Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang...
Beep--
The treadmill belt slowed down, matching Vivian's pace until it turned into a brisk walk. She panted, adjusting her breath, before stepping off the machine after a few minutes.
Wiping away sweat with a towel, she sipped water from her flask, cherishing each mouthful, before picking up dumbbells for her daily strength training routine.
If only there was a punching bag here, Vivian thought, scanning the ten square meter gym.
She knew, however, that conditioning this body couldn't be rushed. Unlike her previous life, this form had been pampered and unaccustomed to rigorous exercise. Starting with the basics, she aimed to acquaint her body with exertion, gradually increasing intensity. Transforming it to match her former self would take at least two to three years.
But... did she even need those skills from her past life anymore?
Vivian's hand holding the dumbbell paused, her mind momentarily lost.
Regardless, building stamina couldn't hurt. At least next time she decided to tackle Ethan, she wouldn't need elaborate restraints, making it seem like some exotic game.
The thought made her chuckle.
After thirty minutes of weightlifting, Vivian headed to the bathroom for a shower.
Still within Ethan's mansion, the hundred-odd square meter estate boasted every amenity, including a fully equipped gym. Staff maintained the place daily, and now a chef prepared her meals.
How could the book's Vivian have considered this treatment a punishment?
Knock, knock. The gym door received a polite rap, pausing briefly before swinging open to reveal a middle-aged man dressed as a butler.
"Madam, lunch is ready. Would you like to dine now?"
"Yes," Vivian answered, stepping out of the bathroom with wet hair and wrapped only in a towel, utterly unashamed.
"Cough." The man cleared his throat uneasily.
He was Ethan's butler, overseeing the house and Ethan's personal affairs, now also tasked with monitoring her.
"Hmm?" Vivian raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "Do you have a cold?"
"No. Should I fetch you some clothes?"
"No need, I'm fine like this." Vivian suddenly untied her towel, startling the butler who quickly averted his gaze.
"Please cover yourself. I'll go get your clothes."
"I'm already dressed," Vivian revealed, grinning triumphantly.
The butler looked to find Vivian wearing workout pants and a sports bra beneath.
His eyes betrayed disapproval as he spoke coolly, "Please maintain decorum in front of others. Your actions reflect the Sharpe family."
Vivian narrowed her eyes, a hint of danger seeping into her tone. "And you? Are you loyal to the Sharpes or to them?"
The butler hesitated, then replied swiftly, "I am, of course, devoted to the Sharpe family."
"Then that's alright if I wear a bit casually in front you." Vivian shrugged, smiling as innocently as ever, as if the threat had been a mere illusion. "I'll change and join you for lunch."
Passing the butler, Vivian left the gym and entered the master bedroom.
Unbeknownst to him, a sense of relief washed over the butler, as if a wrong answer would have spelled danger. Yet, he found the feeling absurd—Vivian was just a young woman in her twenties, how could she be threatening?
Despite this, he couldn't help stealing a glance at the closed door of her room.
Inside the master suite, Vivian appreciated that Ethan had given her full reign over it. With his early departures and late returns, he never stepped foot inside, choosing to sleep in the study before heading straight to work again, requesting his clothes via the butler.
If he truly disliked her, why not simply assign her another room in the vast house?
Vivian chuckled as she changed, remembering how the book's female lead complained that Ethan spoke more to the butler than to her, treating her as if she didn't exist.
Recalling the female lead's self-pity, Vivian laughed aloud. Ethan was following the same script, but she, Vivian, wasn't a woman content with waiting for attention. She was preparing, and once ready, she'd ensure Ethan couldn't ignore her, compelling him to actively seek her out.Ever he will please her by climbing into her bed voluntarily.
The thought made her grin even wider.
A rare catch like Ethan deserved to be savored fully.
Her inexplicable smile persisted through lunch, sending a chill down the butler's spine, though he maintained a professional facade.
After lunch, Vivian returned to her room for a nap. Her behavior over the past two days had been impeccable, her routine consistent. With only one entrance to monitor, the butler busied himself within sight of the front door.
When the chef reported a malfunction with the kitchen's smoke extractor, the butler glanced at Vivian's room before investigating with the chef.
Seizing the opportunity, Vivian quietly opened her door, smiled towards the kitchen, and walked out confidently.
It was time to take the initiative.
