Chapter 40: The Fiancée Arrives

Ch40 - The Fiancée Arrives

Damon pulled into the airport parking lot and stopped the engine.

The Lamborghini always drew looks. Today was no different. A guy in a suit slowed down to stare.

Group of teenagers stopped walking and pointed. Damon ignored them and headed for the arrivals gate.

He hated airports.

Too many people, too much noise, and far too many idiots standing in the middle of walkways as if the world would wait for them.

He stood near the arrivals exit with his hands in his pockets, checking his phone for the third time.

Fifteen minutes late.

The doors opened, and another wave of passengers spilled into the terminal.

Then he spotted her.

Blonde hair. Tall figure. Dark coat. One bag in her hand.

She walked through the crowd without hesitation, looking around until her eyes found him.

She didn’t smile or wave. She simply changed direction and walked straight toward him.

Damon watched her approach. She was beautiful, no question about that. But what caught his attention was the way she looked at him.

Her gaze moved over his face and figure without the slightest embarrassment, as if she had every right to inspect the man she was supposed to marry.

Most people became self-conscious when he looked back at them.

Vivian didn’t.

She stopped in front of him, meeting his gaze without hesitation.

Interesting. At least she wasn’t trying to impress him.

He wondered how she’d react when she discovered what kind of man she’d agreed to marry.

"Damon?"

"That’s me."

"You’re taller than I expected."

"You’re not the first person to tell me that."

"Then people must have a habit of expecting short men."

He looked at her for another moment. She had a dry tongue, apparently.

"I’m Vivian."

"I figured."

She glanced at the crowds moving around them, then back at him.

"Are we going to stand here all day, or did you come to take me home?"

They headed toward the parking area.

Vivian stopped when she saw the Lamborghini.

"That’s yours?"

"Obviously."

Vivian glanced at him. "You always answer questions like that?"

"When the answer is obvious."

She studied him for another moment before getting into the car.

She got into the passenger seat.

He also settled behind the wheel and started the engine.

He pulled away from the airport.

"You don’t talk much," Vivian remarked after several minutes.

"You’ve known me for less than an hour."

"And you’ve barely said ten words."

"You’re counting?"

"I’m stuck in a car with you. I need something to do."

For a little while, neither of them spoke. Then Vivian broke the silence again.

"Your file said you were dead."

Damon kept his eyes on the road.

"I got better."

She turned to him.

"That’s a terrible answer."

"It’s the one you’ve got."

For the first time, her expression grew serious.

"My father spent weeks trying to understand what happened to your family. One day, the Thorne family had disappeared.

The next thing we knew, you were back, your identity was restored, and the family’s affairs were apparently in order."

"Apparently?"

"Would you prefer that I pretend none of it is strange?"

"No."

"Good. Because it is."

She studied him, waiting for an explanation.

Damon gave her nothing.

"You’re going to have to get used to not knowing everything about me," he said.

Vivian looked at him. "And you’re going to have to get used to me asking."

"Ask whatever you like."

"And you’ll answer?"

"When I feel like it."

She held his gaze for a moment before looking back at the road.

At least she wasn’t dull.

The conversation drifted after that. Neither tried to force it. By the time the estate gates came into view, Vivian had stopped questioning him and started watching the road.

The gates opened, revealing the long driveway and the manor beyond it.

Vivian sat up a little.

She watched the manor grow larger through the windshield, her expression thoughtful.

"So, you really did inherit everything?"

"Most of it."

"And you expect me to believe you just returned and took over?"

"I don’t expect you to believe anything."

Vivian looked at him, then laughed softly.

"That’s quite a house."

"That’s what the money gets you."

She looked at him and turned back toward the manor. The trees, the broad driveway, and the old fountain near the entrance passed by her window. She took it all in quietly.

Damon couldn’t tell whether she was impressed or already calculating what the place meant for her future.

He supposed he would find out.

He parked near the entrance. Thomas was waiting at the door, as usual, and came forward when they stepped out.

Damon handed him Vivian’s bag.

"Thomas. Vivian Ashford. She’s staying here."

"Of course, young master."

Thomas turned toward her with a respectful bow of his head.

"Welcome to Blackstone Manor, Miss Ashford. We’ve prepared a guest suite for you."

"Thank you, Thomas."

Vivian glanced around the entrance hall. Then suddenly footsteps sounded overhead.

Lily came down the stairs and stopped when she saw the blonde beside Damon.

"Who’s she?"

"My fiancée. Vivian Ashford."

Lily’s smile faltered.

His fiancée? Of course he has one.

She knew she was just someone Damon enjoyed having around. He’d never promised her anything else. Still, seeing his fiancée standing beside him irritated her more than she’d expected.

"Well, that’s unexpected," Lily said, forcing a smile.

Vivian noticed the brief change in her expression.

"How long have you been staying here?" she asked.

"About a week. Damon invited me."

Vivian glanced at Damon. "I see."

"Don’t look at me like that," Damon said. "She’s staying. That’s all."

Vivian smiled faintly. "I haven’t complained."

Lily excused herself and headed toward the kitchen, unwilling to stand there pretending she didn’t care.

Vivian watched her leave before turning back to Damon.

"She’s jealous."

"That’s her problem."

"And the other women in your life?"

Damon smirked. "You’ll learn soon enough."

Vivian held his gaze. "Then we should talk."

"About what?"

"Our future."