Chapter 138

The next morning, Vivienne chose a chic cream-colored business suit. The top, paired with a white silk camisole, flattered her figure, while the knee-length pencil skirt added understated allure. Her long, slender legs commanded attention as she walked, each step graceful and deliberate.

“Good morning, Miss Hayes,” Vanessa greeted her warmly, her eyes sparkling. “Mr. Hopkins is waiting for you in the dining room.”

Vivienne nodded slightly and proceeded to the dining room. At the sound of her approach, Derek lowered his phone and looked up. His gaze softened upon seeing Vivienne, a smile warming his eyes. “Let’s eat first,” he said warmly. “I’ll drive you to the office later.”

“Okay,” Vivienne replied, settling calmly into her seat, her gaze drifting over the breakfast spread. It was, as expected, composed entirely of her favorites.

Derek placed a pancake on her plate, casually asking, “How about you stay at Celtis Estate for a while?”

Vivienne shook her head gently. “You can’t always protect me.”

“Why can’t I?” Derek countered, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

Vivienne took a bite of the pancake and glanced up, a playful glint in her eyes. “Do you like the idea of an ideal homemaker?”

Derek answered without hesitation, his voice steady and firm. “No, I don’t.”

Vivienne’s eyebrows rose slightly as she observed him. Derek rose and placed a bowl of cereal before her, then reseated himself, his movements slow and deliberate. He wiped his fingers with a napkin. His deep voice, calm yet intense, broke the silence. “I want a woman who can stand by my side. When I succeed, she’ll share in the glory. If I fail, she’ll have the strength to stand tall and rise with me.”

His gaze remained unwavering, filled with quiet but unshakable determination. He understood her dreams, her ambitions. Someone as radiant and magnificent as Vivienne shouldn’t be hidden—she deserved to shine, to be the center of attention. His dark eyes burned with an intense, almost possessive desire, and his words were infused with unshakeable conviction. “Vivienne, with me, you’ll have the freedom to grow. No more worrying about what others think, no more fearing consequences. Just live for yourself, according to your own heart.”

Vivienne mentally repeated his words. They resonated with a quiet but powerful magic, as if the air itself shifted. Each word struck her heart with gentle yet undeniable force. Her blood, once sluggish, surged anew, her heart pounding in her chest.

Her throat tightened as she met his gaze, her mind reeling. Her life, once barren and lonely, now seemed filled with vibrant hues—colors she never imagined experiencing, all because of him.

A slow, tender smile touched her lips, her expression brightening like the sun breaking through clouds. “It’s a coincidence. Our thoughts align so perfectly.”

“To be precise, we’re destined for each other,” Derek replied, his voice low and meaningful.

They exchanged a smile, their eyes locking, reflecting a universe of unspoken understanding. In that moment, words were unnecessary; they both felt the connection, the certainty.

After breakfast, Derek drove Vivienne to her company. She opened the car door, but glancing back, saw the car remain parked behind her. Taking a deep breath, she returned to him.

“What—”

Before Derek could finish, Vivienne’s lips met his, silencing him completely.