The Last Time I Loved Him (Autumn and Ryan)

Chapter

10

The next day, I was woken by a call from one of Alex's friends in his circle.

"Vivian, could you come to the hospital? Last night, Mr. Carter drank way too much-no one could stop him and he ended up drinking until he coughed up blood."

"Honestly, he regretted it within a week after you left. He's just so prideful it hurts him. He couldn't let you go but wouldn't admit he was wrong, either."

"During those years you were gone, Mr. Carter kept looking for you. He went to so many cities, convinced you'd been taken away by someone, searching all over but never finding you.

Sometimes, after drinking, he'd choke up and whisper that he'd lost you for good. You don't know how happy he was to see you at the fashion show. It hasn't been easy for him, Vivian. Is there really no chance between you two?"

Curled up in Winston's embrace, my hair spread messily over his arm, I replied lazily, "There's no chance. I'm not going to the hospital to see him. If he doesn't care for his own health, that's his problem, not mine. I can't and won't be bothered by it."

I couldn't help but think: why would I, in my right mind, leave a stable, accomplished, handsome, wealthy, and talented man like Winston, who treats me well, to "grow up" with a playboy?

Within three days, the Seattle elite lifted their restrictions on my company. Venue managers started approaching us, and even the models who'd dropped out came back, offering to walk the runway for free. I knew it was because of Alex. His family's influence in Seattle carried considerable weight, and no one dared offend them.

A message popped up on my phone:noveldrama

"Vivian, you don't need to leave Seattle. I won't interfere with your life or obstruct your career anymore."

I read it, then deleted it immediately. After all, I do live with a rather possessive man.