Chapter 294

Audrey's eyes flew open at Vivian's bold statement, her head swiveling instinctively to scan the deserted street. Though no prude herself, discussing such intimate matters at full volume on a public sidewalk felt like broadcasting her diary entries on national television.

With practiced efficiency, she grabbed Vivian's elbow and propelled her toward Eleanor's building. "For heaven's sake, keep it down! This isn't some public forum for your love life announcements."

"Sex is as natural as breathing," Vivian countered, lifting her chin defiantly. Yet despite her bravado, she did lower her voice marginally.

Vivian wasn't about to let this go. "Alright, out with it. Is this a proper relationship now, or just a one-time fling?"

A frustrated sigh escaped Vivian's lips as she worried the hem of her blouse. "Dominic wants commitment. I don't."

Vivian's eyebrows shot up. "Seriously? Five minutes ago you were railing about Adrian being emotionally unavailable. Now you're pulling the same stunt!"

"Guilty as charged," Vivian admitted with an unrepentant smirk, flopping back onto the sofa cushions. "But here's the thing - my family's already benefiting socially from our association with the Sinclairs. If Dominic and I actually dated? My parents would turn into stage parents overnight, expecting me to play the perfect society girlfriend."

Her hands clenched into tight fists. "I've spent years breaking free from their control. Fought tooth and nail to make my own choices, to keep my relationships mine - not some strategic alliance for their social climbing. If after all that struggle I end up right back under their thumb, what was the point?"

Her voice softened slightly. "This way's better. Enjoy the moment without the complications. Years from now, I can remember him fondly - no messy breakups, no regrets."

Vivian hesitated. "But...what if it turns out better than you expect? Isn't this approach a bit...cynical?"

Vivian shook her head firmly. "Not willing to take that gamble. Right now I'm still in control. But if we took that next step?" She gave a humorless laugh. "Love's like a wildfire - once it starts, good luck containing it."

Vivian couldn't help but admire her friend's brutal honesty, even as it saddened her. "What does Dominic think about all this?"

"Oh, he probably thinks I'm some heartless playgirl," Vivian said with an airy wave, her lips twisting into a sardonic smile. "The irony? He was my first. But if that's the narrative he wants to believe, fine by me. Last thing I need is some outdated notion of 'responsibility.' As if a woman's worth is measured by chastity in this day and age."

Meanwhile, at a luxury villa in Crystalpeak Hot Springs...

Julian sprawled across the buttery leather couch, his usual polished demeanor replaced by something far more dangerous. One ankle rested casually on the opposite knee, his free arm draped lazily over the sofa back. In his other hand, a sleek pistol spun in slow, deliberate circles.