Chapter 5 Beyond the boundaries

Lincoln's pov

I watched Vivian leave, her defiant stride betraying the fear she tried to hide.

"Interesting," I murmured to myself.

Vivian's spirit intrigued me. Her boldness was refreshing, but also a liability.

I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers.

She reminded me of someone from my past, someone who'd challenged my authority.

But Vivian was different. Her determination was admirable, yet naive.

I smiled to myself. Breaking her would be a delightful challenge.

My mask seemed to suffocate me for a moment, but I breathed deeply, regaining control.

"Vivian would learn obedience. She would surrender to my will," I reaffirmed, conviction etched in my voice.

No one dared defy me. My rule was absolute.

But Vivian... she was young, stubborn, and enticingly bold.

I glanced at my watch, the ticking seconds a reminder of my schedule.

Time for my evening routine.

I rose from my chair, my movements deliberate and calculated.

As I headed to my private quarters, my mind lingered on Vivian.

Her fiery spirit would be extinguished, replaced by submission.

I entered my bathroom, the marble floor gleaming under the soft lights.

My mask stared back at me from the mirror.

I removed it, revealing my face.

For a moment, I gazed at my reflection.

The scars, the lines, the weight of my past.

But my thoughts returned to Vivian.

Her determination was admirable, but futile.

The water began to fill the tub, steam rising like mist.

I slipped into its warmth, letting out a slow breath.

Vivian's image lingered, taunting me.

But I would not be swayed.

Obedience would be hers.

And mine would be the power.

I emerged from the bathroom, wrapping myself in tailored elegance. My gaze fell upon the familiar photos on the wall – my mother, the woman who had shattered my heart.

Every day, I stared at her picture, fueling my resentment.

Memories of that fateful night crept in, but I pushed them away.

I needed distraction.

I selected a fine wine, poured a glass, and settled into my chair.

My thoughts drifted to Vivian, her bold question echoing: "Why so many rules?"

She intrigued me. No one dared question me, or meet my gaze.

They cowered, fearful.

But Vivian?

She seemed unfazed.

And I noticed something else – she had a taste for daring.

I smiled, a plan forming.

I would test her limits.

I would show her that obedience was not optional.

I would give orders, and she would obey.

My dominance would be absolute.

Lost in thought, I was startled by the door swinging open.

I lifted my head, eyes narrowing at the intruder.

Vivian stood frozen, her gaze locked on mine.

"Who dared to barge in here?" I demanded.

"You don't know how to knock?" I asked, irritation lacing my tone.

Vivian's voice trembled slightly. "I thought I did."

"Go back and retry," I instructed, my patience thinning. "You don't enter until I say so."

Vivian hesitated before turning to obey.

As she reached the door, I added, "And, Vivian?"

She looked back, her eyes questioning.

"Knock twice. Wait for permission. Understand?"

Vivian nodded, her face pale.

"Yes, Lord Lincoln," Vivian replied, her voice laced with a hint of resignation.

She opened the door, rapped twice, and waited.

Silence.

She knocked again. And again.

Each knock echoed through the room, a testament to her growing frustration.

Finally, I spoke. "Enter."

Vivian's eyes flashed with annoyance as she stepped inside.

Her eyebrow arched.

"Do you have a problem, I asked?"

"I asked you to knock twice and wait for permission," I said, my tone firm.

Vivian's voice took on a hint of defiance. "I did. But you didn't answer. I knocked more than five times."

"Enough." I cut her off, my patience worn thin. "Shut up and tell me why you're here."

Vivian's gaze dropped, submissive. "I'm here to arrange your room, Lord Lincoln."

Her voice trembled slightly.

I studied her, intrigued by the spark of rebellion.

Who asked you to? You aren't in charge of arranging my room?" I said

The maid in charge is busy and I was asked to attend to you since almost everyone is busy" she said.

"Proceed," I said, waving my hand.

As Vivian began arranging my room, I observed her.

Her movements were efficient, precise.

But her eyes betrayed her.

A flicker of resentment danced within.

I smiled inwardly.

This was far from over.

I deliberately dropped the glass of wine in my hand, shattering it on the floor. The sound echoed through the room, a stark contrast to the silence.

Vivian's eyes flickered toward the mess, but she didn't flinch. Instead, she continued laying the bed, dusting with precise strokes. The dust drifted toward me, dancing in the air like a taunt.

I watched, intrigued, as Vivian seemed to be doing it intentionally. Her gaze met mine, a spark of defiance flashing within. The air thickened with tension.

Was she daring to challenge me?

I rose from my chair, approaching her with calculated strides. My eyes never left hers.

"Accidental mess, Lord Lincoln?" she asked, her voice innocent, almost playful.

"Clean it up," I ordered, my tone firm, commanding.

Vivian nodded, her eyes never leaving mine. Her lips curled into a subtle smile.

As she swept up the shattered glass, her movements were deliberate. Each fragment was carefully collected, her touch grazing mine. A shiver ran down my spine.

Was Vivian trying to provoke me?

Or was I reading too much into her actions?

I stepped closer, my voice low. "You're very... focused on your task."

Vivian's gaze didn't waver. "It's my duty, Lord Lincoln."

"Duty?" I repeated, my eyes narrowing. "Or defiance?"

Vivian's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure.

"I'm just doing my job, Lord Lincoln."

I wasn't convinced.

As I stood closer to Vivian, her scent wafted up, enticing me.

Her hand brushed against mine, sending sparks through my body.

Suddenly, she touched my arm, her fingers wrapping around it.

I froze, my eyes blazing with anger.

I pushed Vivian away, her body hitting the wall with a soft thud.

But I didn't care.

"Boiling with rage, I towered over her."You dare to break my rule?" I growled, my voice low and menacing.

Vivian's eyes widened, fear flickering within.

But she didn't cower.

"But I didn't mean to."

"Intentions mean nothing," I snarled. "Only actions matter."

I stepped closer, my face inches from hers.

"You will learn to obey," I hissed. "And went to take my drug before my body start to react.

Vivian's gaze met mine, a spark of defiance still burning.

You will be punished, I said with final tone.