(Kai’s POV)I just finished the last meeting of the day. My client this time turned out to be too much of a perfectionist, even for small things. But the result was satisfactory, and the contract was signed properly.As I head to my car, my cell phone vibrates. Willem's name is on the screen. I picked it up as I walked to the large window overlooking the city."Any good news?" I asked directly.I don't like beating around the bush, and of course, I knew that he was contacting me for information."Yes. I just got out of the courthouse. The divorce papers are being processed, and... it looks like we can salvage the assets in Vivian's name," Willem explained, his voice sounding more enthusiastic than usual.I frowned. "Good job, Willem. And then how?""There was a loophole in Adrian's asset transfer process. We found strong indications of embezzlement. And more interestingly... the embezzlement came from Adrian's mother's account, but the funds originated from Vivian."I turned around,
(Vivian's POV)I stepped into the bar after getting off the taxi, adjusting my eyes to the dim lighting filled with red and blue neon lights. Loud music filled the room, mixing with the sounds of laughter, boisterous conversation, and clinking glasses. The cacophony made me a little dizzy, but I walked in anyway, searching for Kai among the sea of people.I zipped up my jacket, feeling uncomfortable with the overcrowded atmosphere. I forgot to ask him where his whereabouts was in this bar.People were dancing on the dance floor, some couples were busy kissing in the corner, while others were sitting at the bar with their drinks.I took a deep breath, trying to stay focused on finding Kai. Well, I didn't like this situation. Never. If it wasn't about my problems, I wouldn't come here.As I walked through the crowd, suddenly a man stood in front of me, blocking my way. He looked drunk, with a lopsided smile that was clearly impolite."Hey, beautiful. Alone?" he asked, his voice hea
(Vivian's POV).I saw the woman chuckle as she placed her hand on Kai's chest. She whispered something into his ear, then, without hesitation, started leaning in, clearly intending to sit on his lap.Without thinking, I grabbed Kai's wrist and pulled him towards me. "Excuse me, but this man is with me!" my voice was firm, louder than I expected.The woman turned to me with a raised eyebrow. "With you?" She laughed mockingly. "Honey, everyone can have fun here. Kai doesn't mind, does he?"Kai didn't answer, just stared at both of us with a flat expression, as if he didn't care how the situation developed. It just made me even more annoyed."I don't like sharing, so get out of my way," I said sharply.The woman didn't give up. "Why share when we can enjoy it together?" She smiled wryly, clearly provoking me.I clenched my fists, trying to hold back my temper, but this woman was really testing my patience. I picked up my drinking glass and, without thinking, poured the contents into
(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 never knew that a kiss could shake everything.My mind instantly became a mess. I grew more sensitive every time his fingers touched my skin, burning like embers. My body arched from the pleasure I had never felt before.The firm grip on the back of my neck. The expert pressure of his lips. The way his body molded to mine—hard muscle and heat.It seemed I was going insane because I was far more intoxicated by a desire for a man I had hired for a one-night stand.For my pride.For the disappointment and hatred I felt from the betrayal of my husband and best friend.But once again, I never knew that just a kiss and the slightest touch from him could drive me wild. My body responded to everything, as if I welcomed it all, relished it, pressing my hips closer until I could feel his hardness rubbing against my stomach.My body trembled. My lips were devoured by a brutal kiss—yet sweet and gentle.Rough, yet he still maintained a tenderness in every touch. As if he feared t
(Vivian’s POV)I took a deep breath as I walked out of the hotel area. I was still confused about who my one-night-stand companion was. If he wasn't a gigolo I paid for, then who was he?The suite we used last night wasn’t even a room rented per night. It was a room that he owned.I didn’t even know his name.I touched my lips. His touch was still imprinted on them, on my entire body. It left an odd sensation that I had never felt before.If I had to admit it, that was the most memorable night I’d ever had compared to all the nights I shared with Adrian. That man was both wild and gentle at the same time. He knew how to satisfy me while making me feel comfortable.I wanted him again.I shook my head.“Oh my god, you must be crazy, Vivian.” I covered my face, which had turned red from embarrassment.How could something like this even cross my mind?I had made such an impulsive decision because of the disappointment I felt from Adrian and Sophia’s betrayal. I was angry and hated myself
(Vivian’s POV)Without realizing it, my steps stopped in front of my friend Summer’s apartment building.After leaving home with all the pain and disappointment I had endured, I had no idea where else to go. I couldn’t tell my parents what had happened. It would only make them even more devastated.There was nothing I could do but hide it. Just to spare them from feeling the same pain I did. I would keep it to myself, handle everything alone, and when the time was right, I would finally tell them what had happened.Even though I can't see what my future will be like.Still, I had to face it with a positive mindset.“Vivian? What happened” Summer’s eyes widened with concern the moment she saw me, my appearance a complete mess.She pulled me inside and led me to sit on the couch in the living room. Her hands gripped mine tightly, as if afraid I might fall apart.“Summer,” I whispered in my trembling voice., "What should I do?"I didn’t know where to start.Everything became a blur as th
(Vivian’s POV)My hands were ice-cold as I sat on the sofa, directly across from Kai. Meanwhile, Willem sat beside him. The conversation continued, but I couldn't control my nervousness.Kai kept staring at me like I was his prey, ready to be devoured. His gaze was sharp, piercing, and dominant, making me feel incredibly uncomfortable. His presence alone made it impossible for me to focus, even though this discussion was supposed to be about my divorce."Do you know how long they've been having an affair?" Willem asked in a calm, gentle voice.I shook my head. "I only found out last night. I have no idea how long they’ve been betraying me behind my back."I bit my lip, my hands gripping the edge of the sofa anxiously. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Kai smirking at me.Is he mocking me?"What about evidence of the affair? Do you have any?"Once again, I shook my head.There were so many things I didn't know about Adrian and Sophia's betrayal. Just thinking about it made my blood
(Vivian's POV).I saw the woman chuckle as she placed her hand on Kai's chest. She whispered something into his ear, then, without hesitation, started leaning in, clearly intending to sit on his lap.Without thinking, I grabbed Kai's wrist and pulled him towards me. "Excuse me, but this man is with me!" my voice was firm, louder than I expected.The woman turned to me with a raised eyebrow. "With you?" She laughed mockingly. "Honey, everyone can have fun here. Kai doesn't mind, does he?"Kai didn't answer, just stared at both of us with a flat expression, as if he didn't care how the situation developed. It just made me even more annoyed."I don't like sharing, so get out of my way," I said sharply.The woman didn't give up. "Why share when we can enjoy it together?" She smiled wryly, clearly provoking me.I clenched my fists, trying to hold back my temper, but this woman was really testing my patience. I picked up my drinking glass and, without thinking, poured the contents into
(Vivian's POV)I stepped into the bar after getting off the taxi, adjusting my eyes to the dim lighting filled with red and blue neon lights. Loud music filled the room, mixing with the sounds of laughter, boisterous conversation, and clinking glasses. The cacophony made me a little dizzy, but I walked in anyway, searching for Kai among the sea of people.I zipped up my jacket, feeling uncomfortable with the overcrowded atmosphere. I forgot to ask him where his whereabouts was in this bar.People were dancing on the dance floor, some couples were busy kissing in the corner, while others were sitting at the bar with their drinks.I took a deep breath, trying to stay focused on finding Kai. Well, I didn't like this situation. Never. If it wasn't about my problems, I wouldn't come here.As I walked through the crowd, suddenly a man stood in front of me, blocking my way. He looked drunk, with a lopsided smile that was clearly impolite."Hey, beautiful. Alone?" he asked, his voice hea
(Kai’s POV)I just finished the last meeting of the day. My client this time turned out to be too much of a perfectionist, even for small things. But the result was satisfactory, and the contract was signed properly.As I head to my car, my cell phone vibrates. Willem's name is on the screen. I picked it up as I walked to the large window overlooking the city."Any good news?" I asked directly.I don't like beating around the bush, and of course, I knew that he was contacting me for information."Yes. I just got out of the courthouse. The divorce papers are being processed, and... it looks like we can salvage the assets in Vivian's name," Willem explained, his voice sounding more enthusiastic than usual.I frowned. "Good job, Willem. And then how?""There was a loophole in Adrian's asset transfer process. We found strong indications of embezzlement. And more interestingly... the embezzlement came from Adrian's mother's account, but the funds originated from Vivian."I turned around,
(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