章 24: Chapter 24: Marcus Chen's POV

"I see the look in your eyes, or is it something to do, oh yeah baby, I think I'm going to marry you…"

The lyrics play on repeat, over and over again, and every time I hear them, one person fills my thoughts—Vivian. She's been occupying my mind relentlessly these past few days. It's not just the song. It's everything around me. A smell, a laugh, a random memory. It's like she's inescapable, even when she's not here.

And she isn't far away. I know she's probably just a few blocks away from me, tucked somewhere in this city. I remember the last time I dropped her off. She had been insistent—almost adamant—that I didn't take her directly to her door. "Just stop here," she'd said, her tone leaving no room for argument.