Chapter 4: A Polite War
Vivian chose the place.
A quiet, expensive café in the heart of the city—private rooms, soft music, perfect smiles.
Luna arrived ten minutes early.
She wore a simple white dress. Nothing flashy. Nothing weak.
I'm his wife, she reminded herself. At least on paper.
Vivian arrived exactly on time.
"Luna," Vivian said warmly, sitting across from her. "Thank you for coming."
"Of course," Luna replied calmly.
They ordered tea.
For a moment, silence hung between them—thin and sharp.
"You're younger than I expected," Vivian said with a smile. "Adrian usually prefers… experienced women."
Luna met her gaze. "People change."
Vivian chuckled softly. "Do they?"
She leaned back. "Adrian and I were together for years. We built things. Dreams. Trust."
Luna's fingers tightened around her cup, but her face stayed calm.
"Then you know him well," Luna said. "So you must know he doesn't do things without a reason."
Vivian's smile froze—for just a second.
"He married you to protect his image," Vivian said smoothly. "You're convenient."
"So were you," Luna replied.
The words surprised even herself.
Vivian's eyes darkened. "Careful. You're playing a role you don't understand."
Luna leaned forward slightly. "I understand one thing very clearly. I'm Mrs. Black."
Silence.
Vivian broke it with a laugh. "Enjoy it while it lasts."
As Luna stood to leave, Vivian added softly, "When Adrian gets tired of pretending… he always comes back to what's familiar."
Luna didn't answer.
But her heart raced.
That night, Adrian came home late.
Luna was in the living room, reading.
"You met her," Adrian said.
"Yes."
He loosened his tie. "What did she say?"
Luna closed the book. "She told me I'm temporary."
Adrian's eyes hardened. "And?"
"And I told her nothing," Luna replied. "Because this marriage isn't her business."
Adrian studied her carefully.
"You handled her well," he said.
"Do I get points for that?" Luna asked lightly.
"No," he replied. "You get protection."
Her breath caught. "Protection?"
"Vivian doesn't like to lose," Adrian said. "If she tries anything, you tell me."
Luna hesitated. "Why does it matter to you?"
Adrian turned away. "Because you're my wife."
Just that.
Nothing more.
But when Luna walked past him, she felt it—
His hand reached out, barely brushing her sleeve.
An unconscious move.
A jealous one.
Later that night, Luna lay awake in bed.
Vivian was dangerous.
But Adrian…
Adrian was worse.
Because he was slowly forgetting this was just a contract.
And so was she.