Chapter 6: The First Time He Laid Hands on His Ex–Wife
Lucien Dragne glanced around the cozy, pink–themed apartment.
“You’re still young. Pink suits you.”
Vivienne Snow’s cheeks warmed slightly. “Thank you.”
“But I don’t have any men’s clothing here…”
Lucien responded casually, “I’ll have my assistant send some over.
Relax. You don’t have to be so nervous.”
It was only then that Vivienne realized her palms were slightly damp with sweat. She was more uncomfortable than Lucien, the one visiting for the first time.
“I’ll go get you some water.”
She hurried off to the kitchen, using it as an excuse to calm herself.
Just then, her phone vibrated twice. She instinctively checked it. It was a voice message from Danny.
–“Ugly hag, Mommy’s pork floss is disgusting. You make it.”
“I want it today!”
Vivienne’s fingers hovered over the block button. She knew exactly who “Mommy” referred to. At that moment, whatever lingering motherly affection she had for Danny shattered completely. She hesitated, then chose instead to mute the chat.
Maybe she could use Danny to keep an eye on the West family’s situation.”
She was genuinely curious–just how well could they live without her?
Meanwhile, at the West Estate
Despite being nearly midnight, the house was still brightly lit.
For the third time, Riley Hart failed at making pork floss. Her face was pale.
“I don’t care! I want the one the ugly hag madel Auntie Riley’s tastes awful!”
Danny rolled on the floor, throwing a tantrum.
Mrs. West, dark circles under her eyes, shot Riley a glare.
“You can’t even do this? Vivienne was better than you at least.”
Riley bit her lip. She had spent the entire evening struggling with this stupid recipe, only to be met with disdain. Feeling wronged, she turned pleadingly toward her newlywed husband.
Devin West still had some affection for Riley. Pulling her into his arms, he frowned and said, “Mom, Riley isn’t like Vivienne. She’s a career woman, not some housewife stuck in the kitchen. That’s what I love about her.”
Mrs. West scoffed. “If she can’t even make food for the kid, how is she going to take care of Danny? Or us when we’re older?”
Riley quickly lowered her head and murmured, “I’ll learn, Mom.”
Danny, however, kept throwing a fit. “I want pork floss!”
Annoyed, Devin took a phone call and left for the study. It took Riley ages to calm Danny down and tuck him into bed. By the time she checked the clock, it was nearly 2 AM.
Her untreated wounds burned unbearably. She rushed back to the master bedroom to apply medicine. Devin was already fast asleep. She opened the wardrobe, but all she found were Vivienne’s old nightgowns.
“Devin, do you have anything for me to wear?” she asked tentatively.
Devin groggily opened his eyes, irritated “Can’t you buy your own?”
Riley didn’t want to upset him further. “I’ll go shopping tomorrow.
“You’re my wife now. From now on, you’re responsible for buying my clothes, Danny’s, Mom’s, and Dad’s. If you need money, ask Mom.” Devin’s voice was lazy and indifferent.
Got it,”
Riley’s eyes flickered. If managing their shopping money meant gaining access to the West family’s wealth, a little suffering wasn’t so bad. “Any updates on Vivienne?” Devin suddenly asked.
Riley’s lips curled into a confident sinile.“The men have already been sent. Tonight, they’ll make their move. The guy we hired is an ex–con. He has a criminal record, so there’s no way it’ll trace back to us.”
“Make it fast. Before she spends the money.”
That was Devin’s real concern.
Setting
10 550
Chapter 6: The First Time He Laid Hands on His Ex–Wife
A billion in liquid cash wasn’t easy to pull out. It had come from West Corporation’s working capital. If it wasn’t returned quickly, their company’s finances would be in serious trouble.
He had given Vivienne a chance. But she was too greedy. So she couldn’t blame him for being ruthless.
Vivienne, however, had the best sleep she’d had in years.
No midnight robbery. No nightmares. No waking up early to serve her in–laws. For the first time in forever, she slept until noon.
Thankfully, her hospital shift was in the afternoon, so she had enough time.
Stepping out of the bedroom, she was startled by the sight of two tall men in black suits standing outside. For a moment, panic shot through her. But before she could react, they bowed respectfully. “Good afternoon, Madam.”
Vivienne finally exhaled. These must be the bodyguards Lucien arranged for her. “Uh… hello,” she greeted awkwardly. f she hadn’t already changed into proper clothes, this situation would have been even more embarrassing.
“Sir has gone to the office. From now on, we’ll be responsible for your security,” one of them said. “I’m Zero–One. This is my younger brother,
Zero Two.”
Zero–One looked composed and steady. Zero–Two was quiet but just as reliable. Zero–Two added, “If you need anything moved, leave it to us, We’ll transport everything to the new residence.”
Vivienne nodded. “Thank you, Zero–One, Zero–Two. Have you two eaten yet?”
She was starving.
“We’ll take care of our own meals. If you’re hungry, Sir has prepared food for you–it just needs to be reheated.”
It was only then that Vivienne noticed the meal set out on the dining table. Two simple dishes and a soup, with a handwritten note beside it.
[Heat and eat. Zero–One and Zero–Two are former soldiers. Trustworthy. -Lucien]
His handwriting was bold and strong, exuding a steady sense of security.
Vivienne’s eyes stung slightly. She heated up the meal and took a bite. The taste was warm and comforting–just like home–cooked food. Her parents had been gone for years. She hadn’t felt this kind of warmth in a long, long time.
For so many years, she had thought Devin was her safest haven. But in the end…That scumbag couldn’t even compare to a man she had only known for one day.
Later that day, Vivienne headed to the hospital.
She had initially worried about the bodyguards following her around. But Zero–One and Zero–Two kept their distance, blending discreetly into the
crowd.
Her appreciation for Lucien grew.
The afternoon passed quickly. Originally, she had a night shift. But since she had to move, she requested leave and went shopping for essentials.
Back when she was married to Devin, she had tried to prove she wasn’t a gold digger- She gave nearly her entire salary to his parents, rarely buying anything for herself Even during holidays, she never allowed herself any luxuries. Thinking back, she realized how idiotic she had been. Gritting her teeth, she marched straight into her favorite high–end boutique.
“Ms. Snow! It’s been so long!” the sales associate greeted her warmly.
Vivienne felt slightly embarrassed. She hadn’t stepped foot here since her family lost everything.
“It’s been a while,” she said politely.
The boutique specialized in feminine designs, mostly in pink and pastel shades–her favorites. Her eyes landed on a light pink plush coat in the display window. Delicate crystal embellishments shimmered along the edges.
“Miss Snow, you have impeccable taste as always. This coat is part of our latest limited collection–only ten exist worldwide, and this is the only one available in the country. It suits you perfectly.”
Her current figure was, in a way, thanks to the West family. After giving birth to Danny, Vivienne had gained nearly forty pounds. The Wests constantly criticized her, hinting that she was no longer presentable enough for high society. They refused to let her attend any banquets. Determined not to be humiliated. Vivienne forced herself to lose the weight in just two months, following a strict custom diet she designed herself She managed to regain her former figure.
Later, however, life became a whirlwind of work and endless household responsibilities. She stopped caring about high society gatherings altogether and never once thought about returning to the circles she used to belong to.
Now, staring into the inirror, she saw a woman no different from before–except for the exhaustion in her eyes.
The light pink plush coat fit her perfectly. Vivienne was more than satisfied. Just as she was about to ask the sales associate to wrap it up~-
“Vivienne?”
Riley Hart spotted her outfit and instinctively tightened her grip on Devin’s hand. Devin let out a cold laugh. “Still haunting me like a ghost What, are you following us now?”
“You can forget about regrets, Vivienne,” Devin sueered. “The divorce is final.”
Vivienne snorted “Regret? You’d have to be an idiot to think that. I’m just here to buy clothes.”
Serung
10.55 0
Chapter 6: The First Time He Laid Hands on His Ex–Wife
“Hubby, this coat is so pretty. I want this one.” She deliberately emphasized the word hubby as she pointed directly at the coat Vivienne had just
chosen.
Devin’s lips curled in disdain as he turned back to Vivienne. “You should give it to Riley. Look at yourself–what kind of woman who’s already had a child still wears pink?”
Botton
