Chapter 918

Rosalind gave a reluctant nod. "Alright. Lucian, why don't you drive me home later?"

"I can manage on my own!" Rosalind protested instantly.

At the same moment, Lucian's deep voice cut through the air. "Of course."

Their responses clashed in the tense silence.

Rosalind shot him a glare from across the table, fingers twitching with the urge to wrap around his throat.

Breakfast concluded in stifling discomfort. Once the plates were cleared, Rosalind gathered her things, ready to leave.

Just then, Lillian's group of friends arrived—bright-eyed girls who adored Rosalind and had come to say goodbye.

"Rosalind, you must visit us again soon," one chirped, squeezing her hand.

Rosalind forced a smile. "I will."

Her gaze flickered around the room. Something—or rather, someone—was missing. "Where's Vivian? Why isn't she here?"

Lillian frowned. "That's strange. She should've come."

One of the girls piped up. "Oh, she withdrew from school this morning. Got transferred back to her hometown. We won't see her again."

Just like that? No warning?

Rosalind's pulse stuttered. That was abrupt.

Lucian's voice sliced through her thoughts. "Let's go."

She looked up. His sculpted features betrayed nothing, as if Vivian's disappearance meant nothing to him.

But Rosalind knew better.

Last night, he'd taken Vivian out. And when he returned, he'd been a storm of barely restrained fury, pinning Rosalind to the sheets with bruising intensity.

Something had happened between them—something dark enough to send Vivian packing overnight.

Lillian and her friends escorted them to Lucian's sleek black car. "Safe travels, Rosalind!"

"Thank you," Rosalind murmured.

She reached for the back door.

Lucian wrenched the passenger side open instead. "Front seat."

Her stomach twisted.

That seat had been hers once—when they were together. Now, it felt like trespassing.

"I prefer the back," she said stiffly.

One dark brow arched. "So I'm your chauffeur now? Fine. Call a cab."

Rosalind's jaw clenched.

Lillian shoved her forward with a giggle. "Just get in already."

The engine purred to life as Lucian slid behind the wheel.

Rosalind waved one last time. "Goodbye."

The car lunged forward, swallowing the farewell in its wake.

Lucian's hands flexed on the steering wheel, knuckles whitening. The silence between them thickened.

Rosalind sat rigid, spine straight. "Drop me off at home. Please."

Instead of answering, his voice dropped to a velvet murmur. "Last night... I didn't use protection."

Her breath hitched. Why bring that up now?

"No," she admitted after a beat.

"My mistake." His tone was infuriatingly casual. "It slipped my mind."

A bitter laugh escaped her. "How convenient. You forgot last night but remembered this morning."

Amusement glinted in his eyes when he glanced at her. The bastard was enjoying this.

"Let's stop by a pharmacy," he said smoothly.

Her fingers dug into her thighs. "For what?"

His lips curved. "Morning-after pills. Unless you'd prefer an alternative?"