My CEO Ex: Let Me Go.-Chapter 177

Vivienne’s POV

"Thanks, but neither of us is a winner," I said, setting down my chopsticks.

"I’ll go back, but I want you to take me to the airport," Alexander suddenly said, laying out his condition.

I froze for a moment. Would he really let me off this easily?

"Alright, when?" I hesitated for a beat, then nodded.

"Tomorrow."

"Okay."

Alexander picked up the unopened bottle of wine from the table and poured some into my glass. "Try this, it’s the house’s signature fruit wine."

He poured some for himself as well.

I raised my glass and clinked it with his. The rim touched my lips, and I took a sip. A sweet, fruity flavor flooded my senses, smooth and rich.

"How is it?"

"Not bad," I said, gently smacking my lips and taking another sip.

"This wine has a strong kick, don’t drink too much."

"Mm," I murmured, nodding. "Actually, when we left the family court earlier, I was going to invite you to dinner, just like when we first got married. You treated me to a meal then, so I thought I’d return the favor. A nice, clean break. But, well, something unexpected came up. Today, I can make up for it. Starting tomorrow, you’ll go back to your work, and I’ll continue my journey. We’ll part ways, not getting in each other’s way."

Saying those words, a tightness gripped my chest, a bitter ache filling me.

But I knew it was the right choice.

"Okay."

Alexander’s lips curled into a faint smile. He said the words, but inside, it felt like a bitter tide had flooded his heart.

I drank a few more sips, feeling the warmth spreading across my face.

As the alcohol began to take effect, my head started to spin, and I set my glass down, rubbing my temples. "That’s it. I should head back."

I stood up, but suddenly felt dizzy. I grabbed the edge of the table to steady myself.

Alexander immediately stood up and reached out to support me. "I’ll take you back."

"No need."

"Why? Are you worried I might have ulterior motives?"

"Would you?" I slurred, my head foggy, a hint of drunkenness coloring my cheeks.

Alexander paused, his expression tightening slightly, but he didn’t answer.

I rubbed my temples, then turned and started walking off.

After settling the bill quickly, Alexander caught up with me, steadying my wobbly steps as he guided me out of the restaurant.

"Vivienne, you’re drunk. Let me take you home."

I knew I was a bit tipsy. I probably wouldn’t make it back to the hotel on my own, so I didn’t refuse again. I let Alexander guide me to the car.

He started the engine, then glanced at me through the rearview mirror. "If you’re tired, you can lie down and rest."

"Mm." I responded quietly, gazing at the back of the seat, feeling completely relaxed.

The chill of winter mixed with the warmth of the alcohol, and I felt cozy—too comfortable to move.

I had enough energy to watch the city lights blur past the window, but soon, my eyelids grew heavy. Before long, I couldn’t keep them open and drifted off to sleep.

Alexander’s POV

When I parked the car in the hotel lot, Vivienne was already asleep.

I gently unbuckled my seatbelt, got out of the car, and opened the back door, leaning inside.

Bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, I saw her peaceful face, deep in slumber.

Her lips were full and rosy, with the faintest curve at the corners, as if she were dreaming something sweet. Watching her like this, I couldn’t help but think, If only she could stay by my side forever.

I lightly traced her lips with my fingertip, watching her silently for a long while, before carefully lifting her from the car and carrying her inside the hotel.

I gently laid her on the bed, squatting down to help her remove her boots and socks. Her feet were delicate and fair, with soft, rounded toes. I couldn’t resist giving them a gentle squeeze before tucking her into the blankets.

I then took off her down jacket, adjusting her body so she was comfortable under the covers. After heading to the bathroom for some warm water, I returned to wipe her face and remove her makeup.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Sophie’s voice rang out in surprise.

"Alexander?! What are you doing here?!"

She rushed in, panic evident in her tone. "What are you doing to Vivienne?"

Earlier, Sophie had heard the sound of a door opening next door and, thinking it was Vivienne returning, she came over to check on her and Frederick. But when she stepped inside, she found me—the man who definitely shouldn’t be here.

I lifted my gaze, offering her a brief glance.

"Shh..."

I went back to gently wiping Vivienne’s face with the towel.

It took Sophie a moment to process what was happening. She blinked, then suddenly spoke with a serious expression, "What happened to Vivienne? Did you... did you give her something? A love drug?"

I looked at her sharply, my eyes dark and dangerous. Sophie immediately froze, feeling the weight of my presence.

This woman, who often seemed to push Vivienne toward other men, was actually quite sincere in her care for her.

I softened slightly, my expression easing a little.

"She had a bit to drink... and fell asleep," I explained, my tone unusually calm.

Sophie seemed taken aback but visibly relaxed.

I set the towel in the basin and went to the bathroom with the water basin.

Sophie approached the bed, brushing her hand over Vivienne’s forehead, checking her breathing. Once she confirmed Vivienne was fine, she let out a breath of relief but kept an eye on the bathroom warily.

I came out of the bathroom empty-handed, and Sophie immediately asked, "Wasn’t Vivienne supposed to be having dinner with Frederick tonight? How come she’s with you?"

I didn’t answer, instead heading toward the door.

"Take care of her," I said quietly.

"Hey..." Sophie called out, but I didn’t respond.

As I reached for the door handle, I paused, turned slightly, and said coldly, "Don’t let me catch you showing her those photos on your phone again."

Her eyes widened. "What’s it to you?"

I smiled coldly. "Otherwise, I’ll have a hacker release your album, or I could just destroy it. Your choice."

She froze for a moment before falling silent.

It seemed she finally understood that protecting her phone was the most important thing. If those photos were leaked, it would be a huge loss. Moreover, there was much more on her phone than just those photos. If a hacker exposed everything, her life would be ruined.

Without saying another word, I turned and left.

Soon after, Sophie confirmed that Vivienne was fine and returned to her own room.

Vivienne’s POV

The next morning, I woke up at eight and found a note from Sophie on the nightstand: “Sis, can you explain why you were with Alexander last night?”

I grabbed my phone and quickly texted Sophie: “I’m taking Alexander to the airport first. I’ll explain everything when I get back.”

“You’d better explain it clearly!” Sophie replied almost immediately.

While I was brushing my teeth, I got a message from Alexander: “Are you up? I’ve already bought the tickets. I’m coming to pick you up. We’ll have breakfast at the airport.”

Along with the message, he sent a screenshot of the ticket—probably to avoid any doubts from me. The details on it were clearly his.

I texted back, toothpaste foam still in my mouth: “I’ll be ready in ten minutes.” 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Exactly ten minutes later, there was a knock at my door.

He stood there, tall and handsome in a gray parka, shoulders squared. His black dress pants and polished leather shoes gave him a sharp, put-together look. A black suitcase stood beside him.

“Let’s go,” I said, grabbing my bag and closing the door behind me.

At the airport, we sat down at a KFC and ordered two breakfast sets.

After breakfast, Alexander checked in, and when we reached the entrance to the departure lounge, I stopped. “I’ll take you to here.”

“Mm, I won’t go in yet. I just want to talk to you for a bit.”

He looked at me, then casually asked, “What’s your plan after leaving Norway? Are you heading home, or continuing to travel?”

Meeting my gaze, Alexander added, “Don’t worry. If I wanted to follow you, your itinerary would be easy to find. I don’t need to ask you now.”

“We’re planning to head to Australia, and then come back home just before the New Year.”

“Australia sounds great. Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, Penguin Island, Kangaroo Island... It’s the perfect time to visit. By the way, Vivienne, why haven’t you thought about going to Avina? Didn’t you spend a year there at university? Don’t you want to go back and see it?”

The university I exchanged to was Avina University, located in Serblan’s Avina.

I paused, suddenly realizing where Avina was.

After a moment, I lightly shook my head. “I don’t have strong memories of Avina.”