Chapter 3: Fake Injury 
As they walked, Gavin found himself relaxing more and more around Vivian. Her playful nature, while sometimes exasperating, was infectious. He realized he was genuinely enjoying her company.
"So, Gavin," Vivian said, breaking the comfortable silence.
"What do you do for fun when you're not being all serious and bodyguard-y?"
Gavin thought for a moment.
"I used to enjoy hiking and reading, but it's been a while since I've had the time."
"Hiking, huh? I wouldn't have pegged you for an outdoorsy type," Vivian teased.
"Well, there's a lot you don't know about me," Gavin replied with a smirk.
Vivian nudged him playfully.
"Maybe you should let me in on some of your secrets."
"Maybe," Gavin said, his tone light but thoughtful.
They continued walking, their conversation flowing easily. The bond between them was growing, and Gavin found himself drawn to Vivian in a way he hadn't expected. Her playful pranks and teasing were just one side of her; she had a depth and warmth that he was beginning to appreciate more and more.
---
The next morning, Gavin was in the gym, going through his usual workout routine. Vivian entered, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Gavin immediately became wary.
"Good morning, Gavin," she said sweetly.
"Good morning, Vivian. What are you up to?" he asked, not trusting her innocent tone.
"Nothing much. Just thought I’d join you for a workout," she said, picking up a jump rope.
Gavin eyed her suspiciously but continued his routine. As he was lifting weights, he noticed Vivian sneaking around, clearly up to something.
"Vivian, what are you doing?" he asked, putting down the weights.
"Just stretching," she replied, but her grin gave her away.
Gavin approached her, trying to see what she was hiding. Suddenly, Vivian whipped out a small, harmless rubber snake and tossed it at him. Gavin jumped back, startled, before realizing it was a toy.
"Really, Vivian?" he said, exasperated.
Vivian laughed.
"Gotcha again!"
Gavin shook his head, unable to suppress a smile.
"You are relentless."
---
That evening, Gavin was in his room, trying to unwind after a long day of dealing with Vivian's antics. He heard a knock on the door and sighed.
"Come in, Vivian."
The door opened, and sure enough, Vivian walked in, a playful grin on her face.
"How did you know it was me?"
"Who else would it be?" Gavin replied with a smirk.
"Fair point," Vivian said, sitting on the edge of his bed.
"I wanted to say sorry for all the pranks today."
Gavin raised an eyebrow.
"Really? Are you feeling okay?"
Vivian laughed.
"I'm serious! I know I can be a bit much sometimes."
Gavin's expression softened.
"It's okay, Vivian. You make things... interesting."
Vivian smiled warmly.
"Thanks, Gavin. I appreciate that."
As she got up to leave, she paused at the door. "Goodnight, Gavin."
"Goodnight, Vivian," Gavin replied, feeling a warmth in his chest.
---
The next morning, Gavin awoke early and decided to get some fresh air before the day began. He made his way to the garden, enjoying the peaceful morning light. As he wandered, he heard a soft voice singing. Following the sound, he found Vivian sitting on a bench, her eyes closed, lost in the music.
Gavin stood quietly, not wanting to disturb her. Her voice was beautiful, and he found himself mesmerized. When she finished, she opened her eyes and saw him standing there.
"Gavin! How long have you been there?" she asked, blushing slightly.
"Long enough to hear that you have a beautiful voice," Gavin replied, smiling.
Vivian's blush deepened.
"Thanks. I didn't know you were listening."
"I'm glad I was," Gavin said, sitting down beside her. "You have a real talent."
Vivian looked down, a shy smile on her lips. "Thanks, Gavin. That means a lot."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment.
---
A few days later, Gavin and Vivian were in the mansion's kitchen, attempting to bake a cake. Vivian had insisted on making something sweet, and Gavin, though skeptical, agreed to help.
"Okay, we need flour, sugar, eggs, and... what else?" Vivian asked, looking at the recipe.
"Butter, baking powder, and vanilla extract," Gavin supplied, gathering the ingredients.
As they worked, it quickly became clear that neither of them was particularly skilled in the kitchen. Flour ended up everywhere, and Vivian accidentally spilled sugar all over the counter.
"This is a disaster," Gavin said, laughing as he tried to clean up the mess.
Vivian giggled.
"It's fun, though, isn't it?"
Gavin smiled.
"Yeah, it is."
Despite the chaos, they managed to get the cake into the oven. As they waited for it to bake, they sat on the floor, covered in flour and sugar, laughing at their own incompetence.
"Who knew baking could be so hard?" Vivian said, still giggling.
"Definitely not us," Gavin replied, shaking his head in amusement.
---
One afternoon, Vivian suggested they go horseback riding. Gavin, always cautious, agreed but insisted on staying close to her. They rode through the mansion's extensive grounds, the fresh air and beautiful scenery a welcome change from the usual tension.
As they trotted along a trail, Vivian suddenly pulled her horse to a stop and cried out, "Ow! My ankle!"
Gavin's heart raced as he dismounted and rushed to her side.
"What happened?"
Vivian grinned, holding up her leg.
"Just kidding!"
Gavin groaned, exasperated.
"Vivian, you can't keep doing that! One day, I might not believe you when it's real."
Vivian laughed.
"I'll take my chances."
---
Later that evening, Gavin found himself sitting in the mansion's library, trying to read a book. Vivian entered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Hey, Gavin," she said, sitting down across from him.
"Whatcha reading?"
"Just a book on history," Gavin replied, not looking up.
"Sounds boring," Vivian said, leaning forward. "How about a game of chess instead?"
Gavin raised an eyebrow.
"You play chess?"
"Of course," Vivian said, setting up the board. "Get ready to lose."
Gavin chuckled.
"We'll see about that."
They played several games, each one more intense than the last. To Gavin's surprise, Vivian was a formidable opponent. She won most of the matches, much to her delight.
"Told you I'd win," she said, beaming.
Gavin smiled, genuinely impressed.
"You're full of surprises, Vivian."
---
The next morning, Gavin and Vivian decided to go for a run around the mansion's extensive grounds. Vivian, always full of energy, sprinted ahead, leaving Gavin to catch up.
As they ran, Vivian suddenly stopped and pretended to trip, falling to the ground.
"Ow, Gavin! My ankle!"
Gavin skidded to a halt, his heart pounding. "Vivian, are you okay?"
Vivian looked up, grinning.
"Gotcha again!"
Gavin shook his head, unable to suppress a smile.
"You are relentless."
Vivian laughed. "You love it."
Gavin sighed. "Maybe I do."
---
One evening, as they were watching a movie, Vivian turned to Gavin with a serious expression.
"Gavin, I need to tell you something."
Gavin's heart skipped a beat. "What is it, Vivian?"
She took a deep breath, then dramatically clutched her stomach. "I think I’m... starving!"
Gavin stared at her, his initial worry dissipating as he realized she was joking again. He sighed deeply, but a smile crept onto his face. "You're impossible, you know that?"
Vivian grinned. "I know. But seriously, can we get something to eat? I’m craving pizza."
Gavin chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, let's go get some pizza. But no more fake injuries, okay?"
Vivian winked. "Deal."
---
The days continued like this, filled with playful pranks, laughter, and the occasional serious moment. Despite the constant teasing, Gavin found himself growing closer to Vivian. Her antics, while sometimes exasperating, brought a sense of joy and normalcy to his life that he hadn’t felt in a long time.
And as they navigated the complexities of their relationship and the dangers surrounding them, one thing became increasingly clear to Gavin: Vivian was no longer just a mission. She was someone he genuinely cared about.
As they sat in the garden one evening, watching the sunset, Gavin turned to Vivian.
"You know, for all your pranks and teasing, I'm glad you're around."