Chapter 329

Vivienne

Maybe I should have been an actress.

Because I don’t know how I’m managing to smile at this party, making small talk, pretending to be fine, while those girls flirt with Daphne right in front of me.

She’s across the room, surrounded by a small crowd of Omegas—female Omegas, all of them young and pretty and interested. One redhead is practically hanging off her arm, laughing at something Daphne said, touching her shoulder, leaning in too close.

I want to drag that bitch away by her hair and throw her as far from my Alpha as possible.

My Alpha.

No.

Not my Alpha.

That’s the problem, isn’t it? She’s not mine. Not publicly. Not officially. I’m her sister-in-law, engaged to her brother, and I have no claim, no right, no justification for the jealousy burning in my chest.

So I stand here, glass of champagne in hand, smile fixed on my face, and pretend to be calm.

I try not to watch. I really do.

But my eyes betray me, always drawn to her no matter where I look. The way she smiles all polite, charming, utterly unattainable. The way she carries herself like she owns every room she enters.

"I don’t even have to marry her." A voice cuts through my thoughts. Nearby. Two Omegas—a female and a male—whispering like they think no one can hear. "Just one night with her would be amazing."

"I have a better chance." The female omega preens. "She prefers female Omegas, remember?"

"Bummer." The boy pouts.

"Think I might still have a chance, though? I can feel my heat coming. And do you think it’s true that female Alphas aren’t as... you know... large as the male ones?"

"I heard so. They’re rare, so maybe the rumors are exaggerated."

Not as large?

I remember three days in a hotel room. I remember barely being able to walk afterward. I remember feeling her for days after that night.

"Whatever." The girl giggles. "Her knot would make me not care at all."

I slam my glass down on the table.

The sound is sharp, sudden. Both Omegas jump, spinning to face me with wide eyes.

"Lady Vivienne!" The girl’s face goes pale. "We didn’t know you were here. We’re so sorry—"

They scurry off without another word, the male omega dragging his companion away. At least they had the decency to look embarrassed.

I exhale slowly, trying to steady my racing heart.

Daphne really is stunning tonight. Across the room, she laughs at something—nothing that redhead said could possibly be that funny—and the sound carries, warm and rich.

I want to walk over there.

I want to kiss her in front of everyone. I want to mark her, claim her, make it clear to every Omega in this room that she’s—

"Vivienne."

Olga’s hand touches my arm, gentle but insistent.

"Join me." Her eyes are knowing, too knowing. "I’d like to introduce you to some people."

I tear my gaze away from Daphne. It takes effort,physical effort to look at Olga instead.

"Of course." My voice is steady. Good. At least the acting is working.

I take one last look across the room.

Daphne’s eyes meet mine.

Just for a second. Just long enough for her to smile ,that small, private smile meant only for me.

Then Olga guides me away, and I’m left with the ghost of her gaze and the ache of wanting something I can’t have.

*

"Are you mad at me, sister-in-law?"

Daphne’s voice is soft, teasing, with just a hint of genuine concern underneath.

I pretend to keep reading the book in my hands.The words blur together—something about politics, history, I don’t even remember why I picked it up. My heart is racing, but my face stays carefully neutral. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

The bed dips slightly as she sits on the edge, her weight shifting the mattress.

"I don’t know what I did." She moves closer, and I can smell her now, that scent that haunts my dreams.

"But I’m sorry, okay?"

I still don’t respond. Just stare at the book, turning a page I haven’t read.

"Vivienne." Her hand touches mine. Gentle. Questioning. "Please look at me."

I turn a page.

"Okay, then I’m leaving." She starts to rise.

"Why?" The word rips out of me before I can stop it. "To go to that redhead?"

She freezes, half-standing, staring at me with genuine confusion.

"What redhead?"

"The one from the party." I slam the book down on the nightstand, finally looking at her. All the jealousy, the frustration, the want that I’ve been suppressing for hours comes rushing out.

"The one who was hanging off your arm all night. Touching you. Laughing at everything you said like you’re the funniest person alive."

Daphne blinks.

"Vivienne..."

"Don’t ’Vivienne’ me." I sit up straighter, arms crossing. "You were awfully close with her. Smiling. Leaning in. Letting her touch you."

She stares at me for a long moment.

Then she laughs.

"Green is a beautiful color on you."

"I’m not jealous!" I snap, too loud, my face burning.

"Okay, okay." She raises her hands in surrender, but she’s still smiling. "You’re not jealous. My mistake."

"I was watching you all night." Her thumb traces my cheek, gentle, reverent. "Every smile. Every laugh. Every time you looked away when our eyes met. I was counting the minutes until I could be here. With you."

I want to believe her. I do.

But the insecurity is a worm in my chest, whispering doubts.

"What about when I’m not there? When other Omegas throw themselves at you? When—"

She moves closer and kisses my forehead. Soft. Sweet. Perfect.

"There is no one else." She pulls back, meeting my eyes. "There never has been. There never will be. You’re it for me, Vivienne. In this life and every life after."

The words settle into my chest, warm and heavy, dissolving all my petty jealousy.

"Why won’t you kiss me?" The question comes out smaller than I intended. "Or touch me? You haven’t since that time at the hotel."

Embarrassment floods through me. I sound needy. Desperate. Pathetic.

But Daphne doesn’t look annoyed. Her expression softens.

"For starters, you were ignoring me." Her voice is gentle. "And when you weren’t, you avoided the topic completely. I figured you regretted what happened."

I move closer, placing my hands on her neck.

"I do not regret it."