Despite the storm raging inside him, Vivienne remained blissfully unaware, living each day, laughing, independent, proud and utterly oblivious to how dangerously close she had come to igniting a fire in Grayson's chest.
It started like any other day. Vivienne woke early, prepared breakfast, and set the table as she always did. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling eggs filled the apartment.
"Morning," she said cheerfully as Grayson came out of his room, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Morning," he replied, voice low, trying to sound casual.
They ate together like they always did — small talk about trivial things, her latest recipe experiment, the weather. Everything felt ordinary, predictable.
But for Grayson, nothing felt ordinary. He noticed everything today. The way her hair caught the sunlight as she reached for her coffee, the subtle curve of her smile when she laughed at her own joke, the soft brush of her fingers against the table edge. Every detail made his chest tighten, and he hated how much it affected him. He had loved her all along, and his denial fought a losing battle.
After breakfast, Grayson left for work. Vivienne stayed back, clearing the dishes and tidying up, humming softly to herself. Before she left for her own errands, she signed the divorce papers she had been meaning to finalize. Carefully, she placed them on the table and sent a quick text to Grayson:
"Check the papers I left on the table."
She smiled lightly to herself, thinking it would be a relief for both of them. The contract was over, the obligations fulfilled — she would be free, and he would be free.
Hours later, Grayson returned home. The moment his eyes fell on the papers lying neatly on the table, a surge of anger and disbelief hit him. How could she? How could anyone suggest they could just walk away from what had been… what he hadn't realized he wanted all along?
Without hesitation, he grabbed his coat and stormed out, determined to confront Julian. Someone had dared to convince Vivienne that she needed this divorce — and Grayson wasn't about to let it happen.
The apartment that had felt calm and ordinary earlier now seemed charged, heavy with tension, as Grayson set out, burning with anger and desire.