29. "Vivienne's Chaotic Heart and Lucien's Concern"

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Sterling Mansion,

Simran placed the plates on the dining table with a clatter, causing Vivienne to jolt out of her thoughts. "Mistress, why do you seem out of it today? Your mind seems preoccupied with something!" The maid's words snapped Vivienne back to reality.

Vivienne rubbed her temples, trying to rid herself of the pounding headache that had been nagging her all morning. "Hmmm, I don't know. It's just a personal problem," she replied with a sigh. "Simran, I've told you before not to call me that," Vivienne said, her voice laced with frustration.

Two days had passed since her conversation with Lucien in the bustling Nova Plaza. Vivienne couldn't shake off the guilt she felt over the two injured girls she had witnessed that day. She had visited them in the hospital and was relieved to see that they were out of danger. It was a small comfort in the midst of her overwhelming emotions.

As Vivienne left the hospital, she had an unexpected encounter with an old friend. They exchanged pleasantries, but Vivienne could tell her friend was busy with work, so she didn't linger there.

Simran, however, seemed oblivious to Vivienne's internal struggles. She looked up at Vivienne with twinkling eyes and innocent expressions. "Mistress, can't I call you that? You are the wife of Master Sterling, and I like calling you as such!"

Vivienne sighed, feeling defeated. "Fine, call me whatever you want," she conceded.

Simran's eyes widened with curiosity. "Mistress, are you having problems with Master Lucien?" she probed, her gaze fixed on Vivienne.

Vivienne shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling the weight of Simran's gaze on her. "No, no, I don't have any problems with Lucien. It's just that I don't know what to do in the relationship!" she admitted with a whisper, her voice barely audible.

Simran leaned forward, her expression one of fascination. "Ohh, so you mean to say that you are a complete amateur when it comes to relationships!" she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Vivienne nodded, feeling exposed under Simran's curious gaze. She had never been one to open up about her personal life, always keeping her thoughts and feelings to herself. But Simran had a way of prying into her thoughts that made it hard to keep things hidden.

The past few days had been chaotic, filled with unexpected events that left Vivienne feeling overwhelmed. Amidst the chaos, there was one thing that stood out to her: her relationship with Lucien.

Vivienne had never been one for relationships, always preferring to keep things casual and uncomplicated. She was too focused on her academic and career pursuits to give much thought to romance. But her feelings for Lucien were different. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something about him that drew her in.

However, Vivienne was at a loss for what to do next. She had never been in a serious relationship before, and her lack of experience left her feeling uncertain about how to proceed. She couldn't help but wonder if she was making a mistake by pursuing something more with Lucien.

Vivienne's thoughts drifted off as she mulled over her complicated feelings. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt for Lucien, but she also couldn't shake off her fears and insecurities. She wondered if she was ready to take the plunge into something more serious, or if she should just stick to her old ways of keeping things simple.

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Sterling Industry HQ,

Lucien Office,

"Sigh, was I being to forward, Vivi seems to be in uncomfortable position." Lucien sat in his spacious office, staring blankly at his computer screen as he mulled over the conversation he had with Vivienne two days ago in Nova Plaza. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that he had noticed in her lately, especially during meals. He had been too forward, too impatient, and now he feared that their newfound comfort with each other might have been ruined.

Lost in thought, Lucien failed to notice the figure sitting across from him until she spoke up, jolting him back to reality. It was Olivia Windsor, the CEO of Passion Brand, one of Sterling Industry's most successful branches. She looked at Lucien with an air of annoyance and hurt, her tone laced with a hint of petulance.

"Hmmm, Boss! You know I am still here so could you stop ignoring me like I am some air!" Olivia pouted, crossing her arms and tapping her foot impatiently.

Lucien raised an eyebrow, looking at her as if he had only just noticed her presence. It wasn't intentional, but he couldn't help but feel that Olivia was being a tad dramatic.

"Ohh, Olivia. You're still here!" Lucien said, attempting to sound nonchalant.

But it was too late, Olivia's ego had already taken a hit. She glared at him, her eyes narrowing as she pursed her lips.

"Ahhh! Boss! Don't be so mean!" Olivia huffed, her voice dripping with indignation.

Lucien couldn't help but let out a chuckle at Olivia's theatrics. Despite being one of his most valued employees, she was known to be a bit high maintenance at times. Lucien regarded her with a raised eyebrow, his gaze conveying that he was busy and didn't have time for her shenanigans.

"Hey, can you not become a nuisance now, Olivia. I am busy as it is!" he said, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.

Although Lucien acted dismissive, Olivia knew him well enough to understand that something was bothering him, especially since she had heard rumors about his love life. Andrew had spilled the beans about Lucien's marriage contract with a woman, which had come as a surprise not only to Olivia, but to four other people as well.

"Boss, do you want me to help you out?" Olivia's mischievous smile and suggestive tone indicated that she was willing to assist him with his love life.

Lucien shook his head, his expression turning serious. "No way. I'll figure it out on my own," he replied, making it clear that he didn't want to involve anyone else in his personal life. He knew that Olivia had a tendency to gossip, and the last thing he needed was his private affairs becoming public knowledge.

With that, Olivia dropped the subject and the two of them resumed their business discussion. However, the thought of Lucien's secret relationship lingered in Olivia's mind, and she couldn't help but wonder who the lucky woman was that had captured her boss's heart.

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