Chapter 88: The Deepest Obsession

Vivienne shook her head, offering a soft smile. "I'll adjust my schedule." A twinge of discomfort pricked her; staying longer felt inappropriate.

Derek’s gaze darkened, his voice firm yet gentle. "I'll make sure you get to the office tomorrow morning." The message was clear: she wasn't leaving today.

Vanessa, who had been quietly observing, interjected. "Miss Vivienne, the doctor specifically recommended rest. Mr. Hopkins is concerned about your health."

Vivienne hesitated, torn between leaving and the undeniable concern in their eyes. Finally, she nodded in acquiescence.

A subtle smile played on Derek's lips, his eyes softening as he continued eating.

After lunch, Derek led Vivienne on a stroll through the vibrant garden, the colorful blossoms a counterpoint to the afternoon's calm. They settled in the pavilion.

Derek watched her intently. "Are you afraid of me?"

Vivienne shook her head slightly, her voice soft but steady. "I think we should maintain some distance."

"Sometimes, closeness strengthens a bond," Derek said, rising with purpose. Before she could react, he lifted her effortlessly into his lap.

The crisp, earthy scent enveloped her, making her feel both exposed and oddly protected. Vivienne met his gaze, her heart skipping a beat as she looked into his deep, unreadable eyes.

Flustered, she struggled, her voice barely a whisper. "Derek…"

Raised with a strong sense of decorum, Vivienne’s conservative nature and awareness of societal expectations made the public intimacy acutely uncomfortable.

"No one will come by now," Derek assured her, his voice low and calming. He gently grasped her wrist with one hand, wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her closer, and playfully pinched her side. "Let me kiss you again, alright?"

Vivienne’s cheeks flushed, a mix of embarrassment and irritation bubbling up as she swatted his chest. "Derek!"

Derek's usual composure was replaced by a reckless intensity she wasn't accustomed to. Had she misjudged him, her past emotions clouding her perceptions?

Vivienne furrowed her brow, acutely aware of their proximity, their breaths mingling, the moment poised on the precipice of something undeniable.

"If you don't answer, I'll take it as a yes," Derek said, his voice low, teasing, yet serious.

Before she could react, Derek kissed her deeply. His arm tightened, pulling her fully against him, his restraint dissolving in her presence.

His grandfather's warning echoed in his mind—beauty could be as dangerous as a predator, capable of breaking even the strongest will. He'd been advised never to act on such desires. But now, the warning was a distant thought, drowned out by the overwhelming need to possess her.

Vivienne slowly softened, her resistance fading as she instinctively responded, her mind clouded by the intensity of the kiss. The air thickened, drawing her further into him, blurring her focus.

Then, a sharp phone ringtone sliced through the tension.

The familiar sound snapped Vivienne back to reality. She pushed Derek away, hurriedly straightened her clothes, and answered her phone.

"You're not at the office?"

Cameron's calm voice crackled through the phone, yet an underlying pressure made Vivienne feel guilty. She exhaled slowly, feigning calmness. "Uncle Cameron, something unexpected came up."

Derek, sitting back, silently observed her, his expression unreadable. A flicker of emotion—quickly masked—crossed his eyes. He nearly forgot another pressing matter.