Chapter 323

"You should probably start adjusting to this arrangement," Adrian murmured, carefully placing her shoes by the dresser before settling beside her on the bed. His fingers traced absent circles on her thigh, radiating comforting heat.

The domestic intimacy of the moment made Vivian's breath hitch. She sprang up abruptly. "I need to get ready for bed."

Adrian didn't attempt to stop her.

Shrugging off his suit jacket, Adrian stretched across the silk sheets, supporting his head with one arm as his gaze followed her movements. "I'm staying tonight." The unspoken meaning hung between them - they would be sharing the bed.

Vivian paused mid-step, shoulders tensing as she whispered, "I'm really exhausted today."

Amusement flickered in Adrian's dark eyes as he promised, "Just sleeping."

His words sent an unexpected flush creeping up Vivian's neck. She cursed her traitorous body for reacting.

She practically fled to the ensuite bathroom.

Vivian took her sweet time with her nighttime ritual. She changed into satin pajamas, meticulously dried her hair with a towel, then lined up her skincare arsenal - hydrating mist, vitamin C serum, retinol eye cream, moisturizing lotion, and finally night cream.

Each step was performed with deliberate care before she killed another twenty minutes scrolling through social media on her phone.

When she finally emerged, Adrian was sprawled across the chaise lounge, one arm draped along the back, fingers pressed to his temple. His absurdly long lashes cast shadows on his cheekbones, giving him the appearance of some Renaissance sculpture - breathtaking yet untouchable.

Before Vivian could process the sight, a sharp knock interrupted her thoughts. "Mrs. Blackwood," came Gwendolyn's crisp voice through the door. "Your evening tonic."

At the sound, Adrian's eyes snapped open. He rubbed his temples, and Vivian couldn't tell if he'd been asleep or simply meditating.

"All done?" His voice was rough with sleep, that rich baritone doing unfair things to her pulse.

"Yes," Vivian answered quietly, moving to open the door.

Gwendolyn stood waiting with the customary porcelain bowl. Vivian took a tentative sip, her face immediately contorting at the bitter herbal taste.

"Too strong?" Adrian asked, suddenly beside her.

Feeling ridiculous for reacting like a child to medicine, Vivian shrugged. "It's fine. Just needs to cool down a bit."

Adrian's gaze dropped to the bowl.

Noticing the complete absence of steam, he reached out to test the temperature with his fingertips. The liquid was already tepid.

When Vivian realized her white lie had been exposed, her grip tightened on the bowl, fingers tracing the intricate gold filigree pattern nervously.

Adrian seemed to sense her discomfort. Producing a butterscotch candy from his pocket like some sort of magician, he offered it with a coaxing smile that made her feel sixteen again. "Take this with it. Drink it all at once - it'll be over faster."

Vivian accepted the candy, popped it between her lips, then downed the entire contents of the bowl in one dramatic swallow before handing the empty vessel back to Gwendolyn.

The housekeeper chuckled, a knowing glint in her eye. "Mr. Blackwood certainly knows how to pamper his wife."