The following morning, Vivian emerged from the gym, drenched in sweat, only to bump into Ethan, who was impeccably dressed in a suit and seemingly ready to head out.
"Morning," Vivian greeted Ethan first.
Ethan, in his tailored suit, seemed prepared for departure. He paused, taken aback by Vivian's appearance in a sports bra and shorts, her fair skin glistening after workout perspiration, his expression slightly uneasy.
"…Morning."
Until recently, Ethan would typically ignore Vivian at this hour, merely informing the butler of his schedule before leaving. However, following yesterday's events, Ethan resolved to treat Vivian more like a roommate, avoiding deliberate disregard.
Vivian chuckled, stepping around him to reach for the master bedroom door handle. Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she turned to Ethan, "By the way, do you want to move back to the master bedroom?"
"What did you say?" Ethan tensed, his gaze turning cautious as if recalling something.
Observing his reaction, Vivian chuckled.
"I'll give the master bedroom back to you. There are guest rooms, right? I can stay there."
Vivian couldn't bear the thought of the homeowner sleeping in the cramped study to avoid her, while she occupied the entire master suite.
"Oh." Ethan realized his overreaction and awkwardly responded, a strange emotion—somewhere between disappointment and relief—welling up within him.
No, what was he disappointed about? The master bedroom was rightfully his. Shouldn't he be glad Vivian suggested this?
"Is it that you want to share a room with me?" Vivian teased, noticing his expression.
Ethan jumped, feeling exposed, and hastily retorted, "Nonsense! Who would want to share a room with you!"
"Haha…" Vivian laughed. Uncomfortable due to the sticky sensation of sweat on the body, she tugged at her sweaty collar. "I'll go take a shower first, then I'll move my things out later..."
However, she is unaware of the effect it had. The thin material of her sports bra, sans any innerwear, revealed a hint of her alluring curves as beads of sweat trickled down her cleavage. She was irresistibly sexy and alluring.
Ethan watched her unconscious gesture, his throat suddenly dry. Without waiting for her to finish, he scowled, covering her hand on the doorknob, and before Vivian could comprehend, he opened the door and pushed her inside.
"Hurry up!" He slammed the door shut.
Inside the room, Vivian blinked, then chuckled.
A while later, Vivian reemerged from the bedroom, refreshed after a shower and dressed more conservatively—a simple short-sleeved shirt with a modest neckline, layered with a bra underneath to prevent exposure, paired with comfortable slim-fit jeans. Her long hair was tied up in a high ponytail, giving her a youthful, college-student-like vibe, disguising her status as a married woman.
Heading to the dining room for breakfast, she found Ethan waiting at the table.
Approaching him with a quizzical raise of her brow, she noticed a card on the table that Ethan pushed towards her before she could speak.
"Vivian took a seat beside Ethan without eagerly grabbing the card, instead opting to pull the sandwich, meticulously prepared by the butler, closer to her, as if nothing were more significant at that moment than savoring her meal."
Ethan waited until she finished her sandwich, just before reaching for another, to speak, "This is for you."
Vivian glanced at the black card sliding her way again, raising an eyebrow, "I don't lack money."
"You keep it. It's a supplementary card; your expenses will be linked to mine. I won't interfere with what you spend on." Ethan insisted, inwardly skeptical about Vivian's claim.
How could Vivian have money? Ethan had naturally investigated her assets, finding only a meager $200,000 accessible in her account, the rest being mere illusionary wealth. He knew the character of the Shaw family well; that sum was peanuts to him.
Despite the unwilling nature of their relationship, as the nominal Mrs. Sharpe, he couldn't neglect her.
"Each month, a sum will be transferred to your account, which every member of the Sharpe family receives. Ask Hayden for the details."
"Thanks." Vivian nodded, pushing the card back. "But I won't need it. I've already found a job; I have an interview today. I can support myself."
"What kind of job? Don't forget your current status," Ethan frowned, his expression darkening.
The Vivian from the book might have been frightened into tears by his look, but the reincarnated Vivian was unfazed, having gauged Ethan's personality. Beyond his intimidating expression, he simply felt that as Mrs. Sharpe, she didn't need to work.
"I know I'm Mrs. Sharpe, but I'm also Vivian," Vivian replied calmly, unfazed by his look or provoked by his words.
She was both Mrs. Sharpe and Vivian, two identities that coexisted without conflict. She could fulfill the role of Mrs. Sharpe while remaining true to herself, pursuing what Vivian would naturally do.
Understanding her stance, Ethan fell silent. His intention wasn't to interfere. If this was what she wanted, he wouldn't stand in her way.
However...
"There's an international jewelry exhibition next month, and our company is participating. You must attend the opening cocktail party with me. This is for you to purchase necessities," Ethan stated coldly, pushing the card towards her once more.
He doubted Vivian's salary could cover the cost of attire suitable for such an event.
Although the Sharpe Corporation now diversified its businesses, it originated from the jewelry industry, being the largest jeweler in S country with extensive partnerships with miners worldwide. Although synthetic diamonds and gems had squeezed the market for natural stones, Sharpe Corporationremained a leading force in the jewelry sector in S country.
The upcoming exhibition featured a rare blood diamond from Sharpe Corporation, making it highly anticipated.
Vivian tapped the card on her cheek with two fingers, pondering, "So, buying these things is considered a business expense?"
…Why would it be a business expense? Ethan was speechless, not comprehending her thoughts. When he was with Shawna, he provided a credit card with a high limit, which she spent freely. Ethan assumed this was standard practice, expecting any woman receiving an unlimited card to be delighted, yet Vivian reacted strangely.
"Whatever you say." Ethan dismissed arguing, knowing Vivian always had unconventional logic. After days of interaction, he could somewhat anticipate her actions.
"If it's necessary for playing the role of Mrs. Sharpe, I'll accept it," Vivian maintained a clear distinction between personal and professional matters, treating her role as Mrs. Sharpe as a task, albeit one she chose voluntarily and they both needed.
As Vivian mentioned 'playing', Ethan frowned involuntarily but couldn't refute. Ideally, Vivian's self-awareness suited his expectations, so why did he feel averse?
Or was it that Vivian's acute self-awareness made her seem indifferent to being "Mrs. Sharpe," implying he was being belittled?
That must be it. Ethan rationalized his inexplicable displeasure. The enviable title of "Mrs. Sharpe" being trivialized by Vivian was naturally unsettling.
Nonetheless, Ethan didn't display his aversion, merely stating indifferently, "You're my wife. As long as you behave appropriately, I will make sure you get your reward."
"Is that so?" Vivian propped her chin on the card, appearing skeptical of Ethan's words. She straightened her face, assuming a serious demeanor, but her eyes roamed mischievously over Ethan.
Ethan grew increasingly uneasy, sensing her scheming. Knowing she was baiting him, he still couldn't resist asking, "What are you looking at?"
Vivian flashed the mischievous grin Ethan had grown accustomed to lately, "So, if I behave, Will you let me fuck you?"
"Vivian!"
A corner of the dining table splintered under Ethan's fist. Vivian swiftly grabbed the last sandwich and made a hasty retreat.
