Chapter 79
Chapter 79
Vivienne was just finishing up her shift at the hospital when her phone buzzed against the desk. She had been in the middle of signing documents, but the vibration pulled her attention away.
She reached for her phone, and a smile spread across her lips when she saw the name on the screen — Xavier Harper.
The message read:
“Hi, Viv. I’ve got today off, and I was wondering if you’re free to have lunch with me.”
Vivienne leaned back in her chair, the phone warm in her hand. Lunch? It wasn’t a strange request, but the thought stirred something inside her — a mix of nostalgia and curiosity.
She quickly reminded herself she was free. She had just wrapped up her morning shift, tomorrow was her day off, and there was nothing keeping her tied to the hospital today.
Her fingers typed a quick response:
“Sure. Text me the address.”
Almost immediately, the typing bubbles appeared, and within seconds his reply popped up.
“Let’s meet at Macquarie Restaurant.”
Vivienne nodded to herself, even though he couldn’t see her, and tapped the little “like” on the message before setting her phone down.
\---
The day already felt lighter than usual. Jayden and Jayla had finally gone back to school after more than six months of being homeschooled. It had been such a hard decision for her — her heart wanted to keep them close, shielded, safe. But she knew they needed more.
They deserved to laugh with friends, trade snacks at recess, and play games at break time. They needed to live a childhood free from constant worry.
Her own childhood at the orphanage had been filled with strict rules and kind but distant caretakers. It was a safe place, but it wasn’t the same as having parents who tucked you in every night. She didn’t want her children to feel that same emptiness.
Magnus had been surprised when she told him her decision, but his proud smile told her she had done the right thing.
With that thought giving her courage, Vivienne stacked her files, shut her MacBook, and grabbed her purse and grey coat. Her heels clicked softly against the hospital floor as she headed for the parking lot. Today had been a clean shift — no surgeries, no chaos — and now, it seemed, it would end with an unexpected lunch.
\---
Fifteen minutes later, Vivienne drove into Macquarie’s parking lot. She stepped out of her car and tilted her head to admire the massive glass building towering above her. It looked like something out of a glossy travel magazine — modern yet elegant, with its mirrored walls reflecting the afternoon sun.
Magnus has to bring me here on our next date night, she thought, making a mental note.
At the entrance, a sharply dressed young man greeted her with a practiced smile.
“Welcome to Macquarie’s, ma’am. May I take your coat?”
Vivienne glanced at her grey coat, then smiled politely and shook her head. “No, thank you. I’ll keep it.”
“Very well then,” he replied, stepping aside so she could pass.
The moment she walked into the restaurant, her eyes widened. The interior was stunning — white marble floors, golden chandeliers, polished wooden accents, and tables draped in soft linen. It felt luxurious yet warm, and she almost laughed at herself for not knowing about this place before.
“Vivienne!”
Her head turned at the sound of her name. There was Xavier, waving from across the room, his smile as warm as she remembered. He looked good — a neat shirt, well-groomed, and carrying that easy confidence he always had.
Vivienne smiled back and walked toward him. He quickly stood, pulling out her chair with gentlemanly grace.
“Thank you,” she said, settling into the seat.
“No problem, Viv. You look lovely, by the way,” he said warmly.
Vivienne chuckled, glancing at her navy pantsuit. “Really? I came straight from the hospital. But I’ll take the compliment, thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” Xavier replied, signaling to a waiter.
\---
The waiter approached with a polite nod. “Good day. Are you ready to order?”
Xavier skimmed the menu. “I’ll have mushroom soup. And instead of the grilled cheese, could I get garlic bread?”
“Yes, sir.” The waiter jotted it down, then turned to Vivienne.
“I’ll have stir-fry pasta with chicken, thank you,” Vivienne said with a smile, handing back the menu.
“Will that be all?”
“Yes,” she replied, while Xavier nodded in agreement.
Once the waiter left, Xavier leaned back, his lips twitching into a smile. “So, how have you been? I heard you got married. Congratulations — though I guess I’m a little late.”
Vivienne smiled and lifted her hand, the wedding band glinting under the lights. “Yes, I did. And I’ve got kids now — the sweetest, most mischievous boys. Want to see their pictures?”
“I’d love to,” Xavier said just as the waiter returned with their food.
Proudly, Vivienne pulled out her phone, tapped the album of Jayden and Jayla, and handed it across.
“They’re adorable,” Xavier said softly, his face lighting up. “How old are they?”
“Five now,” Vivienne said, her eyes glowing. “They’ll turn six in five months.”
Xavier passed her phone back, smiling. “And your husband is Magnus Ashford — the president of MA Group. You’re really living the dream, Viv. I’m happy for you.”
Vivienne grinned. “I am. But enough about me. What about you? How’s life treating you?”
\---
Xavier’s eyes brightened. “Pretty good. I got my PhD three months ago, and I’m already planning another.”
Vivienne’s eyebrows shot up. “Another? Are you planning to go into teaching?”
“Maybe,” he said with a shrug. “But for now, I enjoy being a surgeon.”
“That’s wonderful,” Vivienne said, twirling pasta onto her fork. She took a bite and her eyes widened. “Mmm, this is so good.”
“Really?” Xavier asked, amused.
“Yeah, you should try it.”
He shook his head, tearing a piece of garlic bread and dipping it into his soup. “Can’t. I’ve got celiac disease.”
Vivienne’s smile softened. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s nothing. Just bad luck in the genes,” he said lightly.
The conversation flowed easily. They laughed about old memories from the orphanage, talked about her kids, and even discussed his new apartment.
“I’m hopeless at decorating,” Xavier admitted sheepishly.
Vivienne laughed, remembering how he’d always failed art class. “Well, you made up for it in science.”
He chuckled.
“You know,” she added, “I could give you my husband’s interior designer’s number. The man is brilliant.”
Xavier’s eyes lit up. “That would be amazing. Thanks, Viv.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” she said with a grin. “That’s what friends are for.”
But as the lunch carried on, Vivienne couldn’t shake a gnawing feeling deep inside. Sitting here with Xavier felt warm, safe, even nostalgic. But another part of her knew Magnus would never like it.
And when Xavier leaned forward, his smile softening just a little too much, Vivienne’s heart skipped.