(Vivian’s POV)Click.The sound of the bedroom door opening softly made me turn my head reflexively.Warm steam from the bathroom still lingered in the air as I stepped out, wearing a cream-colored satin robe. My hair was still half-wet, clinging to the back of my neck.The room lights were dim and cozy, creating a warm atmosphere.Kai stood at the doorway. His grey work suit looked rumpled, and his tie hung loosely around his neck.His eyes immediately locked onto me, sharp—and… worried?“Hey…” I greeted softly, trying to smile even though my chest was pounding a little. “You’re home.”But instead of responding, Kai quickly walked toward me.His tall frame made me tilt my head slightly to look up at him as he stood in front of me.His large hand lifted, and with a gentle but steady motion, he touched the side of my face.His fingers were cold and rough, a sharp contrast to my warm, post-shower cheek.“What happened?” he asked in a low voice, almost growling.I blinked. “What do you m
(Vivian’s POV)“I’m going to Bali at the end of this month,” I said while dipping a biscuit into my warm tea.Summer immediately turned her head, her brown eyes widening.“What?! Bali? With Kai?”I nodded slowly, feeling my cheeks heat up just from hearing his name.“He invited me to join his family for Thanksgiving there.”Summer dropped her spoon into her bowl of soup.“Vivian, that means… He’s introducing you to his family. You two aren’t even officially dating yet, and he’s already taking you to a family gathering? This is more serious than I thought!”I gave a stiff smile, trying to calm the sudden pounding of my heart.“We’re just... well, living together. I’m not even sure that’s the reason he invited me.”Summer narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Oh, please, V. You two are practically a married couple already. Living under the same roof, you cook for him, he picks you up from the office, and now... Bali? Thanksgiving? Come on.”I lowered my gaze, biting the edge of my nail. “But
(Vivian’s POV)"Should I go there?"Kai’s voice echoed clearly from the living room just as I was about to leave the kitchen with two plates of food in my hands.I stopped at the doorway. His tone was heavy, as if he were weighing a difficult decision.I glanced sideways and saw him sitting on the couch with his phone pressed to his ear, leaning slightly forward, his fingers gripping his knees."I know, Mom. But... I’m not sure it’s a good idea," he said quietly, his tone slightly irritated.Mom? At least I didn’t have to feel suspicious, let alone jealous.I set the plates on the dining table, not wanting to eavesdrop, but also not wanting to interrupt.But from the way he spoke, it was clear there was tension. Kai’s eyes stared blankly at the floor, his jaw clenched tightly.It seemed like something had happened, and he was trying to refuse."I just feel like this isn’t the right time."There was a brief silence. Then another voice came through—soft but firm. This time, it wasn’t hi
(Vivian’s POV)Tears welled up in my eyes, but I held them back. My chest felt tight, as if something was choking me from the inside. I hated how weak I sounded, how desperate I seemed in front of Summer. But that was the truth.“Vivian…” she whispered, gently squeezing my hand. “Loving someone shouldn't hurt this much. It shouldn't feel like a punishment.”“I know,” I replied, my voice barely audible. “But what can I do, Sam? He never promised anything. I agreed to the terms. I told him I wouldn’t fall in love with him. But I lied. Not to him. To myself.”Summer looked at me with sympathy, then softly brushed a strand of hair away from my face.“I wish I could hate you for doing this to yourself,” she said, her voice trembling, “but I can’t. Because I understand. Love makes people do crazy things.”I gave a bitter smile. “Crazy enough to be someone's sex partner and stay silent even when I know it’s going nowhere.”“That’s not true. You don’t know that.”“Yes, I do. He made it very c
(Vivian’s POV)“Vivian Rosendale! Have you completely lost your mind?!” Summer screamed so loudly that I had to step back.Shock, anger, and the urge to explode filled her when she found out I had spent time at a villa with Kai. More specifically, at Kai’s private villa.I didn’t even realize it when I posted a photo on my social media story. I just wanted to show that I was genuinely happy after breaking free from Adrian’s chains. I wanted to show Sophia that I wasn’t broken and wallowing just because she took my husband away from me.I could be happy, even more than they ever were.But who would’ve thought? The next day, after I got back to work, Summer barged into my office. She stormed in like a journalist, bombarding me with endless questions.It turned out that Kai was in the photo I had posted. His reflection appeared on the glass wall behind me when he was helping me take a few photos while I was wearing a bikini.And damn it, I hadn’t even noticed. Summer recognized it as Kai
(Vivian’s POV)The sound of water splashing echoed softly in the dimly lit marble bathroom.Warm steam filled the air, creating tiny bubbles on the surface of the bathtub where Kai and I were soaking together.My back rested against his chest, his warm body enveloping mine from behind.His hand gently stroked my arm, which floated in the water.Then he stopped.I felt his fingers touch my wrist, right on the spot that was still red.Kai went quiet for a moment. His breathing rose and fell in a calm yet heavy rhythm.“This… It’s too red,” he murmured, his voice low and tinged with regret. “I was too rough last night.”I turned slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of his face from the corner of my eye.Kai's expression was full of guilt. His gaze was fixed on the reddish mark, as if blaming himself.Honestly, I wanted to be angry, but the sudden tenderness in his demeanor made it impossible.Yes, I wanted to be angry at him for being so rough during sex, but I won’t lie, I enjoyed it, ev