Vivian was ten years younger than Nina, but that age difference never showed in conversation.
She was tall and slim, with long blond hair, fair skin, faint freckles across her nose, and huge gray eyes that always sparkled with mischief. Vivian radiated calm and confidence, the kind that drew people to her.
Even with a small child, she managed everything. And she always looked stunning and stylish. Nina had even asked her for her stylist’s contacts to help sort out her own wardrobe.
“I’m fine,” Nina said, trying to bring her usual lightness back into her voice.“Frank and I went to see his parents, and then we spent a day up in the mountains at our friends’spa resort.”
“Wow, really? Which spa?”
“SpaPark Panorama.”
“That’s a great place. I was there earlier this year. Perfect for a family getaway. My son loved it so much he didn’t want to leave,” Vivian said enthusiastically.
And Nina caught herself feeling a small flicker of envy. Daphne had already grown up. Trips like that no longer interested her.
Her daughter had just started her freshman year as an economics major, chosen a university in another city, and flown the nest.
“Yeah, it’s a shame Frank was busy and we were only passing through,” Nina said with a forced smile.
“So, what are we doingafter coffee?” Vivian asked, lightly tapping her fingers on the table.
Her manicure was perfect as always, and her outfit looked simple yet expensive. Today she wore beige slacks and a tucked-in white blouse that accentuated her tiny waist.
“Nadine wants to look for a dress,” Nina nodded toward her friend.“And I’ll tag along.”
“Sounds good,”Vivian nodded.“I’m up for shopping too. My husband actually sent money to my account today. I was a little upset with him yesterday. He never has time for me, always on business trips. And today a courier showed up with a gorgeous bouquet of roses, and a nice sum landed in my account. Message received,” she laughed, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
Just then Vivian’s phone rang. She quickly pulled it from her purse and gave them an apologetic look.
“Sorry, girls. One second.”
She stepped away from the table, speaking quietly. When she returned, she slipped the phone back into her purse. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and a thin crease appeared on her forehead.
“I’m sorry, I have to go,” she said as she hurried into her coat.“The nanny just called. Ethan threw up.”
“Poor baby,” Nadine murmured.
“I’ve gotta run. Don’t be bored without me. See you Tuesday.”
Nina nodded, but the name echoed again in her head. Ethan. The coincidence felt like a physical blow.
Vivian said goodbye, tossed a couple of bills on the table for the coffee without waiting for change, and hurried toward the exit.
“It’s always like this with her. Constant chaos. And she still manages to spend time with her kid, go to beauty salons, work out, go to yoga, and meet us for coffee. It’s insane," Nina said. "You know, Vivian told me her husband is incredibly caring. He dotes on their son and won’t even let her go back to work since the baby was born. Can you imagine? He gave her a car for her birthday and an apartment as an investment for their son. That kind of thing barely exists anymore. Every woman would dream of that.”
She sighed with a faint smile. It had all seemed so perfect. And Vivian herself always looked so calm and confident, like a woman who truly had a strong shoulder behind her.
“Husband?” Nadine snorted, leaned closer, and whispered,“She doesn’t have a husband. She’s having an affair with a wealthy married guy. Had his son so he wouldn’t go anywhere. Only he’s not stupid either. He’s in no rush to divorce. They say the company shares belong to his wife, not him. That’s why he stays. And Vivian’s already desperate, trying to figure out how to make him choose her.”
Nina froze with the cup in her hand, staring at Nadine in shock. There were too many coincidences. Three days earlier Frank had mentioned transferring shares to him. She hadn’t paid any attention then. What did she understand about his business anyway? And now there was the child’s drawing in his car, signed with Vivian’s son’s name.
It was impossible. Nonsense. Frank had never once given her a reason to doubt him.
Seeing her reaction, Nadine quickly added,“Why are you looking at me like that?”Nadine frowned.“Yeah, the situation’s ugly, but Vivian chose that life herself. Money, gifts, a kid. She’s got everything.”
“Are you absolutely sure she doesn’t have a husband?” Nina asked quietly, her voice soundingalien even to herself.“She’s told me so much about her husband. His favorite cherry pie, the gifts, all of it. Constantly.”
Nina didn’t judge her choice, but it still wouldn’t fit in her head. The image of Vivian’s perfect life was crumbling right in front of her. She had seemed far too proper for a story like that.
