After Vivian left, Adrian returned from Pierce Manor alone, looking hollow and lost.
There was no familiar figure waiting for him at home.
The living room lamp was on, but the sofa was empty.
He stood in the entryway and stared at the silent room.
For the first time, the house seemed much too large.
It had always been this size.
He had simply never noticed how empty it could feel.
Adrian didn't understand what was happening to him.
Before all of this, Vivian had annoyed him. He hadn't wanted to see her. He had even considered divorce himself.
Yet now that Vivian had actually left, he couldn't stand it.
Worse, some part of him wanted her to come home.
Walter stood nearby in silence for a moment, then asked quietly, "Sir, Mrs. Pierce still hasn't come back?"
"No." Adrian's voice
