from Vivienne Everleigh seemed to cut deeper than the last, her unrelenting pursuit wearing him down piece by piece. He had always been ab

unter. There were moments, brief and fleeting, when her vulnerability shone through her icy façade, and for a split second, he would glimpse the real Viv

that was as jagged and fractured as the city he drove through. He had never allowed himself to

us moments-when he found himsel

nother lavish party, a gathering filled with laughter, music, and an air of exclusivity that was suffocating to anyone who wasn't a part of their world. Vivienne h

political games and had no interest in playing them. He wasn't here to mingle. He wasn't here to be part of the high society that

wore on, somethin

erself. Leonhart had insisted, as always, on staying within proximity, but she had dismis

se something about her tonight seemed off, as though she were waiting for something, or someone. She was all smiles and charm in front of the guests, but

ped forward. He wasn't sure what pushed him to do it, but he couldn't stand the thought of

r the briefest of moments. The moment their eyes locked, Leon

edge he had never heard before-an almost pleading note. "

wrong, something deeper than what she was letting on. He could see through the perfe

aid, his voice calm but insistent.

e crowd. There was a weight in the air between them

r felt more alone." She glanced at him again, her eyes heavy with unshed emotions. "You're the only person who doesn't look at me and see

he refused to show any sign of

his voice quieter now, more sincere. "You don't need anyone to

if I am. I don't know who I am anymore." Her words hung in t

r he had never seen, and he wasn't sure how to respond. "You're not alone," he sai

to meet his gaze. "Everything but what I want," she murmured

confidence slipping back into place. She excused herself with a simple nod, bu

. For the first time, he found himself questioning everything he thought he knew about Vivienne Everle

d changed, something deeper than just his role as her chauffeur. He had always seen her as a job, as a duty-nothing more. But now, as

e silence between them was almost unbearable. Neither of them spoke a word. Leonhart cou

walked past him, her steps quick and purposeful. Leonhart remained in the car,

know what to make of Vivienne. And he certainl