Who is Vivienne?

Marian's POV 

I could feel their stares, their curiosity, the silent assessments from women in designer gowns and men who held more wealth than entire corporations. Some smiled politely. Others were less subtle, their gazes whispering unspoken questions.

Who is she?

Why is she with Aiden?

Is she temporary?

I lifted my chin, refusing to let it get to me. If they wanted to scrutinize, let them.

Aiden's hand pressed lightly against my lower back, his touch grounding. "You're doing fine," he murmured under his breath, just for me to hear.

I glanced up at him. "You expected me to do otherwise?"

His lips twitched slightly. "I expected you to roll your eyes at least five times by now."

I bit back a smirk. "Give me time."

His amusement was brief before his gaze shifted to something—or rather, someone—across the room. His expression hardened ever so slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his sharp blue eyes.