Contract Marriage: The President's Stand-in Lover - Chapter 16:

 Clumsy Probing

Elizabeth’s return was like a thorn buried deep in Vivian’s heart small but sharp,

aching whenever she breathed. It reminded her constantly of the shadow she could never escape,

the cruel truth that her marriage was built on illusion, not love.

The fragile warmth that had begun to grow between her and

Gu Chen cooled swiftly under the chill of reality, replaced by unease and

a jealousy she didn’t want to admit.

She became sensitive, suspicious. When Gu Chen came home late,

she wondered if he’d been dining with Elizabeth.

When his phone rang, she strained to hear whether the voice on the other end was hers.

Even when he casually mentioned a project from the Art Investment Department,

Vivian’s heart twisted, convinced that Elizabeth’s name lingered somewhere behind it.

What have you become, Lin Vivian? she asked her reflection in the mirror.

The woman staring back looked foreign her brows clouded with doubt,

her eyes heavy with insecurity. She loathed that image.

But she couldn’t stop. That golden-haired woman so bright,

so self-assured, bound to Gu Chen by shared memories and the same refined world

stood like a mountain before her, crushing her breath.

Vivian felt like a clown who had stumbled onto a glittering stage,

wearing a costume that didn’t fit, performing a lonely play for no one’s applause.

A strange desperation began to take root in her. She wanted to do something

anything to prove her own presence, to hold onto the fleeting warmth

she feared might vanish at any moment.

That morning, she woke earlier than usual. In the dressing room,

she hesitated for a long time before choosing something she never would

have dared before a bright, form-fitting dress, far bolder than her usual muted tones.

It was one of the outfits Gu Chen’s assistant had once prepared for her,

but she had never worn it, thinking it too flamboyant.

She spent extra time before the mirror, carefully applying makeup richer and

more striking than her everyday look. She even curled her hair into loose waves,

mimicking the style that made Elizabeth so effortlessly alluring.

The result was imperfect, a little forced but it would have to do.

When she stepped carefully down the stairs in high heels that felt too tall,

Gu Chen was already seated at the breakfast table reading the paper.

He looked up, his gaze lingering on her for several seconds before his brows faintly drew together.

An important event today? he asked, voice calm, unreadable.

Her heart skipped a beat. She sat down opposite him,

feigning composure as she picked up a slice of toast.

No, just thought it might be nice to try something different for a change.

He said nothing more, simply returned to his paper.

Yet the air between them felt subtly changed his silence heavy,

his eyes occasionally flicking toward her, sharp, assessing.

All morning, Vivian couldn’t focus on her work at the foundation.

Her mind drifted, eyes darting to her phone again and again.

She hoped for a message from him anything, even a brief note about work.

But the screen remained dark.

At noon, she gave in and typed a message herself,

Will you be home for dinner tonight? Mrs. Wang said she’s making your favorite dishes.

She added a small smiling emoji, hesitant and careful.

After hitting send, she held the phone tightly, heart pounding. Minutes passed, then an hour.

Still nothing.

See? whispered a cruel voice inside her. He doesn’t care.

You can change your style, send messages first it doesn’t matter.

To him, you’re still just the insignificant wife in name only.

Just as she was about to give up, the phone finally lit up.

His reply was short, almost cold:

No. I have a dinner engagement tonight.

Not a word more. No explanation, no warmth.

Vivian stared at the screen until the words blurred. Her chest tightened.

All her clumsy attempts, her fragile hope it all felt foolish, like striking at air.

That afternoon, she left work early. When she arrived home,

Mrs. Wang was setting the table.

Young Master just called, she said with mild surprise. He won’t be home for dinner.

Shall I still prepare the meal?

Vivian forced a small smile. Go ahead, I’ll eat alone.

Later, she sat in the quiet dining room surrounded by an untouched feast.

The elegant dress that had felt so daring this morning now only felt heavy, absurd

. The curls around her face framed a tired, disappointed woman she barely recognized.

What are you doing, Lin Vivian? she asked herself.

Why are you losing yourself over a man who might still be thinking of someone else?

The front door opened. The sound jolted through her.

She sat up straight, adjusting her hair, smoothing the skirt of her dress.

Gu Chen walked in, smelling faintly of wine and smoke,

his expression tinged with the fatigue of a long social night.

His steps faltered slightly when he saw her waiting there in that vivid dress,

her posture tense, her eyes uncertain. A flicker of something unreadable passed through his gaze.

You’re still awake, he said evenly, removing his jacket.

Vivian nodded. You haven’t eaten, have you? I can ask Mrs. Wang to warm some soup.

No need. I’ve eaten.

He poured himself a glass of cold water from the bar, took a few slow sips,

then looked at her again. You’re different tonight.

Her pulse leapt. Really? How so?

His eyes held hers, deep and searching. The dress. The makeup.

The hair. None of it looks like you.

The words struck like ice. He saw through her.

Worse, he understood.

I just wanted to try something new, she murmured, the words clumsy and weak.

He stepped closer, silent, his presence filling the room.

Vivian instinctively backed away until her shoulders brushed against the cold wall.

Why the sudden change? His voice was low, roughened slightly by alcohol,

threaded with something that made her tremble curiosity, concern,

or perhaps recognition.

She turned her face aside, afraid that one look into his eyes would expose everything

the jealousy, the fear, the foolish longing.

No reason. Every woman wants a little change sometimes, doesn’t she?

He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against the curl of her hair.

The touch was soft, but it sent a shiver through her.

It’s not normal, he said quietly. When someone starts imitating another person,

it usually means one thing she’s lost confidence in herself.

Her face went pale. He knew. He had seen through her attempt to mimic Elizabeth.

Shame and anger surged together, choking her. She shoved him back, her voice breaking.

I’m not imitating anyone! Don’t flatter yourself, Gu Chen!

He staggered a step, staring at her flushed, trembling face. In his eyes flickered confusion,

irritation, and just for an instant something that looked like disappointment.

He said nothing. After a long moment, he turned away,

climbing the stairs without another word.

Vivian stood frozen where he had left her. The house was quiet except

for the sound of her own heartbeat.

She looked down at the dress the bright, beautiful thing that now felt like a costume.

All her small efforts, her careful attempts to reach him, had only exposed the raw,

unhealed parts of her heart.

Her eyes stung. This time, the tears that fell weren’t for him.

They were for herself.

For the woman who had tried too hard, who had forgotten her

own worth in the shadow of another’s name.