His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 41

"Tell me," Valentin said. His eyes were bright, but a hint of concern lingered in their depths.

"...Archer Vanderbilt and I were married for a year, but things didn't work out," she said, her gaze clear and her tone even. "Not many people know about this, but I don't want to hide it from you."

The bouquet in Valentin's hands dipped slightly, and a heavy silence fell over the private room.

Virginia clenched her fists, a suffocating wave of anxiety washing over her.

Just as she thought he was going to walk away, he blinked and looked at her with genuine confusion. "And then?"

"...There is no 'and then.' We're already divorced, and we have absolutely no relationship now... well, technically, he's with my sister."

Valentin let out a long breath and took a sip of his wine. "You scared me. I thought you were about to reject me."

He chuckled softly before his expression turned serious. "I'm pursuing you because you're incredible and I'm entirely captivated by you. It has nothing to do with your status or your past."

"Besides, you must have noticed how much I genuinely adore Cindy. You have no idea—when she called me Valentin the other day, my heart completely melted."

His absolute sincerity left Virginia momentarily speechless.

Madeline's harsh words suddenly echoed in her mind—

[Cindy needs a complete home...]

Cindy was four years old, and recent events had made Virginia painfully aware that their lives lacked a father figure.

They needed someone who would pour all his love into Cindy.

"I can't give you an answer right now."

"That's okay, I can wait!" Valentin's eyes lit up, his smile open and radiant. "I'm just thrilled you're willing to consider it!"

Unfazed, Chloe turned her sweet smile toward Valentin. "Are you two dating?"

Valentin dropped his smile, looking Chloe up and down before scoffing. "I don't have a manipulative sister like you, so it's best you call me Mr. Hunter to avoid any misunderstandings."

Chloe's smile froze, and her grip on Archer's arm tightened defensively.

She had always been treated like a princess; no one had ever embarrassed her in public like this.

"As for whether we're dating..." Valentin raised an eyebrow, shooting a hostile glare at Archer. "That's none of your business. You should focus on your own partner."

Valentin didn't care about Virginia's past, but knowing she had been married to a bastard like Archer still unsettled him.

How did a jerk like Archer get so lucky, only to throw it all away?

Virginia had never realized Valentin's tongue could be so sharp.