Chapter 4 Strong Man

• The night fell, and the atmosphere in the room felt warm yet tense. Vivian stood in front of the mirror, gazing at her reflection with sparkling eyes, though a shadow of nervousness clouded her face. Her hair flowed beautifully, and the evening gown she wore shimmered softly under the dim light. She took a deep breath, trying to dispel the awkwardness that enveloped her heart.
• In the corner of the room, Gaston lay on the bed, peacefully hugging a pillow. He appeared calm, though in his mind, plans were hanging in the air.
• They had both been looking forward to this night—the night they would sleep together for the first time as a married couple. However, as time passed, nervousness began to creep over Vivian. She tried to calm herself, but her thoughts wandered in every direction.
• Vivian shifted her gaze from the mirror to Gaston. It felt awkward. The only sound was the ticking of the wall clock, marking the passage of time.
• Vivian stepped forward, slowly climbing onto the bed. Her eyes never left Gaston. She had to overcome her nervousness. Breathe, Vivian.
• "Gaston!" Vivian broke the silence. "Do you remember when we got stuck in the elevator? And you tried to make me laugh by imitating animal sounds?" She smiled, recalling that moment.
• Gaston remained curled up with the pillow, not moving. Vivian pressed on, "Or when we tried cooking together, and you ended up making pasta that was stickier than glue?" She let out a small laugh, trying to ease the awkwardness.
• Finally, after a moment, Gaston turned to face her. His smile appeared slowly, warming the atmosphere even more. "I'm glad you remember all of that, Vivi."
• Vivian's cheeks flushed, but she couldn't help but smile. "Because after my dad passed away, it's always been just the two of us."
• Gaston reached out, gently touching Vivian's cheek. "I will always be with you."
• Having Gaston by her side, his warm smile made Vivian feel more at ease. They gazed into each other's eyes, and in that moment, all the nervousness began to fade away. Yet, in the back of Vivian's mind, one question lingered. Did Gaston understand what their first night together would mean? About the intimacy they were about to share?
• Gaston fell silent, intertwining his fingers on the blanket, looking puzzled. Vivian could see the uncertainty in his eyes. She knew that Gaston wasn't experienced, and this was an important moment for both of them. Gently, Vivian tried to guide him.
• "Gaston," she said. "I know this might feel strange for you. But you have to do this." She looked deeply into Gaston's eyes, trying to instill confidence.
• Gaston swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on Vivian. If this had happened before the accident, he wouldn't have known what to expect. But Vivian didn't realize that Gaston was now a strong, normal man.
• Vivian took Gaston's hand, holding it tightly, and guided it to her waist. "Come on, hold me," she said, her voice trembling with hope.
• She looked at him with assurance. "Kiss me," she said, playfully teasing.
• Gaston closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before leaning in. Gently, he brushed his lips against Vivian's.
• "That's great," Vivian praised, her face glowing. "Do it again, but with more passion."
• Hearing her encouragement, Gaston tried to appear natural as he responded to Vivian's invitation. "Okay, Vivi," he said, channeling his newfound enthusiasm. He leaned in again, this time more boldly, kissing Vivian's lips deeper and with more feeling. Vivian felt her adrenaline surge, excitement flowing with every touch.
• "Yes, just like that!" Vivian exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "Now, try holding me tighter."
• Gaston did as she asked, wrapping his arms around her gently yet firmly. Vivian felt the warmth of his body and the growing confidence within him. "Good, sweetheart. Now we can be even closer," she continued, guiding Gaston's hands along her back.
• With Vivian's guidance, Gaston began to feel more assured. He explored every curve of Vivian's body, experiencing a warmth and closeness they had never shared before.
• Their first night together was a success. Vivian loved it, but she also felt a twinge of sadness, knowing that Gaston probably didn't fully understand what they were doing. It was like giving him ice cream—he enjoyed it, but it was just surface-level sweetness.
• ***
• A few days later, the sound of a ringing phone broke the morning silence. Vivian glanced at the screen and saw her mother's name. With a hint of hesitation, she answered the call. "Hello, Mom?"
• "Vivian! You have to come to the Huber family gathering tonight!" Rosaline's voice was firm, leaving no room for negotiation. Vivian furrowed her brow, confused by the sudden demand.
• "Are you really forcing me?" Vivian asked, surprised.
• "I want to introduce you to Wilson Huber," Rosaline emphasized, as if it were a magic word that could change everything. Vivian felt a wave of disgust at the mention of his name.
• "Mom, I don't want to," Vivian insisted, but Rosaline wouldn't listen.
• "Listen to me! Our family is in deep debt. If you get close to the Huber family, there's a chance we can secure a loan to pay it off," Rosaline explained, her tone growing more urgent. "If you can win his heart, he might even give it to us for free!"
• "You mean I'm being sold?" Vivian asked, her tone skeptical.
• "Not sold, Vivian! It's about serving the family. It's better to serve than to stay with that idiot husband of yours!" Rosaline asserted, her voice filled with emotion. Vivian felt her blood boil at the insult.
• "Don't you ever insult Gaston, Mom! He's not an idiot! He's my husband!" Vivian shouted, furious.
• Rosaline remained unfazed. "If he gets in the way, I'll deal with him!" her mother said, a menacing undertone in her voice.
• Vivian fell silent, shocked by her mother's words. "I'll come, but don't blame me if this plan fails," she said, her voice dropping as if surrendering to the pressure.
• "What do you mean, fails?" Rosaline asked, her tone curious and skeptical.
• "Because how could Wilson Huber want a used woman?" Vivian emphasized. For three years, nearly everyone knew she had never been touched by Gaston because he was so clueless.
• But that had changed a few days ago. Vivian was no longer a virgin. She had slept with Gaston.
• "Don't joke around, Vivian!" Rosaline warned, her voice growing louder.
• Vivian smiled faintly. "I'm hanging up," she said, and before Rosaline could respond, she ended the call.
• Outside, Gaston was in the front yard, his expression serious. It hurt him to know his mother-in-law was insulting him and threatening Vivian.
• Gaston began to formulate a plan. He wouldn't let Rosaline's scheme succeed.