His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 404

All the care Virginia had shown him back then, even the way she submissively yielded to his endless demands in bed... was any of it actually out of love? Or was it purely because he held the title of "husband" on their marriage license?

If it had been any other man who signed those papers with her, would she have played the dutiful role of a perfect wife for them, too?

Archer closed his eyes, his breathing growing ragged and heavy.

The cool rationality and ironclad self-control he took so much pride in completely shattered in that agonizing realization.

...

...

Around two-thirty in the afternoon at South Hill.

Archer was wearing a sleek, tailored black shirt, his tie loosened slightly, showcasing his broad shoulders and muscular back through the high-end fabric.

Realizing he had left an important document at home, he made a quick trip back. As he passed the dining room, his gaze was drawn to a simmering pot on the kitchen island.

The new housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, stood at the stove prepping for the evening meal.

Archer frowned deeply, his eyes sweeping over her back. "What kind of soup is that for tonight?"

Mrs. Gable startled, quickly dropping her tools to turn around, awkwardly wiping her hands on her apron.

"Sir, I was planning to make a rich seafood bisque. I saw some imported premium abalone and scallops in the fridge, so I thought I'd make something nourishing for you and the missus."

"Change it."

Mrs. Gable looked utterly bewildered. "Sir, I used to make this all the time for my previous employers. It's incredibly delicious."

"Did no one tell you? Absolutely no seafood or dairy products are allowed in this house." Archer checked his watch, his tone flat and unyielding. "My wife is allergic to dairy and hates seafood. Throw out those ingredients and simmer a collagen-rich chicken broth instead."

Panicking, Mrs. Gable nodded vigorously. "Yes, of course, Sir! I'll remember that. I'll swap it out right now!"

Without another word, Archer turned and headed upstairs, vanishing straight into his study.

She took a small sip of the hot soup, swallowed, and then pulled a tissue to elegantly dab her lips. "I see. You can get back to your work now."

...

Two days later, on a Saturday morning.

It was a rare day off for both Archer and Virginia. While Virginia was organizing some things in the living room, Archer had personally driven Cynthia over to the Cloudcrest Estate.

Right on cue, the doorbell rang.

Mrs. Gable hurried over to answer it.

The door swung open to reveal Evelyn standing on the porch.

"Hello, I'm Evelyn Snow, the team lead from the Vanderbilt Group's R&D department. I have an urgent document that requires Mr. Vanderbilt's signature immediately."

Mrs. Gable hesitated, glancing back over her shoulder toward the living room.