Chapter 7

Vivian wasn't the kind of woman who threatened divorce casually.

In their two-year marriage, this was the first time the word had crossed her lips. Yet Adrian remained infuriatingly indifferent to her distress.

He brushed off her concerns as if she were making mountains out of molehills.

Despite the searing pain in her injured leg, Vivian gathered her strength. "Put me down," she demanded.

Adrian ignored her, his gaze fixed on the bandages wrapping her thigh.

His brow furrowed slightly. "What happened to your leg? Is this some desperate attempt to get my attention?"

A bitter laugh escaped Vivian's lips.

Of course he'd assume this was some pathetic scheme. In his eyes, she was just another attention-seeking wife who'd resorted to dramatics when ignored.

Her expression turned stony. "It's a cosmetic procedure. The wound can't get wet," she lied smoothly.

"Why would you suddenly need such treatment?" Adrian asked casually as he carried her outside, showing no real interest in her answer.

His broad frame dwarfed her. Through the thin fabric of his shirt, she could feel the heat radiating from his body, the hard planes of his chest muscles.

The intimate contact made Vivian stiffen. She'd come here to end things, not to be reminded of what she'd once craved.

Her voice turned sharp. "Since when do you care about such trivial matters, Mr. Blackwood?"

Adrian's lips twitched at her uncharacteristic sarcasm. He found it oddly amusing.

"You're my wife," he said calmly. "Naturally I'm concerned about your wellbeing."

"Really?" Vivian's tone turned somber. "You've never treated me like a wife. I could die tomorrow and you wouldn't notice until it was convenient."

The truth cut deep. At that very moment when she'd needed him most, Adrian had been preoccupied with his precious Serena, too busy to answer her desperate calls.

Caught off guard, Adrian's eyes widened before he let out a disbelieving chuckle. "Vivian, what's gotten into you? Because I missed one call this afternoon? Perhaps I've spoiled you too much lately, making you forget your place."

Vivian froze.

Her place?

The realization hit her like a physical blow. Their marriage had always been transactional - her freedom exchanged for his financial security.

She'd been the fool who broke the rules, who'd dared to fall in love.

In the cruel game of hearts, the one who loved first always lost.