Chapter Five

Vivienne 

The car slowed to a stop outside my rented apartment. I glanced at Dominic, his perfect profile illuminated by the faint orangey glow of the streetlights. 

He was silent, his hand draped lazily over the steering wheel, exuding a kind of nonchalance that only added to his allure.

“I think I need some time…to think.” I said finally, my voice quieter than I intended.

His gaze flicked to mine, those piercing, green sexy eyes locking onto me. 

“Time,” he repeated, his lips curling into a slow, knowing smile. “Fair enough.”

It was as though he could read my thoughts, the way his smirk seemed to say he already knew what my answer was. He leaned slightly closer, his earthy cologne—woody with a hint of something spicier—sending a shiver down my spine.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, his tone soft but firm, like a promise.

I nodded, fumbling with the door handle. My legs felt shaky as I stepped out of the car, his intense gaze following me the entire time. I hurried inside, my heart racing, unsure if it was from his presence or the storm of emotions swirling in my chest.

Inside the safety of my apartment, I finally let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding.

Dominic’s proposal wasn’t just ridiculous. It was crazy! 

Yet, the temptation lingered, wrapping around me like a dangerous whisper. I hated how his words replayed in my mind, how the thought of showing Elliot and Amélie exactly what they’d lost made my pulse quicken.

But could I do it? Could I really say yes to him?

I picked up my phone and dialed Cece, my best friend and childhood confidante.

Cece lived in a cozy apartment across town, the kind of place that smelled like vanilla and always felt like home. She opened the door in her pajamas, her hair piled into a messy bun, and immediately pulled me into a hug.

“I was about to call you,” she said, ushering me inside. “What happened? You’ve been off the grid all night.”

I sat on her couch, my head in my hands. 

“Cece, you won’t believe this.”

Her face turned serious as she sat beside me. “Try me.”

I spilled everything. The betrayal, the humiliation, Dominic’s sudden intervention, and finally, his outrageous proposal. Cece listened without interrupting, her expression shifting from shock to outrage to something unreadable.

When I finished, she leaned back, crossing her arms.

 “Are you seriously considering this?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice trembling. “I mean, it’s insane, right? But…”

“But it’s tempting,” she finished for me, her sharp tone cutting through my hesitation. “Vivi, going along with Dominic might feel like payback, but what about you? What about your future? You’re the next heiress of Duval Fashion Industries. If you go with Dominic, you’re basically declaring war on your parents and Amélie.”

I laughed bitterly.

 “Am I really the heiress, though? The moment Amélie came back, they dropped me like I didn’t exist. All I’ve ever been to them is a placeholder.”

Cece’s eyes softened, her hand reaching out to grip mine. “You know that's not true, at least to me. Don't you ever let anyone define you.”

Her words struck a chord, but so did Dominic’s. They wanted Amélie so badly? Fine. 

They could have her.

The next morning, I stood outside the gates of Dominic’s estate, my resolve hardened.

The villa was breathtaking, an architectural masterpiece nestled within sprawling gardens that seemed to stretch endlessly. The walls were a pristine white, the windows reflecting the morning sunlight, and the entire property radiated wealth and power.

An old butler greeted me at the door, leading me through the grand entryway and into a living room that was more luxurious than anything I’d ever seen.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a view of nature, and the furniture was a mix of sleek modern and timeless elegance.

“Mr. Laurent will join you shortly,” the butler said before disappearing.

I barely had time to take it all in before Dominic appeared.

He wore a loose robe tied at the waist, revealing glimpses of his toned chest. His hair was damp and tousled, as if he’d just stepped out of the shower. And there was a lazy confidence in his stride that made him even more captivating.

“Morning,” he greeted, his voice deep and husky.

I swallowed hard, trying not to let my eyes linger.

 “I… uh… I came to talk.”

His smirk returned as he gestured for me to sit. “Good. I’ve been waiting.”

He disappeared for a moment, returning with a folder in hand. He placed it on the glass coffee table between us and slid it toward me.

“This,” he said, his tone casual, “is a marriage contract.”

I stared at it like it might bite me. “You even prepared a contract?”

“Of course.” He sat back, one arm draped over the back of the couch, his robe shifting slightly to reveal more of his chest. “I don’t do anything without a plan.”

I opened the folder, skimming through the terms. Immediate marriage. Moving into his villa. Access to his resources and a position in his fashion empire.

It was all so calculated, so transactional.

“What do you gain from this?” I asked, looking up at him.

His gaze was steady, unreadable. “I could use some company,” he said with a shrug. “And, as I mentioned, I’ve never been fond of my nephew.”

I frowned with suspicion. “That’s it?”

He leaned forward, his smirk deepening. “What more could I need?”

My mind raced. It was crazy. It was reckless. But what did I have to lose? My parents had made it clear where their loyalty lay, and the thought of Amélie and Alias smugly reveling in their betrayal was more than I could bear.

Dominic was right. This was my chance to show them all.

I picked up the pen and signed the papers.

When I set them down, Dominic was suddenly closer, his earthy cologne wrapping around me. He leaned in, his voice a low murmur. “May I?”

I barely nodded before his lips claimed mine in a deep, confident kiss that left me breathless.

When he pulled back, his smirk returned, his thumb brushing lightly over my cheek. 

“It’s a deal, then.”