Chapter 32

Vivienne struggled to find the right words, her expression a blend of indignation and embarrassment.

“If it pleases you, Vivienne, that’s all I aim to do,” Derek said sincerely.

“You…” Vivienne began, but faltered. With a sigh of defeat, she said, “Alright, if it makes you happy.”

Derek’s face lit up with a satisfied grin. “I might have arrived too late to spend every day and night with you before, but I’m here now, and I plan to stay for life.”

“I haven’t said yes to anything yet,” Vivienne replied.

“I’m aware,” Derek responded, his eyes softening as he admired the blush coloring her cheeks. “Yet, I believe that eventually, you will be mine.”

His confident assertion overwhelmed Vivienne. She blushed deeper, gently pushing him away as she quickly said good night and left without looking back.

Derek remained where he was, a slight smile playing on his lips as he watched her hasty departure.

Closing the door behind her, Vivienne leaned against it, her heart racing. From a young age, she had been instructed on how to express love toward others. Derek was the first to teach her that she, too, deserved to be loved. He seemed to offer her many options, yet subtly removed any chance of retreat, leaving her no choice but to decide.

Around Derek, Vivienne felt a deep blend of frustration and surrender. Massaging her temples, she lay down, staring into the night, lost in thought. Time slipped by unnoticed until she finally fell asleep.

As dawn’s light crept in, the world slowly stirred to life. After freshening up, Vivienne stepped out of her room and saw Margot in the living room. She approached quickly, saying, “Good morning.”

“Vivienne, good morning. How was your sleep last night?” Margot asked with a sly smile, her gaze penetrating, searching Vivienne’s demeanor for clues.

Vivienne swept a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I slept quite well, thank you.”

As Derek entered from outside, his eyes instinctively sought Vivienne. Her hair was casually tied back, a few loose strands framing her face, adding to her effortless charm. The gentle curves of her face accentuated her beauty; her eyes glimmered with intrigue, and her lips completely captivated him. His fleeting glance was enough to take in her quiet elegance and charm.

“Now that you’re here, why don’t we start with breakfast?” Margot suggested as Derek paused in the doorway.

Jolted from his reverie, Derek tightened his grip on a small tube of green ointment and moved inside. “Sounds good.”

Derek gestured for Vivienne to sit before he sat down, pulling out her chair as she offered a thankful smile. He gently nudged her chair closer to the table as she settled in, their actions smooth and synchronized.

Throughout breakfast, Vivienne ate diligently but felt the weight of Derek’s steady gaze upon her. His eyes were sharp and intense, impossible to ignore. From the corner, Margot and Lillian exchanged knowing looks, their smiles hidden yet evident.

Once breakfast ended, Derek excused himself after taking a call. As he left, he passed the ointment to Vivienne.

“What’s this for?” Vivienne asked, puzzled, looking at the ointment.

“It’s a healing ointment,” Derek explained with a subtle smile. “Useful for treating scratches and even reducing scars.”

Vivienne laughed lightly, dismissing the concern. “It’s merely a minor scratch.” By now, it had likely begun to heal on its own.

Margot gave Derek a meaningful look.