Chapter 87: Take a Leap of Faith

There were no grand declarations, no flowery words—just one simple, honest question: “Why don’t you just be my girlfriend?”

In that moment, Vivienne felt an unexpected rush of warmth and sincerity, like the sun breaking through a stormy sky. She wondered if anyone else in the world would truly accept her, cherish her for who she was. Would anyone else say, “Do it your way. No matter what happens, I’ll always have your back”? Would anyone else offer unwavering dedication, a constant presence, devoted companionship?

He never flinched at her aloofness, her guarded heart. Even when she bristled with hostility, he held his arms open, waiting.

“I’m struggling to keep up with your pace,” Vivienne confessed, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Derek’s gaze softened. “Then tell me, what pace should it be?”

Vivienne was momentarily speechless, caught off guard by his simplicity. Before she could respond, a soft knock came from the door. “Miss Vivienne, the meal is ready.”

Vivienne shifted her gaze to Derek. “I’m hungry,” she said, her voice light but filled with unspoken depth. Her eyes shimmered, leaving him breathless.

A slow smile spread across Derek’s lips. “If you don’t want to leave this room, just keep looking at me like that,” he teased, his voice low.

Vivienne blinked, confused. “So, what do you want?”

“Playing coy?” Derek leaned closer, his fingers gently brushing her ear. “Be my girlfriend, okay?” His breath traced her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. “I just feel like things are moving too fast,” she murmured.

“You do?” Derek raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. “Can I take that as a yes?”

Vivienne met his gaze, mischief dancing in her eyes. “Yes and no. After all, I still haven’t seen the full depth of your sincerity.”

“There will be plenty of chances for you to feel it in the future,” Derek promised, his voice smooth and confident.

“Alright then,” Vivienne replied, her voice light but with a hidden weight. “But we need to establish some boundaries. No kissing me out of nowhere, and keep a proper distance…”

The smile on Derek’s face faltered. He wouldn’t accept those boundaries. She’d agreed to be with him yet kept him at arm’s length—how could she expect him to stand for that?

Vivienne opened her mouth to respond, but the words escaped her.

“Didn’t you say you were hungry?” Derek asked, his voice softening. “Come on, let’s go downstairs and eat.”

He took her hand, gently guiding her toward the door. Vivienne glanced down at their intertwined fingers, a smile tugging at her lips, her heart fluttering with uncertainty and excitement. She was stepping into uncharted territory, trusting him with her heart. From that moment, she realized her future was no longer solely her own.

As they ate, the room was quiet, but Derek’s every glance and movement spoke of unspoken tenderness, his gaze never straying far from her. Vivienne kept her head lowered, focused on her food, but she felt the weight of his stare. She finished eating and reached for a napkin. “I’ll have my assistant pick me up this afternoon.”

Derek looked up, his expression shifting to concern. “A big part of your health issues comes from irregular eating and sleeping habits. You’ve just recovered. It wouldn’t be wise to dive back into work so soon. Why not stay here and rest a bit longer?”