Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 148

Vivienne kept her head bowed, pretending to sob.

"I'm fine, Tyler. I don't want to see the doctor," she muttered between fake tears.

Tyler frowned. "You're not well. At least let yourself relax a little, okay?"

The doctor nodded in agreement.

Vivienne's illness had become the talk of the town. Even the doctor had heard about it and couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.

But Vivienne forced a weak smile. "Really, it's nothing. I just need a little pain relief."

She paused, then gave a bitter, self-mocking laugh. "For someone like me, what does it matter if I die a day sooner or later?"

She glanced at Tyler as she spoke.

He didn't seem to notice, just waved the doctor away. "You can go now, thank you."

Then he helped Vivienne up and gently led her to the bedroom.

"You aren't dirty. It's just hard to deal with my grandparents," Tyler said quietly. "Honestly, I'm just not in the mood tonight. Get some rest. It's important for you right now."

He stepped out into the hallway and called over the nurse who'd been waiting outside since the doctor arrived.

"Stay with her. Don't leave her alone, understand?" Tyler instructed.

The nurse looked at Vivienne, not daring to answer directly.

Vivienne, in turn, gazed up at Tyler with pleading eyes.

He lowered his gaze and reached over to gently pat her head.

"I can't let my grandparents find out I'm here. I'll come see you again when I have time," he said softly.

Vivienne didn't dare keep up the act, worried he'd call the doctor back in.

She simply turned away, pretending to sulk.

Tyler didn't say anything more. He gave the nurse a few more instructions, then made to leave.

But just as he reached the door, Vivienne's muffled voice stopped him.

"I don't know what she did to you tonight, or what she said. But Tyler, I just want to know—what do you really feel?"

"Have you figured out what to do about the child? What's really going on?"

"And when she uses the child to force you back, when your grandparents pressure you—are you really going to give in?"

He knew Vivienne could be manipulative sometimes…but still.

Forget it. He wanted to believe her. She only had six months left.

After that, everything would return to normal.

When the cigarette burned down, Tyler stubbed it out, pulled out his phone, and called Owen. Then he started the car and drove off.

***

Prism Ivy House.

Music and laughter filled the air.

Tyler sat at the private bar in a dimly lit lounge, watching the crowd below dance and sway to the heavy beat.

Owen walked in, pushing open the door to the VIP suite.

"Drinking alone?" Owen asked, raising an eyebrow.

Tyler nodded to the seat beside him, where a glass, ice, and a bottle of whiskey awaited.

Owen took the seat, and Tyler poured him a drink. They didn't bother with the plush couches, choosing instead to lean against the small bar, shadows flickering across their faces.