Chapter 218: His Unwavering Resolve

Vivienne slid into Derek’s car. In one swift motion, his arm coiled around her waist while the other slipped beneath her knees, lifting her effortlessly onto his lap.

“Ah!” The sudden movement startled Vivienne, and without thinking, she clutched his neck for balance. The space between them disappeared in an instant.

“Do you have any idea how much restraint it took not to just take you away?” Derek’s voice was low and rough, his breath grazing her ear.

Vivienne lowered her gaze, concealing the emotions flickering in her eyes. After a brief silence, she bit her lip and murmured, “I’m sorry…”

Derek’s eyes darkened as they caught the movement of her teeth sinking into her lip, a sharp glint flashing in his gaze. “Look at me.” His tone was deceptively calm, yet the quiet authority in it left no room for defiance.

Vivienne’s lashes fluttered before she slowly lifted her gaze, locking onto the intensity in his dark eyes. For a fleeting second, she glimpsed something unfathomable—a depth so vast it reminded her of the midnight sea, its surface still, yet concealing violent undercurrents. A quiet fear curled in her chest.

“Derek, I—” Before she could finish, his fingers curled around the back of her neck, pulling her forward as he silenced her with his lips. His presence was all-consuming, his intensity leaving no space for hesitation. His kiss was rougher than usual—urgent, unrelenting, crashing over her like a storm. It was a battle of frustration and desire, one she had no defense against. Her fingers curled tightly into his shirt, pressing against the hard planes of his chest. It wasn’t until the air was stolen from her lungs, her vision shimmering with scattered stars, that he finally let her go.

“Don’t let it happen again.” His voice was a low, frigid whisper against her ear.

A shiver crept down Vivienne’s spine, a cold sensation trickling from the base of her neck to the very tips of her fingers. She lifted her gaze, unexpectedly locking eyes with him. His intense stare held an undeniable power—a silent yet unwavering claim that left no room for uncertainty.

Then, suddenly, Vivienne’s lips curved into a bright smile. Leaning into his chest, she spoke, her voice soft. “My mother used to say that every child is a blessing to their family, that they deserve love and care. But I never really felt that love myself. I’ve faced so much abandonment. Every time, I asked myself if it was my fault—if I wasn’t mature enough, good enough, or obedient enough. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t change their prejudice against me. No matter what I did, I was always left behind. So when everything exploded online, my first instinct was to believe I’d be abandoned again…”

A heavy silence filled the car, thick and suffocating.

“I’ll never abandon you, Vivienne.” Derek’s words were steady as he cupped the back of her neck, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her forehead. “No matter what happens, I will always be here.”

Vivienne’s smile brightened. “I know.”

When Derek had spoken of marriage, she had felt his certainty—his unshakable determination.

“I just don’t have confidence in myself…” she admitted quietly.

Derek was born to stand at the top, to shine brighter than anyone else. His world was dazzling, untouchable. He wasn’t supposed to be held back by someone like her.

“But don’t worry. I won’t give up. I can change—”

“No.” Derek’s voice cut through her words, firm and absolute. “You don’t need to change for anyone. Not even for me. You are Vivienne Hayes—one of a kind, and absolutely irreplaceable.”