Novels by A novel by Nancy

“What the fuck are you—?? He drags her towards him, cutting her sentences midway. He envelopes her in an embrace that feels both warm and comforting. “Adrianna,” he murmurs, his voice rich and low. Adrianna feels confused about his latest action. “Why is Lance suddenly acting all nice and strange? What plan is he harboring?? She wonders. She instinctively strains against him, her hands pushing his solid forearms, but he remains unyielding. Lance's brow furrows, a line etching itself between his dark eyes. “Why does her sadness affect him so? He wonders a familiar ache tightening in his chest but he quickly dismisses the feelings. Caught in the moment, Adrianna finds herself softening against his chest, listening to the rhythmic beat on his chest. Raising her gaze, her eyes lock with his—dark, full of desire and a deep longing. It was clear that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. “I love you, Lance,” she confesses in her heart. Her tightens, faced with the reality, she must

23Adrianna's heart quickens as Lance leans in closer, his lips claiming hers in a passionate kiss. Lance's lips are firm and demanding. The warmth of his body envelopes her, and she feels his hands clutching her closer, their intensity igniting memories of a bond that once radiated warmth. One hand caresses her hair gently, fingers weaving into her strands. In that moment, she melts against him, torn between unbridled joy and a pang of heart-wrenching sadness. Despite the kiss, deep down, she knows their relationship will never return to its former glory. As Lance finally breaks the kiss, his breath mingling with the gentle breeze of the outdoor pool area, his piercing blue eyes search her face. They hold both concern and a touch of desperation. “What’s wrong?” he whispers, his thumb brushing softly along her cheek as he traces the tears that roll silently down her skin. “I—” she begins, her voice trembling, but words escape her. Instead, she allows herself to be swept away, feeli

22“Adrianna!” comes his low, commanding voice, slicing through the darkness. “Do you think you can hide from me?” Her heart races as she steps back instinctively, disoriented by the storm of emotion crashing over her. The man she both desires and despises sits poised like a predator ready to strike, his intense gaze fixing upon her with unyielding intensity. “What are you doing here?” she demands, every ounce of her frustration pouring into her words, turning the air electric. “I'm here for you, Adrianna?” Lance replies languorously. He leans casually against the wall, his presence commanding and unyielding in the darkness of the room. He beckons Adrianna to him with a lazy smile, the corners of his lips curling up playfully. Yet, she hesitates, her heart pounding frantically in her chest. “No—and see yourself out, please.” Lance's smile widens and he walks toward her. Panic engulfs her as he approaches, triggering an instinctual need to flee. “Adrianna,” he purrs, stepping clos

Father, ple—please!” she whispers, audible enough to their hearing, but her Father remains unfazed by her cries. Adrianna gathers emotions like storm clouds in a brewing tempest and walks out of the room. She feels the weight of anger and betrayal settle heavily in her chest. As she steps out into the waiting area, Victoria and Wade stand expectantly, their expression a mix of concern and curiosity. Her once warm face now looks pale and a bit wrinkly due to stress. “Adrianna! Is everything okay?” Victoria calls, attempting to bridge the gap filled with unspoken words and emotions, but Adrianna instinctively pulls back, shunning her sister's touch. She knows her anger isn't meant to be directed to them but she cannot help it—mostly by the very people she loves. “I need some time alone,” she snaps, her voice cold and ice, and she brushes past them without a second glance. “Adrianna, please wait!” Victoria called after but her little sister was already pushing through the heavy doors

20The bathtub is filled up with warm water and rose petals float on the surface of the water. Twirling a rose petal, she watches the bathwater drip down her long fingers. She feels her body begin to relax from the soft touches of Martha. “That shameless scumbag! How dare he undress an unconscious lady.” “you've got it wrong Ma. I was the one that changed your clothes yesterday as instructed by Mr Lance.” Maria says, her voice barely above a whisper, yet there is a hint of mischief in her eyes. “You mean he had you change me? Adrianna’s indignation rises again, this time directed towards the maid beside her.“Yes, miss. But it was just for comfort. We have to ensure you are well taken care of. And Mr Lance had to leave to give you some privacy. “Oh really? She mutters, left with mixed emotions. A part of her is glad that Lance didn't touch her while the other part—the vulnerable and yearning part is a little bit disappointed. Did he mean it? That she is not his type? She thinks.

A smooth familiar voice greets her. Even if she reincarnates a thousand times, she will always recognize his smooth deep voice. As she turns her head, there is Lance. She blinks, chest tightening as she takes in Lance, who is impeccably dressed in a tailored emerald—colored suit that accentuates his broad shoulders and angular jawline, the soft light enhances the angle of his jaws and the rich color of his eyes. He is sitting casually on a couch across her bed, with his legs crossed over the other. His presence is infuriatingly disarming, and for a moment, she finds herself mesmerized by how effortlessly handsome Lance is. “Where am I? She croaks, her throat dry and scratchy as her heart races maybe from the sight of him or the crazy scene from last night. Lance smirks as if he enjoys the chaos swirling around her. “You are safe, for now. But,” he gestures to a file lying on the table, open and inviting. “Time to sign the contract,”’ he adds sardonically, letting the weight of those