her. "I promise I won't do this again."

Vivian didn't speak.

She didn't know what to say.

Her body still bore the marks from last night, reminding her of what had happened.

But her heart was in turmoil.

Anger, resentment, and a faint, indescribable... flutter.

She hated this feeling.

Hated that she wasn't completely resistant.

"Get out."

She pushed him away and turned her back to him.

Liam watched her slender back, silent for a moment, before getting out of bed.

"I'll run you a bath."

He walked into the bathroom.

The sound of running water filled the air.

Vivian curled up on the bed, burying her face in the pillow.

Tears slid down silently.

She didn't know why she was crying.

She just felt that something could never go back to the way it was.