Shadows of oppression

_Vivian's office_

Regina settled into the plush chair across from Vivian's desk, her eyes locked onto her best friend's.

"Vivian, I've been wondering about Ryder," Regina said, her tone genuine. "You two seemed inseparable at the gala. How's married life treating you?"

Vivian's smile sparkled. "Ryder's been a fantastic addition. He would be signing most of my pharmaceutical contracts, providing a layer of legitimacy."

Regina's thoughts whispered, "She's using him as a shield. But why?"

Aloud, Regina asked, "That's impressive. What drove you to expand Vivian Ventures so aggressively?"

Vivian leaned back, her eyes gleaming. "I've diversified into real estate, finance, and... other ventures. It's crucial to stay ahead in this game."

Regina's thoughts plotted, "I need to dig deeper. What are these 'other ventures'?"

Vivian continued, "Ryder's been invaluable. He signs the contracts, and I maintain... flexibility. Plus, with Marcus and Alex already on board, my empire's secure."

Regina's inner voice noted, "Marcus and Alex, her other contract husbands. What's their role in this?"

Regina asked, "And how do you ensure discretion in your dealings?"

Vivian's gaze hardened. "My contract husbands understand the importance of secrecy. They stay with me, and I... ensure their loyalty."

Regina's thoughts strategized, "I must uncover Vivian's secrets. Ryder's in danger."

Vivian leaned forward, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Ryder signing the contracts protects me, Regina. If anything goes wrong, he'll take the fall. I've covered my tracks."

Regina's eyes widened inwardly. Vivian's business was illegal, and she was using Ryder as a scapegoat.

As Regina left Vivian's office, her mind whirled with determination.

"I'll protect Ryder," she thought. "Uncover Vivian's empire's true depths. Expose her illegal dealings. Marcus and Alex might hold the key. I'll start with them."

Regina's resolve hardened. "Vivian's empire will crumble, and Ryder will be free. I'll make sure of it."

_At the mansion's gate_

Ryder stepped into the mansion's grand foyer, the soft luminescence casting long shadows across the marble floor. The stillness was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside him.

As he handed his keys to the waiting staff, Marcus emerged from the shadows, his eyes glinting with a sly grin.

"Enjoying the perks of married life, Ryder?" Marcus asked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Ryder's gaze hardened. "What's your point, Marcus?"

Marcus's smile twisted. "Just making sure you understand your role. You're now a vital role in Vivian's machine."

Ryder's unease grew. "What do you mean?"

Marcus stepped closer, his voice taking on a ominous tone. "You'll sign contracts, attend events, and smile for the cameras. And in return, you'll enjoy the luxuries this mansion offers."

Ryder's anger flared. "You're just here to remind me of my prison sentence."

Marcus chuckled. "Prison? No, Ryder. This is a gilded cage. You're free to indulge in every pleasure, as long as you play by Vivian's rules."

Ryder's eyes burned with resentment. "And what happens when I stop playing along?"

Marcus's smile vanished. "You don't want to find out. Trust me."

The air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken threats. Ryder's determination hardened.

"I'll find a way out," he whispered.

Marcus's laughter echoed through the foyer. "I'm shaking in my boots, Ryder."

_At the sitting room_

Ryder escaped into his thoughts, seeking solace from the oppressive atmosphere. He couldn't shake Marcus's words. Needing a distraction, he left his room and settled into the plush couch in the sitting room.

He grabbed the remote and flipped through channels, searching for something to quiet his mind. The flickering screen cast a dim light on the room.

Just as he found a mindless comedy show, Vivian glided into the room, her presence commanding attention. Her sultry nightdress fitted her curves, delicate lace, hinting at the secrets beneath.

"Enjoying the show?" Vivian asked, her voice husky.

Ryder's fingers tightened on the remote. "Just passing time."

Vivian's eyes narrowed. "You changed the channel. I was watching that."

Ryder's gut twisted. "Sorry, I didn't know—"

Vivian's tone turned glacial. "You didn't know? You didn't think? That's the problem, Ryder. You think you have a say here."

Her voice sliced through the air, sharp as a blade. "You have guts, I'll give you that. But remember your place. You're here to serve me, not indulge your impulses."

Ryder's eyes dropped, his apology barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Vivian."

Vivian's anger seemed to dissipate as quickly as it flared. Her voice softened, taking on a seductive tone.

"Ryder, I need something from you. My muscles ache. Give me a massage."

Her gaze locked onto his, the intensity making Ryder's skin prickle. He hesitated, unsure how to respond.

Vivian's smile curled, a siren's call. "Don't make me ask twice."

Ryder rose from the couch, his movements mechanical, and followed Vivian to her bedroom. The soft rustle of her nightdress echoed through the hallway, taunting him.

_Vivian's Suite_

As they entered the dimly lit room, Vivian turned to face him, her eyes gleaming with expectation. She gestured to the massage oil on the dresser.

"Get started," she commanded, her voice husky.

Ryder's hands trembled slightly as he poured the oil onto his palms. He began to massage her shoulders, trying to keep his touch impersonal.

Vivian's sighs and moans filled the room, her body relaxing under his touch. Ryder's tension grew, trapped between duty and revulsion.

As his fingers worked out the knots in her muscles, Vivian's words dripped with sweetened malice. "You're good at this, Ryder. So obedient."

Ryder's gaze dropped, avoiding her reflection in the mirror.

"Look at me," Vivian whispered, her eyes locked onto his.

Ryder's eyes met hers, a rebellious glance dying under her intense gaze.

"Remember, Ryder," Vivian purred, "your purpose is to please me."

The massage became a blur of forced intimacy, Ryder's mind numb to the sensations.

As he finished the massage, Vivian's smile twisted. She leaned back into the pillows, her eyes never leaving Ryder's.

"Stay with me tonight," she whispered.

Ryder's hesitation was fleeting. He settled beside her, the silence thick with unspoken expectations.

The darkness enveloped them, heavy with tension. Ryder's mind raced, his feelings conflicted.

Vivian's gentle breathing was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside him.

As the night wore on, Ryder's senses blurred, his world reduced to the oppressive weight of Vivian's presence.

The shadows cast by the moonlight seemed to writhe on the walls, echoing the turmoil within him.

Ryder lost track of time, suspended in a limbo of uncertainty.

The first light of dawn crept through the windows, casting an eerie glow on the room.

Ryder's eyes opened to an empty bed, Vivian's absence a temporary reprieve.

He lay there, his thoughts scattered, as the mansion stirred to life around him.