Chapter 7
I jolted awake.
His face was inches from mine–sharp lines, cold beauty. The silver–rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose still in place.
The bedside lamp glowed in warm amber. The light hit his lenses, casting twin moons in his eyes.
Beneath the glass, his gaze burned.
It took me a few moments to find my voice.
“You’re back?”
My voice was naturally soft. Half–asleep, it came out even gentler, laced with the nasal hush of slumber.
To his ears, it probably sounded fragile. Almost pitiful.
One dark brow arched. “Not happy to see me?”
I met his obsidian eyes, steady and unreadable.
“No… just surprised,” I replied softly.
We had been married five years.
A marriage with intimacy, but
no
affection.
No love–not from him.
His love belonged to someone else.
To Vincent, I was simply the perfect legal wife–obedient, agreeable, conveniently matched in bed.
Six months ago, she had added me on WeChat.
Since then, I’d seen my husband pop up often
her
Stories.
Him being tender.
Him being thoughtful.
Him being hers.
Today was no exception. A diamond ring sparkled in her latest post.
“Mr. Williams, I’m yours–now and forever.”
So yes–seeing Vincent show up tonight was… unexpected.
I thought he’d be abroad, ringing in the New Year by her side.
“Take off the glasses,” his deep, rich voice cut through the air.
I blinked, dragged back from my thoughts.
For once, I didn’t hide my coldness. “I don’t feel well.”
“Period?”
Chapter 7
“Take them off for me.”
He interrupted, voice low, eyes darker than the night.
I knew what he wanted.
And I knew he wouldn’t let it go.
In this marriage, I had always been the one who gave in.
My chest ached. I bit my lip… and removed the glasses.
They landed softly on the nightstand.
His hand reached down, wrapping around my delicate ankle.
“Lights off.”
I reached up and flicked the lamp.
Darkness enveloped us.
And everything else became sharper. Louder. Deeper.
It had been a month since he touched
Tonight, he was intense. Almost brutal.
- me.
Author’s Note:Vincent is a man of control. Cold. Commanding. Overwhelming.
