Chapter 55: Hubby or Husband?.. And Bond Completion

Damon was still lying beside Vivian when the system notification appeared before his eyes.

[100x Return System Activated.]

[Bonded Partner Confirmed: Vivian Ashford.]

[Bond Completion: Successful.]

[Bonded Partner: Vivian Ashford]

[Favorability: 90]

[Bond Status: Active.]

Damon stared at the last few lines, then returned his attention to the favourability reading.

Ninety?

He had expected Vivian to become his second Bonded Partner, but he hadn’t expected her favourability to reach such a high level so quickly.

The past several days had given them time to understand each other, but ninety was still higher than he had anticipated.

He checked the reading again, wondering whether he’d misunderstood something.

The number remained unchanged.

A slow smile spread across his face.

He had known Vivian was attracted to him. Their date had made that much clear, and her decision to come to him the previous afternoon had removed any doubt about whether she wanted to take their relationship further.

Still, there was a difference between knowing a woman wanted him and discovering that her favourability had reached ninety.

Whatever Vivian thought about their future, she was clearly no longer treating their engagement as nothing more than an arrangement between two families.

Damon glanced at her.

She was sleeping beside him, her blonde hair spread across the pillow, one hand resting near his chest.

He returned his attention to the interface.

[Bonded Partner Vivian Ashford has been registered.]

[Favorability: 90]

[Return Eligibility: Confirmed.]

He leaned back against the pillows, considering what this meant for his plans.

Vivian had trained in martial arts for ten years. Her foundation was solid, and she possessed the discipline to keep improving even when training became frustrating.

He had already seen how quickly she adapted when he challenged her in the courtyard. She wasn’t satisfied with being told she had potential; she wanted to discover how far she could go.

That suited him perfectly.

Eleanor’s business growth had already shown him how valuable a Bonded Partner could become. Vivian offered a different kind of investment.

If he could help her develop her martial skills, the resulting improvements could generate returns that would benefit him as well.

And with a favourability reading of ninety, he had every reason to look forward to what their future training sessions might bring.

Damon closed the interface.

He’d deal with the details later. For now, he wanted some sleep.

He settled against the pillows and closed his eyes.

Morning sunlight had already reached the bedroom when Damon woke.

For a few seconds, he lay still, registering the unfamiliar warmth against his side. Vivian was asleep beside him, her head resting on his chest and one arm loosely wrapped around his waist. Her blonde hair had fallen across his shoulder.

She looked considerably less composed asleep.

Damon glanced at the clock. He’d slept longer than usual, though he wasn’t in a hurry to get up. He shifted slightly, trying to reach his phone on the bedside table without disturbing her.

Vivian stirred before he could grab it.

"Morning," she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep.

"Morning."

She raised her head, blinking at the light, then seemed to remember where she was. Her gaze met his for a moment before she lowered it, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked.

"Very well." She paused, then added, "Apparently."

He gave her a brief look. "Apparently?"

"Don’t start."

"I’m not starting anything."

"You have that look."

"What look?"

She gave him a small shove and sat up, gathering the blanket around herself. The movement was enough to make her wince slightly as she stretched, and she quickly tried to hide it.

Damon noticed but didn’t comment on it. He reached for the water on the bedside table and passed her the glass.

"Here."

She accepted it with a quiet thanks, drinking before handing it back. Then she stayed seated beside him, apparently in no hurry to get dressed.

She seemed unusually unsure of what to do with herself. She kept smoothing the blanket over her knees, occasionally glancing at him and then looking away when he noticed.

Damon let her take her time.

After a while, she leaned against his shoulder again.

"I could get used to this," she said.

"Sleeping late?"

"Being here." She looked down at her hands. "Waking up beside you."

He glanced at her.

"Then you’ll have plenty of opportunities," he replied. "We’re still getting married."

Her expression brightened a little, though she tried not to show it too obviously.

"I know."

She rested against him again, apparently satisfied with that much. Damon picked up his phone and checked his messages.

Vivian didn’t complain, but after a minute, she reached over and lowered it onto the bed.

"You can read those later."

He looked at the phone, then at her.

"I suppose I can."

"Good."

She settled against him once more, looking pleased with herself.

For the next several minutes, neither of them said much.

Vivian seemed content simply to remain beside him, occasionally drawing idle patterns on the blanket with one finger. Every so often, she looked up at him with a small smile she didn’t seem entirely aware of.

She was getting comfortable with him.

Eventually, she lifted her head and looked at him.

"Damon?"

"Hmm?"

"When we’re married, should I call you hubby or husband?"

He lowered his phone.

For a moment, he simply stared at her, trying to work out whether she was serious.

Vivian held her composure for approximately two seconds before a smile broke across her face.

"What?" she asked. "It’s a reasonable question."

"Is it?"

"Of course. I should decide before the wedding."

"You’re planning this far ahead?"

"Someone has to." She sat up straighter, looking far too pleased with herself. "And I think hubby sounds cute."

"Then use husband."

She laughed. "You don’t like hubby?"

"I didn’t say that."

"You didn’t have to."

Damon shook his head, though he wasn’t particularly bothered. Vivian was clearly enjoying his reaction, and trying to stop her would probably only encourage her.

She moved closer and slipped her hand into his.

"I might call you both and see which one you complain about less."

"Do whatever you want."

"That’s the plan."

She leaned over and kissed his cheek before getting out of bed, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

Damon watched her collect her clothes, then reached for his phone again.

He’d gained a Bonded Partner with a favourability of ninety. Their marriage would also give him plenty of opportunities to help her develop her martial skills.

As for what she wanted to call him, he had a feeling he’d be hearing both options for a long time.

From the other side of the room, Vivian turned back toward him.

"Come on, hubby. Let’s get breakfast."

Damon looked at her.

She was grinning.

With a sigh, he got out of bed.

The woman was going to be trouble.