Chapter 21 ❖ ❖ ❖
Vivienne opened her eyes, feeling the count’s strong chest behind her. From the radio, she heard someone mention twelve o’clock. She looked at the man’s arms wrapped around her waist and slowly lifted her own hand, spreading her fingers wide. A massive pink diamond sparkled atop two white diamond prongs.
The sunlight of the afternoon reflected off the diamond’s intricate cuts, creating a dazzling halo of light that left her momentarily breathless. Depending on the angle, the gem appeared purple or pink.
Though she had seen countless jewels as a noblewoman, she had never encountered a masterpiece with such a combination of color, size, and perfect craftsmanship. Even to the naked eye, she could be sure it was a top-tier “Fancy Vivid” diamond. Yet what truly touched her wasn’t the value of the stone.
If it had been money she wanted, she wouldn’t have imagined a future running away with an agent in the first place.
Vivienne was well-acquainted with the way the upper class flaunted ornaments to elevate their status. But this ring was special—it was a gift, meaningful and heartfelt.
She wondered if the count had intended this gift only for her, rather than discarding her after claiming her. If so, did that mean his promise of engagement had been sincere?
“Countess.”
At that moment, the man behind her kissed the nape of her neck and spoke.
“…You’d better get used to hearing this. Soon, you’ll be my wife.”
“…….”
“Do whatever you want with the engagement ring. I’ll buy you another when I propose properly. We should soon pay a visit to your father-in-law. We need to make a good impression—that we asked about a suitable match for his daughter, right?”
Vivienne knew exactly what he meant.
With a pink-purple diamond of this size and grade, half of her family’s astronomical debt could be paid off.
“You’re a noblewoman, Mergoville.”
When she didn’t answer, he continued, stating the obvious—a phrase she had heard drilled into her ears until she was twenty-three.
“So for you, a count suits you better than an agent. Your family, your life so far—you don’t have to give up any of it.”
“…….”
“Rather than waiting for your agent in some cold villa, wouldn’t it be better for you to live as the future countess, at the center of the Senwick social scene?”
“All of that… is not what I wanted.”
The words slipped out before she could filter them. Vivienne now realized that her hope of running away with the agent, living eternally happy, was just as much a fantasy as the vengeance she had sworn.
“Pity.”
Edmund’s voice dropped. He continued, speaking slowly.
“If you want children, have them. If you want to learn to be a lady on your own first, that’s fine too. You’ll have to learn charity work, accounting, and develop an eye for art if you want to inherit your aunt’s gallery. You’ll even need to know how to behave like a daughter-in-law beside your mother when your father gives speeches.”
“…….”
“…Vivienne.”
When she remained silent, he called her name with a tone of gentle insistence.
“Count.”
Vivienne turned her head toward Edmund. He left a small kiss near her lips, pulling her close into his warm embrace. Covering her more with the blanket, he lowered his head to follow her gaze.
“Please, let me discuss such things with my parents first.”
“…….”
“Please.”
Watching Vivienne say this, Edmund felt a surge of blood to his lower body but kept his composure, nodding at her words.
Her long hair covered the mark he had left, hiding the evidence of his bite. Slightly lifting his body, she looked like a goddess in his eyes.
Edmund met Vivienne’s gaze. She showed no anger or disappointment toward him.
Had she shown any, he might at least have had a reason to let go.
Unlike in the early morning, she now displayed no emotions toward him, yet Edmund realized he was thinking about her feelings rather than her body. Knowing only from study what it meant to read another’s emotions, he understood this was not a good sign.
Vivienne spoke again.
“Let me use the phone. You know I’m not going anywhere, Count.”
As she lifted her body, the curve hidden beneath her hair caught his attention—his “cute little spot,” as he thought.
But now, what captivated him wasn’t her body, but her. The real charm was Vivienne Mergoville herself. He resisted the urge to smoke a cigarette.
“All right.”
The words slipped out as if under some spell.
“Thank you.”
Vivienne responded gently. Edmund was so pleased by her demeanor that he placed no conditions on her phone call.
Unaware that this would be his greatest mistake.
