Bab 10: 10. "Lucien & Vivienne's Improved Relationship: A Diligent Maid's View at Sterling Mansion"

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As Lucien continued to support Vivienne's company, he couldn't help but notice a change in her behavior. She seemed more guarded and distant, and he couldn't help but wonder what was going on.

One day, while they were having lunch together, Vivienne suddenly turned to him and asked, "Lucien, did you have anything to do with the downfall of my rivals?"

Taken aback by the sudden question, Lucien hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully. "Yes, I did. I wanted to help you succeed, and I knew that getting rid of your competition would be the best way to do it."

Vivienne's expression softened, and she reached out to take his hand. "Thank you, Lucien. I had my suspicions, but I didn't want to believe it. I appreciate everything you've done for me."

From that moment on, Vivienne and Lucien's relationship took on a new level of trust and honesty. They worked together even more closely, and Vivienne's company continued to thrive.

But as they celebrated their successes, Lucien couldn't help but wonder what other secrets Vivienne might be hiding, and whether he was ready to face them.

...

As Vivienne's company continued to grow, Lucien found himself supporting her fully. They spent long hours together, discussing strategy and planning for the future. In these moments, Lucien couldn't help but notice the way Vivienne's eyes sparkled when she talked about her dreams, or the way her smile lit up her face.

Despite their growing closeness, however, Lucien was hesitant to take things further. He didn't want to risk damaging their current relationship, or worse, losing Vivienne altogether. But there were moments when he couldn't help but feel a magnetic pull towards her, like when their hands accidentally brushed against each other during a meeting, or when their lips almost brushed past each other as they leaned in to whisper something.

Vivienne, too, seemed to be aware of the tension between them. She would occasionally glance at him from across the room, or lean in a little too close when they were discussing something important. Lucien found himself becoming increasingly drawn to her, unable to resist the way she made his heart race.

One evening, after a particularly successful day at the office, Vivienne suggested they celebrate with a drink. They headed to a nearby bar and settled into a booth, sipping their drinks and talking about everything and nothing.

As the night wore on, the atmosphere grew more charged between them. Lucien couldn't help but notice the way Vivienne's gaze lingered on his lips, or the way she fidgeted with her hair whenever he spoke. It was as if they were both on the cusp of something, but neither of them knew quite what to do.

Finally, as they finished their drinks, Lucien mustered up the courage to lean in a little closer to Vivienne. "Can I ask you something?" he said, his voice low and husky.

Vivienne nodded, her eyes locked onto his.

"Have you ever thought about us being more than just contracted husband and wife?"

Vivienne's cheeks turned pink, and she bit her lip nervously. "I have," she admitted softly. "But I didn't want to make things awkward between us."

Lucien reached out to take her hand. "I don't want to rush things, Vivienne," he said. "But I can't deny the way I feel about you. I want to explore this, whatever it is between us."

Vivienne looked down at their hands, her fingers intertwining with his. "I want that too," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they left the bar, hand in hand, Lucien couldn't help but feel like he was on the brink of something amazing. Whatever the future held for him and Vivienne, he knew that he was ready to take the next step with her by his side. Slowly but surely, this would be a start of a wonderful new page in their life.

....

Next day, in the morning.

Vivienne's eyes shot open as a throbbing headache pulsed through her skull. She groaned, her mind foggy as she tried to recall what had happened the night before. Memories flooded her mind, and her face flushed with embarrassment as she cringed at the thought of her drunken antics with Lucien.

"Ugh, how could I have said those things?!" she muttered to herself, her hands covering her face in shame. She could feel her heart pounding wildly in her chest as she recalled the look on Lucien's face, his emotions laid bare for her to see.

Vivienne knew she had to be careful from now on, lest she embarrass herself even further. She mentally chastised herself for drinking too much, promising to limit herself in the future.

"Ms. Vivienne, breakfast is ready!" Simran's voice called out, interrupting her thoughts. Vivienne quickly checked the time, realizing that she was running late for work.

"I'm coming!" she yelled back, rushing to get ready for the day ahead. She shed her loose sleeping dress, grabbing a towel and hurrying to the bathroom to freshen up.

The water was icy cold, but Vivienne welcomed the shock to her system as it helped clear her head.

"Okay, Ms. Vivienne!" Simran took her leave hearing the russling sound and understanding that her mistress might have overslept and now she is hurrying to get ready for the office.

Vivienne emerged from her room looking stunning as ever, dressed in a regal off-white attire that accentuated her fiery personality. Her natural beauty shone through, and it was evident that she needed no cosmetics to enhance her features.

"Simran, what about Lucien, is he not having breakfast?" Vivienne inquired as she took a bite of her honey-flavored bread with milky white cream. Simran wiped another piece of bread, but Vivienne declined, having had her fill with just one.

"Master Sterling has already left for his office, and he instructed me to wake you up if you overslept," Simran replied, feeling a tinge of embarrassment for her mistress.

"Anyway, I'm off to work. See you later, Simran!" With breakfast over, Vivienne gathered her handbag and slipped on her shoes. She bid Simran farewell and headed out to her sporty car, which was provided by the Sterling mansion. Vivienne rarely used this car, as it tended to attract too much attention, but today, she had no other option.

"Take care, Ms. Vivienne!" Simran waved goodbye as the car zoomed out of sight, leaving behind a trail of dust and excitement.

She then headed back into the mansion, ready to take on her duties as a maid. As per Butler James' instructions, Simran had started to take over his job when he was unavailable, making sure that the other servants were doing their duties efficiently.

The mansion was filled with the sound of cleaning and other chores, but Simran didn't mind. She was happy to be part of the Sterling household, and she knew that her mistress appreciated her hard work. She continued to work diligently, making sure that everything was in order before the rest of the household woke up.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, Simran knew that it was going to be a busy day.

The day passed by in a blur, with Simran working tirelessly to ensure that everything was in order. As the sun began to set, Simran sighed with satisfaction, knowing that she had done her job well. She was exhausted, but it was a good kind of exhaustion.

Simran retired to her room, ready to rest after a long day of work. As she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the Sterling family and the life they had given her. She knew that she was lucky to be a part of their world, and she cherished it.

...

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