That morning was no longer as calm as yesterday.
The sky outside the company building looked cloudy, as if reflecting what was going to happen inside.
Vivian stood in front of the mirror in the hospital room, looking at herself.
Her face was still pale and her body was still weak.
But her eyes were still strong.
Today she could no longer hide.
"Are you sure you want to go?" Well's voice came from behind.
Vivian didn't turn around.
"If I don't go… things will get worse."
Well approached.
Her steps were slow.
"Your condition is not stable yet."
Vivian sighed softly.
"The company is also my responsibility."
This time she turned around.
Their eyes met.
"And this is… my fault too."
Well shook her head.
"No."
His answer was firm but Vivian only smiled faintly.
She knew… this wasn't that easy. Then Well hugged Vivian and kissed her. Vivian was frozen, not knowing what to do. She could only return Well's hug.
A few hours later, the door to the main meeting room opened.
All the board members were inside. The room felt like a refrigerator. The sharp eyes of the board members watched Vivian's every move as if she were a criminal. The files were on the table.
And it was clear that no one was on her side.
Vivian stepped in.
Each step felt heavy, but she remained upright.
Well walked behind her.
As CEO
And also as husband.
But today, the two roles clashed.
"Mrs. Vivian," said one of the board members.
The tone was cold.
"We're glad you're well enough to come."
Vivian nodded slowly.
"Thank you."
She sat down.
Well sat next to her.
But the distance felt far.
Very far.
The meeting began without much delay.
"Let's get to the main issue," the chairman said.
"Intimate relationship between the CEO and one of the company's senior officers."
Silence.
The word was chosen deliberately.
Intimate relationship.
Not husband and wife.
Vivian was stunned.
Well looked ahead.
He was calm but clearly hiding something.
"It wasn't an intimate relationship."
Well's voice broke the silence.
All eyes were on him.
"We're married."
This time it was clearer.
More assertive.
But one of the board members just smiled wryly.
"Officially, yes."
"But the fact that it was hidden from the company… is still an issue." "But this is a private matter, not something everyone needs to know," Well said.
Everyone fell silent.
Vivian took a deep breath.
She knew… this was going to happen.
"Why wasn't this announced sooner?" asked another.
This time his tone was sharper.
Vivian opened her mouth.
But before she could answer
"Because it was my decision."
All eyes were on Well.
"I ask that it not be made public."
Vivian continued to look at her.
Shocked.
"Okay"
But Well didn't turn around.
"He's the CEO but it's my decision. So if anything happens, I'll take responsibility."
His tone was calm, but clearly protective.
And that made Vivian feel even more guilty.
The chairman tapped the table softly.
"We're not here to find out who's right and who's wrong."
"What we want to know… is the impact."
He looked at Vivian.
"Do you realize what the implications are for this company?"
Vivian nodded slowly.
"I do."
"The media could find out. Investors could lose trust."
"And this could be considered a conflict of interest."
Every sentence felt heavy.
But Vivian didn't dodge it.
"I understand."
There was a moment of silence.
Then,
"So what are you doing?"
The question continued to hurt.
Vivian fell silent.
Her hands were clenched tightly under the table.
Well turned slightly.
As if to stop her.
But Vivian had already made up her mind.
"I am willing to resign."
The sentence came out slowly.
But it was enough to silence the entire room.
"Well turned.
"What are you talking about?"
Vivian didn't look at her.
"This is probably the best way to protect the company."
"No, no."
"I'm the one making the decision."
This time Vivian cut in.
Her voice was still soft.
But firm.
And that made Well fall silent.
The board members began to whisper among themselves.
They clearly hadn't expected it.
But before they could answer,
"I disagree."
Well's voice was firm.
All eyes turned back to him.
"If anyone should be held accountable, it's me."
"Not Vivian."
"The decision to hide this relationship came from me."
Vivian looked at him.
Her eyes were a little sad.
"Okay"
But Well just shook his head.
This time he wouldn't give in.
The chairman leaned back in his chair.
Looking at the two of them.
Assessing.
"Do you two understand what you're doing?"
Silence.
No one answered.
"You're not just a couple."
"You're the leaders of this company."
The sentence was heavy.
And this time... both of them were silent.
The meeting ended without a final decision.
But one thing was clear, this wasn't over yet.
Outside the meeting room,
Vivian walked out without saying anything.
Well chased after her.
"Why did you do that?"
Vivian stopped.
But didn't turn around.
"I don't want you to fall because of me."
Well clenched her jaw.
"And I won't let you sacrifice yourself like that."
Finally Vivian turned.
Her eyes met Well's.
"This isn't just about us, Well."
"This is about everyone in the company."
Well stepped closer.
Right in front of her.
"To me… you're more important."
Silence.
Vivian looked at her for a long time.
And for the first time she didn't know what to say.
Outside the building, the sky was still cloudy.
As if waiting for something.
And deep down, they both knew.
This was just the beginning of something bigger.
Was there something harder and perhaps more painful to come?