Filed to story: The Return Novel (Natalie & Bryce) PDF Read Online Free >>
Thinking about what Bryce had said about his relationship with Vivian, Nadley couldn’t help but feel a bit confused. She stared out the car window, pondering their past. Based on what Bryce had shared, he and Vivian could be considered childhood sweethearts, and it was clear that Vivian still carried a torch for him. If he could have a relationship with someone like Vivian, why would he want to enter into a fake marriage with her? However, she couldn’t ask him. She just stared at the scenery outside the window in a daze.
Liam was extremely anxious. His mommy didn’t look like she wanted to talk, so he thought it best to remain silent. He looked at his dad, then at his mommy, feeling confused. He thought his parents were acting a little weird today, ever since that other lady came along.
Not long after, they arrived home. Seeing Missus Perkins, Liam forgot about his unhappy mood and ran straight to her side. Nadley suddenly felt a little tired. As she was about to go upstairs, she saw Bryce standing there. In a chilly voice, she said, “Thank you for taking me to buy the dress today. I’m going to rest now.”
Bryce frowned at the distance in her voice. He wanted to resolve matters with her, but she didn’t even look at him before heading upstairs. He felt that he deserved better treatment after taking her out and buying the dress for her. Annoyed, he headed to his study.
What he didn’t know was that, in response to Vivian’s appearance, Nadley was preparing to keep her distance from Bryce. She now knew that some people were destined not to be together and that maintaining a distance might be a good idea. She thought about how the blow that Nick had dealt her all those years ago had made her stop believing in love and trusting men. She felt she was right to do this.
They didn’t see each other for the remainder of the weekend.
Meanwhile, Samuel was arriving to meet Vivian. They decided to meet at an artisan coffee shop in a fashionable district. The place was decorated in pale wood and had a quiet, intimate atmosphere. When Samuel came in, he saw Vivian at a corner table, looking elegant and pretty in the angled light of the sun. He was struck by how poised and confident she looked and suddenly felt like a teenager with a crush.
Walking over to Vivian, he hid his sudden nervousness and casually greeted her, “Vivian, you’re back.” The joy in his eyes couldn’t be concealed.
“Samuel, long time no see,” she smiled warmly, and he felt a blush rising to his cheeks. They had all grown up together, he, Vivian, and Bryce, which meant that after exchanging just a few words, they were able to resume their long-term friendship as if they had seen each other only recently rather than having been separated for years.
Looking at Vivian, Samuel said, “Vivian, I almost didn’t recognize you after all these years. You look fabulous. Being overseas must have really suited you.”
After being praised by Samuel, a hint of shyness crept into Vivian’s expression. She said with a smile, “Samuel, you’re looking pretty good yourself. You must be hot stuff in the marriage market, huh?” They both laughed.
Then she continued, “Samuel, you’re right about it being a lot of years since we met, and so much has changed. So many things I’ve lost track of back here.” Samuel nodded, and she went on, “For example, Bryce. I met him today by chance, and there was a woman with him. A relative I’ve never seen before. She’s called Nadley. Do you know her?”
The way she had switched to specifics so fast alerted Samuel that Vivian had got him here under false pretenses. Rather than wanting to socialize, she actually wanted to pump him for information—information about Bryce. He thought, with Vivian, it’s always about Bryce.
In the end, he couldn’t hide his disappointment, but he quickly recovered and said, “Nadley? Yes, I know her. What about her?”
Vivian immediately asked anxiously, “What’s the nature of their relationship, Samuel?”
Samuel had somehow expected Vivian to ask that next. He smiled mischievously and said, “I shouldn’t really tell you anything about that, but if I do, you have to promise me something.”
Vivian only cared about getting an answer. She said hastily, “Samuel, don’t worry. Just tell me. What’s the promise I need to make?”
Samuel smiled and said, “It’s nothing too onerous. You just promise to buy me a meal.” Vivian laughed and agreed, then looked expectantly at Samuel, waiting for his answer.
“Okay,” said Samuel. “So you saw them today. What did they tell you?” Vivian told Samuel what had happened at the restaurant and about Nadley being a distant relative of Bryce’s.
Samuel was puzzled. A distant relative? Had Bryce said that? Samuel pondered the issue. He thought that maybe Bryce didn’t want Vivian to know the truth at the moment.
Vivian, seeing that Samuel was hesitant, impatiently cut in, saying, “Samuel, do you think Nadley really is a distant relative of Bryce? And why didn’t I know about her?”
Samuel finally said, “I think that’s right, Vivian. The Claire family is a big one, so it’s not surprising that there are relatives scattered everywhere. I wouldn’t make anything of it if I were you.” He didn’t know what Bryce was thinking or what he wanted, so he could only think of telling a white lie to protect his friend.
Vivian looked relieved and said, “Okay, so that’s how it is.” Looking at her expression, Samuel suddenly felt a little bitter, and his lips twisted. Vivian didn’t notice.