Later, I would learn what happened in Finnick's office that day.
"We've found some clues," he had said calmly, as if he were discussing numbers instead of ghosts from the past.
"That's great," Stiles replied with a crooked grin. "I was starting to wonder how you planned to repay her for saving you. I thought you'd dedicate your life to her. Instead, you've already bound yourself to another woman."
Finnick ignored him.
Stiles leaned back in his chair, then his gaze dropped to the wheelchair. His tone shifted. "Have you told your mate about your legs yet?"
Finnick's hand stopped moving on the mouse.
"No."
Stiles frowned. "I'm not trying to lecture you. But whatever reason you had for claiming her, the bond is real. You share territory now. Are you going to keep the truth from her forever?" He hesitated before continuing more quietly, "Maybe you should try to accept your new mate. You can't keep living in the shadow of what happened."
Finnick stayed silent for a long time. The office was filled only with the faint hum of the city below.
Finally, he spoke in a low voice. "I can't forget her."
Stiles went still.
Everyone thought the accident ten years ago had taken Finnick's legs.
It hadn't.
It had taken his heart.
That evening, when I returned to the villa, I found Molly and Liam in the living room with luggage at their feet.
"Molly? Liam? What's going on?"
"Our son is getting married tomorrow," Liam said proudly. "We're going to his ceremony."
"That's wonderful," I said with a smile. "How long will you be gone?"
"It's here in Sunshine City," Molly explained gently. "We'll be back tomorrow night." Then she looked at Finnick with concern. "But without us here, who will prepare Mr. Norton's breakfast?"
I blinked.
Breakfast?
Was that really such a serious issue?
Before I could stop myself from thinking something sarcastic, Finnick spoke. "It's fine. Vivian, you know how to cook, right?"
"Huh?" I stared at him. His dark eyes held mine steadily.
"I… yes. A little," I admitted. Then I remembered Molly's perfect spread that morning and added softly, "Not like Molly."
A faint glint appeared in his eyes. "That's enough."
Just like that, the matter was settled.
The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual. I moved around the kitchen quietly, trying not to burn anything. The villa felt different without Molly's steady presence. Quieter. More intimate.
I had just finished setting the table when the elevator doors opened and Finnick rolled out.
"Do you have batteries?" he asked.
It took me a moment to notice the electric shaver in his hand.
"Oh." I stepped closer and checked it. "You need a button cell battery. Do we have any?"
"No."
"Is there a store nearby?"
"No."
I stared at him. "Nothing at all?"
He shook his head calmly.
I almost laughed in disbelief. Living in an elite Alpha territory apparently meant being far away from simple things like convenience stores.
"Maybe Noah can bring one?" I suggested.
"He's already on his way," Finnick said. "I have an important meeting. I can't be late." Then he added, almost reluctantly, "Liam said there's a manual razor in storage. I've never used one."
I looked at him.
Slowly, it clicked.
"You want me to shave you?"
He didn't answer directly, but his silence was enough.
I pressed my lips together to hide my smile. "Where is it?"
"In the storage closet."
I found the razor easily. It was old-fashioned, the kind that needed foam and patience. When I returned, I stood in front of him and gently tilted his chin upward.
We were close. Very close.
I spread a thick layer of foam along his jaw. His scent wrapped around me, warm and clean. My pulse began to race without permission.
Carefully, I dragged the blade across his skin. My hands were steady, but inside, my instincts were anything but calm. Being this close to him stirred something deep in my chest, something the bond quietly encouraged.
He was watching me.
I could feel it.
"Did I cut you?" I asked softly, my nerves tightening.
"No." His voice remained even. "I was just thinking… you really are acting like my mate."
Acting like.
The words made my heart skip.
We were legally bound before the pack council. Our names were joined in the registry. Yet he said acting like, as if this marriage was something we were both still pretending to understand.
"I'm done," I said quickly, stepping back. I wiped away the remaining foam and examined his jaw. "Looks good."
"Thank you," he replied quietly.
We moved to the dining table.
Breakfast felt strangely tense. Every small sound seemed amplified the clink of utensils, the soft slide of plates. I couldn't tell if he liked the food. I was too aware of the memory of his skin beneath my fingers.
Noah arrived soon after. Finnick was in a hurry, so he couldn't drop me off.
I booked a taxi and left alone.
The moment I walked into the magazine company, I knew something was wrong.
The lively chatter from yesterday was gone. In its place was a thick, nervous silence. People whispered in corners. Faces looked pale.
I grabbed Sarah's arm. "What happened?"
"Vivian, didn't you read your email?" she whispered urgently. "Someone bought the company last night. All the higher-ups have been replaced."
"What?" My stomach dropped.
Our magazine wasn't huge, but it had history. Why would someone suddenly take over?
Before I could ask more, a commotion rose near the entrance.
"He's here! The new Chief Editor!"
Everyone turned.
A tall man walked in confidently, several people following behind him. His presence filled the room instantly. Not loud. Not aggressive.
Dominant.
When I saw his face clearly, my blood ran cold.
Because I recognized him.