Chapter 169

The text from Audrey made Vivian freeze mid-breath: "Attending every family gathering as Mrs. Blackwood, playing the perfect wife at every function. You've shouldered all the responsibilities without any of the privileges. Might as well sleep with him. At least Adrian's looks surpass those pretty boys at Mirage Lounge. Get something out of this sham marriage."

Her fingers hovered over the reply button when she sensed Adrian's gaze burning into her phone screen.

Vivian fumbled to lock her device, heat creeping up her neck. The humiliation tasted like ashes in her mouth. Adrian remained impassive, deliberately looking away while silence stretched between them like a live wire. Her nerves coiled tighter with each passing second, anticipating an explosion that never came.

His attention shifted to the modest diamond pendant resting against her collarbone. "That doesn't suit you," he remarked abruptly, producing a velvet box from his jacket. The hinge opened with a whisper, revealing a teardrop pink diamond that caught the dim car light, scattering prismatic sparks across the leather seats.

She accepted it mechanically. This was merely part of their charade - maintaining the Blackwood family's impeccable facade. Vivian had no intention of keeping it; their impending divorce would make such luxuries irrelevant soon enough.

Her fingers struggled with the delicate clasp behind her neck. Without warning, Adrian's hands replaced hers, his citrus-and-sandalwood cologne enveloping her as his breath warmed the sensitive skin below her ear. The briefest brush of his fingertips sent electric currents down her spine.

The moment shattered as quickly as it formed. Adrian secured the necklace and retreated to his side of the car. Vivian turned toward the window, willing her traitorous blush to fade. How pathetic, she chastised herself. Just because she lacked experience with men didn't excuse such juvenile reactions.

The car glided to a stop before Blackwood Manor. Adrian exited first, shielding the door frame with his palm in a practiced gesture. Collecting herself, Vivian stepped into the evening air, her emerald gown whispering against the pavement.

The assembled socialites froze mid-conversation. Their expressions flickered through shock, envy, and reluctant admiration. Throughout her marriage, Vivian had deliberately faded into the background - the invisible wife more servant than society matron. Tonight, with minimal effort, she shone like a rediscovered treasure, polished to breathtaking brilliance.

Adrian's arm encircled her waist, pulling her close until they moved as one entity - a flawless couple straight from the pages of a luxury magazine. Even the most critical guests couldn't deny their visual harmony, their coordinated outfits creating a striking tableau.

Noticing how her dress's embroidery mirrored his pocket square's pattern, Adrian leaned close, his lips grazing her ear. "You look exquisite." Playing her part, Vivian tilted her head with a perfectly calibrated smile, eyes sparkling with manufactured affection.

"Disgustingly adorable," someone in the crowd teased with exaggerated eye-rolling. "Newlyweds after all these years!"

The laughter that followed rang hollow in Vivian's ears.