\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 145 The Weekend Arrangement\u00a0<\/p>\n
85\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cVincent, you don\u2019t need to inform me about your schedule or whereabouts,\u201d Scarlett said, her voice flat and emotionless. \u201cI\u2019ve never attempted to control your movements, and I have no interest in starting now.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
There was a time, early in their marriage, she had desperately hoped for more transparency from him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But as the years passed with no change, she had gradually abandoned such futile expectations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent rarely returned home these days. So why would he suddenly bother reporting his every move to her now?\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cStay home this weekend and look after Vanessa properly. I\u2019ll return on Sunday evening.\u201d Vincent finally dropped the indirect approach and stated his expectations clearly, leaving no room for misunderstanding.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Seeing his directness after their usual dance of implications, Scarlett didn\u2019t overanalyze his words or search for hidden meanings. She simply assumed he was traveling for legitimate business reasons, as he often did.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After all, he was the CEO of the massive Stewart Group with international reach. Countless responsibilities and decisions demanded his attention daily.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Occasional business trips were completely understandable given the scope of his position.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As for her own weekend, Scarlett already had both days off without being on call\u2014a rare occurrence she had been quietly looking forward to.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After a brief moment of consideration, weighing her maternal duty against her need for rest, she nodded reluctantly. \u201cAlright.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With Vincent away and Sabrina apparently absent as well, Scarlett remained the only one available to accompany Vanessa.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She figured she simply needed to fulfill her basic maternal responsibilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Seeing Scarlett\u2019s agreement, Vincent finally relaxed slightly, the tension leaving his shoulders. \u201cGood, get some proper rest now to recover fully. I\u2019m going to check on Vanessa before I leave.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett didn\u2019t respond, simply settling herself deeper under the covers and turning away from him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent watched her lie down, his gaze lingering for a moment before he carefully tucked the blanket around her shoulders and gently smoothed her disheveled hair away from her damp\u00a0<\/p>\n
1\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
14:42 Sat, Jan 10\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 145 The Weekend Arrangement\u00a0<\/p>\n
forehead.\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett instinctively closed her eyes at his touch, her body stiffening slightly. Vincent\u2019s unexpectedly gentle gestures felt almost surreal, like something from a dream rather than their reality.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yet the lingering warmth where he\u2019d touched served as undeniable proof that this was actually happening, however confusing it might be.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When Vincent entered Vanessa\u2019s room a few minutes later, he found her lying on the bed engaged in a video call with Sabrina, the device propped against her pillows.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They were connected but not actively conversing-each preoccupied with their own activities, the call serving more as comforting background presence than actual conversation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On the other end, Sabrina was visibly tending to her ill mother, while Vanessa watched cartoons on a separate tablet, only occasionally glancing toward the screen.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The moment Vincent opened the door, Vanessa spotted him immediately, her face lighting up. \u201cDaddy!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa raised her arms toward him, signaling for Vincent to pick her up and hold her close.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent\u2019s expression softened at the sight of Vanessa, the hard edges of his face relaxing. He walked over and lifted Vanessa onto his lap, settling them both comfortably on the edge of the bed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On the video feed, Sabrina was explaining something about medication schedules to her mother, her voice a soft murmur. Vincent paid little attention to their conversation, instead leaning down to tell Vanessa in a confidential tone. \u201cSweetheart, I\u2019m going to Oakridge this weekend to visit Sabrina\u2019s mother and check on her condition.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa immediately looked up, her eyes widening with interest and excitement. \u201cDaddy, I want to come too! Please take me with you!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent gently pinched her soft cheek in an affectionate gesture. \u201cYou\u2019re still recovering, my dear, so it\u2019s best you stay home and rest properly for now.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa\u2019s face fell instantly, her expression filling with clear disappointment and sadness, her lower lip trembling slightly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent lowered his voice soothingly, trying to soften the blow. \u201cMom will stay with you this weekend, keeping you company. Once you\u2019re completely better and your stomach doesn\u2019t hurt anymore, Daddy will take you somewhere special and fun, I promise.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa remained visibly upset, hanging her head in silence and refusing to look at him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Chapter 145 The Weekend Arrangement\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
585\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent added after a moment, trying another approach, \u201cIf you behave well and listen to your mother while I\u2019m away, Daddy will promise you one extra special wish when I return. Anything\u00a0<\/p>\n
you want.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa finally looked up at him, her eyes curious and hopeful. \u201cAnything I want? Really, Daddy?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent nodded, a small smile touching his lips. \u201cAnything within reason, yes.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa instantly brightened, the disappointment forgotten as she hugged Vincent\u2019s arm tightly. \u201cCan I make my wish now? Please, Daddy?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent adopted a mock-stern expression, though his eyes remained warm. \u201cThat depends entirely on your behavior while I\u2019m gone. If you\u2019re good and do everything your mother says, then you can make your wish when I return.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa felt slightly disappointed at having to wait but already knew exactly what she wanted to ask for, the idea forming clearly in her mind.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDaddy, I\u2019ll be very good, I promise. So please come back quickly with Sabrina, okay?\u201d she said, her voice sweet and pleading.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent nodded, smoothing her hair. \u201cAlright, I\u2019ll do my best.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
*****\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent departed from Ravenshade Villa as planned on Friday evening.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That night, though still feeling weak and drained, Scarlett slept on the couch in Vanessa\u2019s room for Vanessa\u2019s sake, wanting to be nearby if she needed anything during the night.\u00a0<\/p>\n
By the next morning, her fever had broken completely and she felt somewhat improved, though a lingering fatigue still clung to her bones.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After sharing a quiet breakfast with Vanessa at the dining table, she considered taking Vanessa out for some fresh air, hoping the change of scenery might improve both their moods.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So much had happened recently between them, and Vanessa\u2019s attitude toward her kept fluctuating unpredictably, leaving Scarlett constantly off-balance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When Scarlett tentatively suggested an outing to the nearby park, Vanessa didn\u2019t object or complain, but displayed little enthusiasm-her responses muted and her manner suggesting she was merely going through the motions to satisfy Scarlett.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Whatever Vanessa\u2019s true motivations or feelings, Scarlett chose not to dwell on them too deeply. She simply focused on fulfilling her duties as a mother, one task at a time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 145 The Weekend Arrangement\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
They wandered through the neighborhood park for over an hour, before Scarlett took Vanessa grocery shopping at the nearby market, holding her hand carefully as they navigated the aisles.\u00a0<\/p>\n
By the time they returned to Ravenshade Villa, the morning had advanced and it was nearly ten o\u2019clock, the sun climbing higher in the sky.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Wanting to prepare a special, nutritious meal for Vanessa to aid her recovery, Scarlett went to the kitchen early to begin preparations, gathering ingredients for Vanessa\u2019s favorite dishes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Around eleven, as she was chopping vegetables, her phone rang from where it sat on the\u00a0<\/p>\n
counter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She glanced at the screen while wiping her hands-it was Melinda.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melinda was the one who had assisted with the procedure during her second pregnancy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Seeing Melinda\u2019s name flash on her screen, Scarlett couldn\u2019t help remembering the child who never entered the world, the tiny life she had chosen to end.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Back then, in her desperation, she had actually believed that having a second child might make Vincent stay, might somehow fix their broken marriage.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Looking back now with clearer eyes, she realized how utterly ridiculous and naive that notion had been.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She answered the call, pushing the painful memories aside. Melinda announced without preamble, \u201cScarlett, I\u2019m arriving in Rivergate this afternoon for a conference. Would you like to have a meal together? It\u2019s been too long.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett didn\u2019t hesitate, grateful for the distraction. \u201cOf course, I\u2019d love to see you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Normally, that would have concluded their conversation, with plans confirmed and goodbyes exchanged.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But Melinda kept pausing, leaving awkward silences in the conversation. Sensing Melinda\u2019s unusual hesitation, Scarlett finally asked, concern coloring her voice, \u201cMelinda, is everything alright? You sound troubled.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
1.1K\u00a0<\/p>\n
4\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
14:42 Sat, Jan 10\u00a0<\/p>\n
Awakened Housewife: ignore Betrayer\u2019s Begs\u00a0<\/p>\n
Editorial Board: Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.<\/p>\n
Silent Dreams Never Die \u2014 Author: John Miller 145 \u00a0 Chapter 145 The Weekend Arrangement\u00a0 85\u00a0 Finished\u00a0 \u201cVincent, you don\u2019t […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[81],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27509","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-impossible-condition-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27509"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27509\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}