In the novel "The Ruthless CEO's Delicate Wife," Ethan reluctantly pushes away a devastated Vivian, sending her to safety abroad before single-handedly confronting his uncle Lyon, who plots against the family fortune.
Later, once the turmoil around him settles and no threat looms over him or his loved ones, he arranges for Vivian's return, initiating a lengthy pursuit that spans tens of thousands of words in the story.
Ultimately, Vivian and Ethan resolve their misunderstandings, reunite, and Ethan spares no effort in providing Vivian with the finest life and enviable affection.
"But... that's the ending within the story."
Vivian gazes at the identical Vivian before her, recognizing her as the the original in this novel," the original inhabitant of the body she now occupies.
This "Vivian" wears a melancholic expression, standing beside the original Ethan in this novel. They observe, as if watching a 3D film, how "Ethan" leads the Sharpe Corporation to the pinnacle of the business world, a scene not detailed in the book.
As the title suggests, Ethan evolves into a feared, ruthless CEO, making decisive and merciless moves in business, ensuring those who cross him face dire consequences. This, however, isolates him, as no one dares to get close or intimate with him.
Hayden, once Ethan's friend and secretary in the story, remains his most trusted aide by the tale's conclusion. Nevertheless, beyond work, their relationship never transcends the boundaries of superior and subordinate, even until Hayden retires from Sharpe Corporation.
"Ethan treats me the same. Despite his doting and compliance with my every wish, I feel I never truly penetrate his inner world or earn his genuine trust," the original Vivian tells her counterpart from another world.
"That's only natural. Who would trust someone weaker, someone who constantly relies on and leans on them?" Vivian responds, scoffing at the original Vivian .
"That's because he's the CEO of the Sharpe Corporation, inheriting it at eighteen, with a firm grip, cold intelligence, and unmatched prowess. Everyone appears weak before him, so what choice do I have?" the original Vivian defends herself, detecting disdain.
"You could have stopped holding him back. You could have supported him wholeheartedly from behind, doing what you can, however small. But look at what you did..." Vivian recounts to the original Vivian, "You wavered between your birth family, easily manipulated and implicated due to your distrust in him. You were seduced by Rowan, leading to misunderstandings and a miscarriage. When he was busy eliminating enemies, you cried, accusing him of not loving you..."
"In the end, he had no choice but to send you away, precisely during the darkest period of his life." When the original Vivian was sent away, Ethan had just uncovered his uncle's schemes. The person he trusted and respected, who had been by his side since his parents' passing, was the mastermind behind everything, potentially involved in their murder. The blow to Ethan was immense.
Yet, at that time, his marriage to "Vivian" had caused a rift with Hayden. While he trusted Hayden's capabilities, he dared not reveal his vulnerabilities. Misunderstandings compounded, exacerbated by the original Vivian's distrust, preventing him from sharing the truth about his uncle. He was forced to let the misunderstanding escalate, secretly sending "Vivian" to safety.
How excruciating those days must have been for Ethan alone?
This led to his future coldness, making his heart impenetrable to others.
Vivian watches the original Ethan age into middle age, deep creases etching his brow, exuding an austere aura that repels intimacy. Even the twin sons "Vivian" bore overseas shun him. Their later years are marked by polite formality; "Vivian" leaves him to enjoy her twilight years with her sons, while Ethan, devoid of any close companions, immerses himself in work, a lonely figure evoking pity.
Observing Ethan's true final outcome in the novel, Vivian feels a sharp pang of sorrow.
The real Ethan was kind-hearted; how could he endure such a lonely old age?
The original Vivian is silenced by Vivian's words, eventually lowering her head, fidgeting with her hands. "I... had no choice."
"Do you appear here to reclaim your body?" Vivian, unsure why she is in this place, senses it is not of the real world.
The original Vivian shakes her head, looking at Vivian with rare resolve. "I don't want to return to that life..."
Although she ends up with Ethan, basking in his adoration, living a seemingly fulfilled life, she realizes she was like a caged canary, cherished superficially but forever locked out of Ethan's heart.
"Ethan was once the object of my admiration. I fantasized about loving him, but after marrying him and spending a lifetime with him, I realized I was trapped in my own dreams. What I yearned for was someone to rescue me from my birth family, and that person didn't have to be Ethan," the original Vivian sighs, grasping Vivian's hands earnestly. "Perhaps he truly needs you, you are the one suited for him."
The sincerity in the original Vivian's eyes momentarily fills Vivian with guilt, wondering if she was too harsh. The original Vivian didn't do anything wrong; her choices were products of her circumstances. Not everyone possesses her resilience, nor is strength a necessity for all.
She could make different choices and become strong enough to be Ethan's backbone to support him. Because she isn't the original Vivian.
"What about you then?" Vivian starts to ask, curious about the original Vivian's intentions if she doesn't plan to reclaim her body.
But before she can finish, a beam of light envelops her, lifting her upward.
Her body grows lighter, drifting farther from the original Vivian, much like the helicopter that once abandoned her, soaring higher. This time, however, she is the one aboard the helicopter, and the "Vivian" below is the one left behind.
She understands this signals her return, to take the original Vivian's place as Vivian beside Ethan. But what will become of the original Vivian left behind? Vivian, overwhelmed with guilt, yells, "I'm sorry," unsure if her words are heard.
She can't tell if the original Vivian catches her apology, but she reads her lips forming:
"Wish you happiness."
