(Vivian’s POV)."FUCK!" Kai's voice exploded, and in an instant, he slammed into Adrian's body, sending him crashing to the floor.Mercilessly, Kai pinned him down and smashed his fist into Adrian's face repeatedly. "You think you can just touch her?! I warned you already, asshole!""How dare you touch Vivian! I'll kill you, Adrian!" His fist flew again, hard and angry.Blood started dripping from Adrian's nose, but Kai didn't stop. Another fist smashed into his jaw, followed by a kick to the side of his stomach as Adrian tried to escape on all fours.My body was shaking so badly, even the air felt too sharp for me to breathe. My breathing faltered, my eyes still blurry with tears that had not yet fallen completely.My shirt was torn at the shoulders and chest, rudely opened by the hands that once swore to take care of me.I sat rooted to the floor of the studio, my back pressed coldly against the display rack, hugging myself.Then, the sound of a loud crash echoed. Kai banged Adrian
(Vivian’s POV)."I'll take you home, Vivian."Kai's voice sounded soft yet firm, as if he didn't accept rejection. I just nodded slowly, still feeling the chill of residual fear shivering on my skin.On the way home, he didn't say much. But the silence between us wasn't emptiness, but a soothing calm. It was as if his very existence was a refuge.When I arrived at my apartment, Kai opened the door and let me in first. He followed, then without being asked, immediately went to the kitchen and poured me a glass of water."Drink this first," he said, thrusting the glass into my hand.I stared at it, then accepted it with hands that were still a little shaky. But Kai's calmness made me slowly relax."Thank you," I said with a weak smile.Without speaking, he took the first aid kit from the shelf near the refrigerator, then sat down in front of me."Let me check your wound."I nodded slowly. Kai touched my arm very carefully, applying antiseptic on the small scratch I had received while tr
(Vivian’s POV)"Well, I'm back here again," I said as soon as the penthouse door opened.Kai nodded as he pressed the remote, turning on the warm lights that greeted us."Welcome back to your new home, temporarily."I swallowed. The penthouse was spacious, minimalist, and luxurious, just as I had described it. Every corner looked neat and organised in a very masculine way-like the owner.Kai put my suitcase in the living room. "Just put your clothes in my room, it'll be easier for you."I frowned. "Your room? I thought I'd be in the guest room.""Yes." He looked at me casually. "We sleep in the same room, Vivian. I have to make sure you're by my side before I go to sleep and when I wake up."I was frozen in place, but at the same time, I was embarrassed, and my heart was beating violently again."I thought we would... sleep separately.""According to the contract, too, we will be in the same bed even though I have many rooms; you have to sleep in my room," he said lightly as he walked
(Vivian’s POV)I haven't answered him yet, because I still want to enjoy his kiss. It doesn't matter if I haven't answered yet, right? Besides, it doesn't matter if I'm lulled by his kisses for now, right?Kai's kiss deepened, his lips caressing every inch of my skin with passion, but also tenderness.There was no hurried movement, no blind lust. He liked me as if I were the most precious thing he had ever touched. But I knew he only liked me as his toy for sex. His hands trailed down my back slowly, making my skin shudder. My breath came in slow gasps, while my heart pounded in my chest.Kai lifted my body, carrying me into the room without taking his eyes off me."Hold on," he said softly.I nodded, wrapping my arms around his neck. Somehow, the night felt so calm like the world stopped spinning just for the two of us.Once we got to the room, Kai laid me down carefully on his bed.The dim lamplight made everything feel more intimate. He looked at me for a long time, as if he was r
(Vivian’s POV)This time I woke up again from sleep after Kai and I had morning sex in the kitchen. Even though it's still fairly early, it seems like I was exhausted after that, so I fell asleep again.It's just that I don't remember how he ended up taking me to the room again, but it seems like it just happened when lust was all I thought about."Where is he?" I looked to my side, where I didn't see Kai.I thought he went to sleep after that, but he wasn't there. I don't know where he went, so I got out of bed, put on his oversized white plain T-shirt with socks to keep me warm because it was cold.I tied my hair up randomly and walked out of the room, looking around for him.His penthouse was too big for me, because when I tried to find him, I didn't find him. I didn't know where he was going this morning. Because I could see his car out there.I then stood in the middle of the deserted living room, which really emphasised my existence alone.The cool morning air brushed against my
(Vivian’s POV)"What are you looking at?" asked Kai in his husky voice that was still laced with the remnants of that intimacy.I looked down, realising how long I had been staring at his face without saying anything.Our bodies were still entwined, my skin pressed against his chest that was warm and damp with sweat. My hands wrapped around his neck, while my hair fell messily over his shoulders.I was on top of him, still holding him tightly as if I was afraid he would disappear. But of course I didn't want to show those feelings."Your face," I replied softly, then smiled a little. "I don't usually get to see you from this angle."Kai chuckled softly. "You sound like an artist observing the object of her painting.""Maybe," I replied teasingly. But actually... There was something else that had been occupying my mind for some time. Something that I haven't had the chance to ask yet, but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to hold back as my curiosity grows."Kai," I called softly.
(Vivian’s POV)I twirled the spatula and smiled with satisfaction as the aroma of garlic and butter filled the kitchen.The chicken I'd mixed with rosemary and lemon was now golden on the pan, its skin beginning to crisp.In the next pot, the fettuccine pasta was almost perfectly cooked, ready to be topped with the mushroom cream sauce I'd made from scratch.It's not too complicated, but it's enough to show a little care. At least I didn't let him starve after... What happened this morning?"It's like he never looks really tired. Last night we did, then this morning and... after he came back from his morning run... he really looked fit and energetic."I couldn't lie to myself that I was lulled by the charisma he showed unintentionally. If I'm being honest, maybe this liking is already in the middle stage, but I don't know how it will end, I'm just resigned."Damn it, Vivian! Focus on your goals! Take back your assets and get a divorce from your bastard husband!" I reminded myself agai
(Vivian’s POV)“Ah… Yes!”“Again, harder!”“Ehm, ah! You’re so good, babe!”My hands trembled as I grasped the doorknob to my bedroom—or rather, our bedroom. The moans of a man and a woman tangled together made my heart pound furiously, especially since I recognized those voices all too well.Adrian and Sophia.My husband and my best friend.I stood there, holding the gift box I had prepared with love, something special for our wedding anniversary. Our second year of marriage—a toxic mix of poison and honey.What was happening behind that door?I felt like I was about to shatter the moment I opened it. But these sounds—the disgusting sounds that sent shivers down my spine—made my stomach churn.“Oh, Adrian, this feels so good.”Sophia’s pleasure-filled moan made my eyes widen. A surge of anger, heartbreak, and burning curiosity overwhelmed me, making me drop the gift box I had been holding.And at that moment, I pushed the door open and entered the room.My heart shattered along with
(Vivian’s POV)I twirled the spatula and smiled with satisfaction as the aroma of garlic and butter filled the kitchen.The chicken I'd mixed with rosemary and lemon was now golden on the pan, its skin beginning to crisp.In the next pot, the fettuccine pasta was almost perfectly cooked, ready to be topped with the mushroom cream sauce I'd made from scratch.It's not too complicated, but it's enough to show a little care. At least I didn't let him starve after... What happened this morning?"It's like he never looks really tired. Last night we did, then this morning and... after he came back from his morning run... he really looked fit and energetic."I couldn't lie to myself that I was lulled by the charisma he showed unintentionally. If I'm being honest, maybe this liking is already in the middle stage, but I don't know how it will end, I'm just resigned."Damn it, Vivian! Focus on your goals! Take back your assets and get a divorce from your bastard husband!" I reminded myself agai
(Vivian’s POV)"What are you looking at?" asked Kai in his husky voice that was still laced with the remnants of that intimacy.I looked down, realising how long I had been staring at his face without saying anything.Our bodies were still entwined, my skin pressed against his chest that was warm and damp with sweat. My hands wrapped around his neck, while my hair fell messily over his shoulders.I was on top of him, still holding him tightly as if I was afraid he would disappear. But of course I didn't want to show those feelings."Your face," I replied softly, then smiled a little. "I don't usually get to see you from this angle."Kai chuckled softly. "You sound like an artist observing the object of her painting.""Maybe," I replied teasingly. But actually... There was something else that had been occupying my mind for some time. Something that I haven't had the chance to ask yet, but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to hold back as my curiosity grows."Kai," I called softly.
(Vivian’s POV)This time I woke up again from sleep after Kai and I had morning sex in the kitchen. Even though it's still fairly early, it seems like I was exhausted after that, so I fell asleep again.It's just that I don't remember how he ended up taking me to the room again, but it seems like it just happened when lust was all I thought about."Where is he?" I looked to my side, where I didn't see Kai.I thought he went to sleep after that, but he wasn't there. I don't know where he went, so I got out of bed, put on his oversized white plain T-shirt with socks to keep me warm because it was cold.I tied my hair up randomly and walked out of the room, looking around for him.His penthouse was too big for me, because when I tried to find him, I didn't find him. I didn't know where he was going this morning. Because I could see his car out there.I then stood in the middle of the deserted living room, which really emphasised my existence alone.The cool morning air brushed against my
(Vivian’s POV)I haven't answered him yet, because I still want to enjoy his kiss. It doesn't matter if I haven't answered yet, right? Besides, it doesn't matter if I'm lulled by his kisses for now, right?Kai's kiss deepened, his lips caressing every inch of my skin with passion, but also tenderness.There was no hurried movement, no blind lust. He liked me as if I were the most precious thing he had ever touched. But I knew he only liked me as his toy for sex. His hands trailed down my back slowly, making my skin shudder. My breath came in slow gasps, while my heart pounded in my chest.Kai lifted my body, carrying me into the room without taking his eyes off me."Hold on," he said softly.I nodded, wrapping my arms around his neck. Somehow, the night felt so calm like the world stopped spinning just for the two of us.Once we got to the room, Kai laid me down carefully on his bed.The dim lamplight made everything feel more intimate. He looked at me for a long time, as if he was r
(Vivian’s POV)"Well, I'm back here again," I said as soon as the penthouse door opened.Kai nodded as he pressed the remote, turning on the warm lights that greeted us."Welcome back to your new home, temporarily."I swallowed. The penthouse was spacious, minimalist, and luxurious, just as I had described it. Every corner looked neat and organised in a very masculine way-like the owner.Kai put my suitcase in the living room. "Just put your clothes in my room, it'll be easier for you."I frowned. "Your room? I thought I'd be in the guest room.""Yes." He looked at me casually. "We sleep in the same room, Vivian. I have to make sure you're by my side before I go to sleep and when I wake up."I was frozen in place, but at the same time, I was embarrassed, and my heart was beating violently again."I thought we would... sleep separately.""According to the contract, too, we will be in the same bed even though I have many rooms; you have to sleep in my room," he said lightly as he walked
(Vivian’s POV)."I'll take you home, Vivian."Kai's voice sounded soft yet firm, as if he didn't accept rejection. I just nodded slowly, still feeling the chill of residual fear shivering on my skin.On the way home, he didn't say much. But the silence between us wasn't emptiness, but a soothing calm. It was as if his very existence was a refuge.When I arrived at my apartment, Kai opened the door and let me in first. He followed, then without being asked, immediately went to the kitchen and poured me a glass of water."Drink this first," he said, thrusting the glass into my hand.I stared at it, then accepted it with hands that were still a little shaky. But Kai's calmness made me slowly relax."Thank you," I said with a weak smile.Without speaking, he took the first aid kit from the shelf near the refrigerator, then sat down in front of me."Let me check your wound."I nodded slowly. Kai touched my arm very carefully, applying antiseptic on the small scratch I had received while tr
(Vivian’s POV)."FUCK!" Kai's voice exploded, and in an instant, he slammed into Adrian's body, sending him crashing to the floor.Mercilessly, Kai pinned him down and smashed his fist into Adrian's face repeatedly. "You think you can just touch her?! I warned you already, asshole!""How dare you touch Vivian! I'll kill you, Adrian!" His fist flew again, hard and angry.Blood started dripping from Adrian's nose, but Kai didn't stop. Another fist smashed into his jaw, followed by a kick to the side of his stomach as Adrian tried to escape on all fours.My body was shaking so badly, even the air felt too sharp for me to breathe. My breathing faltered, my eyes still blurry with tears that had not yet fallen completely.My shirt was torn at the shoulders and chest, rudely opened by the hands that once swore to take care of me.I sat rooted to the floor of the studio, my back pressed coldly against the display rack, hugging myself.Then, the sound of a loud crash echoed. Kai banged Adrian
(Vivian’s POV)"Let go of me! Let go of me! You've crossed the line, Adrian!""And you thought I'd actually stop after that asshole's threats?!"My heart was pounding, nervous and scared. He really didn't think about Kai's threats, as if he wasn't afraid of him and seemed to defy him."You have no right to my life, Adrian! We're over!""We're not over! Not yet until the court decides our divorce!""And we will be divorced! You will be completely separated from me! Let go of me!" I yelled out loud to him.I thrashed when my body was completely locked by Adrian so firmly. He was so angry with me, and it was actually common for me to be treated roughly like this by him when he was angry.It's just that this time, of course, I won't stand still and surrender."Answer me! How did you know him and what is your relationship?!"His eyes glared like demons as he stared at me, shaking me as he demanded an answer to his question."It's none of your business who I want to be friends with and get
(Vivian's POV)"Thank you for taking the time for me, Summer," I said before we finally parted ways. "It really means a lot to have you as my friend."She nodded. "Hey, I should be the one thanking you. At least we got to spend some time together, even if it was just for coffee.""You're right. I'm happy to see you, to share stories with you.""Call me whenever you need me. You know I'm always here for you."I nodded, and after we hugged, she got into her car and drove away. I watched her leave with a deep sigh of relief.Honestly, I felt bad for Summer. She had no idea what was really going on—about my uncle and me. I should have told her from the start, but I needed to ask Kai first, to make sure he was okay with it. But... of course, I had to consider it carefully.I felt incredibly guilty for not being honest when talking about my problems.Hiding the fact that I had to pay Kai for his services as a sex partner—just the thought of Summer finding out terrified me.I didn’t know wha