The Billionaire's Mistake

MISTAKE 255

Chapter 255 A New Home

At last they approached the end of the paved drive, and a truly breathtaking residence sprawled ahead. An immense, rambling estate in classic Georgian architecture rose before them in warm, red brick and hunter green trimming. A grand portico flanked by stunning colonnades and gardens framed the entrance.

But it was the verdant acreage beyond the home that truly captivated Vivian's gaze. Thick copses of ancient oaks and maples, winding creeks and walking trails - a veritable forest encapsulating the entire estate. She had always dreamed of a home surrounded by nature, an oasis from the city's brutal busyness and noise.

Surely that was mere coincidence, and yet Vivian couldn't shake the nagging feeling that nothing here was accidental.

As if confirming her suspicions, when they pulled around to the main circular drive, the double front doors swung open to reveal a small receiving party awaiting them. Moving crew members pushing trolleys of boxes and furniture, overseers calling out directions crisply. Joe appeared at the rear door, his hand extended to usher her out in that deferential yet gruff manner of his.

"Your new home, Mrs. Shaw. Mr. Shaw arranged for your belongings to be moved and set up in advance for your convenience."

With a flutter of trepidation, Vivian stepped across the curved drive's cobblestones and ascended the front steps, trailing her fingertips along the ornate wrought iron railings. She paused at the entrance, regarding the flurry of staff conveying every possession she owned her life's humble belongings dwarfed by the sheer scale and grandeur around them.

Clearly, Mathew had sought to recreate her domestic circumstances faithfully, yet elevate them to an entirely new stratosphere of luxury. But just how closely had he studied her, assessed her preferences and habits?

The double doors yawned open invitingly, and Vivian found herself subconsciously holding her breath as she crossed the threshold into

the estate's interior. What she found within stole what little remained of her composure.

Sweeping archways framed an expansive, lavishly appointed great room done in earthy botanical tones of Hazel and ochre. Every detail and accent had been meticulously considered, from the raw oak millwork to the overstuffed furnishings and statement lighting fixtures with driftwood -inspired finishes. It was as though her deepest subconscious desires for a dream home had been extracted and brought to manifestation before her widening eyes.

my..." The hushed murmur slipped unbidden past her lips as she turned in a slow circle, gaping at the

into her history and psyche to craft this environment tailored

had this man's plans extended to

He strode through the grand foyer, loosening his tie with one hand as his

on one of the overstuffed sofas. Vivian sat with her legs tucked beneath her, the glow of her phone screen painting her features in stark shadow and angles. She appeared

circled around behind the sofa until he was directly over her shoulder. Sure enough, her thumb was scrolling rapidly through what seemed to be a group

them in their place?" Mathew's low rumble of a voice cut through

fear flicker across

as he circled around to the front of the sofa. Settling into one of the facing armchairs, he fixed her with an expectant look, gesturing vaguely at her phone. "Well? I asked why you don't respond

mouth, then closed it, seeming to gather her composure. She tossed her loose chestnut waves over one shoulder and lifted her

people don't matter anymore. I don't owe them anything, let alone an explanation or defense of

clenched defiantly as she glared back at him. "Does that answer

was an edge of frost to her tone that Mathew couldn't

poise. Exactly the sort of unflappable public presence that would befit the wife h intended to project her as. Before he could respond, however, her eyes flicked down to

for just a moment. It wa his turn

finger, he triggered the latch, allowing the bevel-cut lid to fall open Nestled within on abed of crushed navy velvet was a magnificent diamond riviére

dropped open a fraction, equal parts enthralled and unsure what to make of such an ostentatious

held the box out mutely, watching with masked amusement as she tentatively reached out with trembling fingertips to run them over the top most

whispered, the words

silent nod, Mathew rose fluidly and crossed the space between them in three long strides. Vivian froze, instinctively shrinking in on herself an inch or two as his imposing form towered over her seated on the

reaching behind her neck with one hand to deftly unhook the delicate clasp, draping the necklace around the slender column of her throat. Vivian seemed to stop breathing entirely as he brushed her hair aside to bring the