Adrian's POV I jolted awake from my nightmare and as usual, I didn't remember what it was about. The sunlight streaming through the windows only served to make my headache worse.Although I considered my alcohol tolerance high, drinking till the early hours of this morning with Sarah had me feeling like crap. Sarah. She must have woken up before me, or she'd probably fallen asleep in her room. Dragging myself off the couch, I made my way to the kitchen. I opened the cupboard above the sink and reached for the bottle of painkillers. Popping two tablets into my hand, I washed them down with a glass of water, wincing as the cold liquid hit my throat. My head pounded like a drum, a sharp reminder of my reckless drinking with Sarah the night before.I leaned against the counter, staring at the empty glass, trying to remember what had happened. I had been surprised to see her standing in the middle of the kitchen, wide-eyed but there had been laughter, conversations that flowed more ea
Sarah’s POVI sat beside Nora, my fingers gently tracing the outline of her hand as she slept, her breathing steady but faint. The rhythmic beeping of the machines in the quiet room was the only sound that kept me tethered to reality. I could feel the weight of my own thoughts pressing against my chest. Adrian’s words had lingered in my mind long after he left.His voice. His insistence on being there for me. His calm persistence when I’d wanted to shut him out.I shouldn’t have snapped at him. He had tried, in his own way, to offer me help, and instead of accepting it, I pushed him away. I hadn’t meant to come across so harsh, but it was easier that way. If I kept him at arm’s length, I wouldn’t have to deal with whatever this thing was that was growing between us. And I certainly wasn’t ready for that kind of closeness, not with everything that was happening in my life.I sighed and stood up from the chair, pressing a kiss to Nora’s forehead before I reluctantly made my way to the d
Adrian’s POVThe faint hum of the city outside did little to ease the tension in my chest as I stepped into the apartment. The day had been long, filled with loud music and the constant buzz of people I didn’t care about. A night at the club had been the perfect distraction, but now, as I slid the door shut behind me, the weight of reality began to sink in. I had a dinner to attend tonight—one that was more important than anything I had done in a long while. My father’s family dinner.I glanced at the clock on the wall. Less than an hour until I had to leave, and I hadn’t even begun to prepare. I wasn’t looking forward to this. The dinner wasn’t just about introducing Sarah to my family; it was about establishing a narrative, one that my father and stepmother expected me to uphold. They expected me to play the perfect son, the perfect heir. It was a role I had played for years, though I hated every second of it.My only escape had been the women I frolicked with.After leaving the hos
Sarah's POVThe Blackwood mansion loomed ahead, a symbol of grandeur and power. The towering marble columns, the sprawling driveway, and the warm glow of the chandelier spilling through the oversized windows felt like a scene from another world. This wasn’t just wealth—it was a dynasty.I adjusted the pale pink dress Adrian had chosen for me, acutely aware of how out of place I felt. The dress was beautiful but unfamiliar, much like the man walking beside me. Adrian’s hand held mine in a firm, reassuring grip, though it did little to settle the butterflies wreaking havoc in my stomach. His expression was unreadable, his jaw set in a way that hinted at tension.“Just breathe,” Adrian murmured to me as the heavy oak doors swung open. I nodded, inhaling deeply, though it did little to ease my nerves.The foyer was as overwhelming as I had imagined—polished marble floors, high ceilings, and an air of cold perfection. A massive spiral staircase wound its way to the upper levels, but my a
Adrian’s POVThe dim lighting of my father’s study felt oppressive, the heavy scent of cigar smoke hanging in the air like a challenge. Richard Blackwood stood by the window, his broad frame silhouetted against the city lights. He hadn’t said a word since I entered, but the tension between us was palpable.“Married,” he finally said, his tone clipped. “And you didn’t think to inform me beforehand?” I crossed my arms, refusing to flinch under his gaze. “It happened fast.”He turned to face me, his eyes sharp and calculating. “Fast? Adrian, nothing about you happens fast. You’re deliberate, meticulous. So, tell me, what was so urgent that you had to marry this woman?”“She’s my wife,” I said firmly, ignoring the disdain in his tone.His lips curled into a mocking smile. “And what does she bring to the table? Connections? Wealth? Influence?” He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. “Or was this some act of rebellion against me?”I clenched my jaw, anger simmering beneath the surface.
Sarah’s POVThe sound of the front door slamming shut jolted me. I stepped out of the bedroom, still holding the sweater I’d been folding. “Adrian?” I called, but the only answer was the echo of silence.I glanced at the clock. It was barely nine AM, and he hadn’t mentioned having plans. His half-finished coffee sat on the table, the faint buzz of his laptop on the counter drawing my attention. Whatever had made him leave in such a rush, it wasn’t something he’d planned for.I set the sweater aside and reached for my phone, shooting him a quick text:"Are you okay?"The message remained unread.I sighed, returning to the task of packing my clothes. Most of them were new, outfits Adrian had insisted on buying to “match the lifestyle” of his world. Expensive fabrics, designer labels, nothing like the casual, comfortable clothes I’d brought with me. As I folded another dress, I wondered how much of myself I was losing in this arrangement.The emptiness of the house pressed down on me, so
Adrian’s POV I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, my knuckles whitening with the effort. The call had come out of nowhere, dragging me out of the quiet morning I’d been planning.There was no time to inform Sarah, no chance to grab my jacket or finish my coffee. I was out the door in a heartbeat, trying to prepare for what I already suspected would be a confrontation.Ever since Julian got back into town, I had been anticipating with bated breath what new tricks he had up his sleeves. His message lingered in my mind as I navigated the busy streets of the city. His cryptic tone didn’t sit well with me. If there was one thing I’d learned about Julian over the years, it was that he thrived on creating chaos and watching others squirm.I pulled into the parking lot of a familiar upscale bar—the kind of place Julian preferred for his “meetings.” Inside, he was waiting in a corner booth, swirling a glass of whiskey as though he didn’t have a care in the world.“Adrian,” he greeted w
Sarah’s POVWhen I saw Julian standing there, a knot formed in my stomach. His presence always had a way of unsettling me, even more so now with the way his eyes danced with that smug glint.He wasn’t supposed to be here."Julian," I said, my voice coming out more strained than I intended. "What are you doing here?"He glanced over at me, his lips curling into a grin that didn’t reach his eyes. "I came to visit my niece," he said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.My heart skipped a beat. "Niece?" I repeated, trying to mask the panic rising in me. "How did you even find out she was here?"How was I supposed to explain that my daughter wasn't related to Adrian, and by extension, their family?That'd only make things worse for Adrian. I don't think his parents would take lightly to him marrying a single mother, forgoing the risk of soiling the family's name.Julian shrugged, leaning casually against the wall. "I have my sources. You’ve been keeping secrets, Sarah. I don
Sarah’s POVI stared at the door long after Adrian left, my fingers still curled in the warmth he’d left behind.Julian’s voice pulled me back. “So, are we going to talk about what just happened?”I turned to find him watching me with a smirk, arms crossed like he was waiting for me to admit something I wasn’t ready to say.Nora, oblivious to the tension, climbed onto the bed beside me, curling up against my side. I stroked her soft curls absentmindedly, avoiding Julian’s gaze. “Nothing happened.”Julian scoffed. “Right. You two were just holding hands for fun, then?”I rolled my eyes but felt the heat rise to my cheeks. “It’s not like that.”He let out a low chuckle, clearly unconvinced. “You should see the way he looks at you.”I swallowed. I had seen it. And it terrified me.Because for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like running.I cleared my throat, changing the subject. “Where have you two been?”Julian let me have the distraction. “Took Nora to the park. She made
Adrian’s POVI hadn’t planned on asking her.The words had just slipped out, unfiltered and honest. Maybe it was the way she looked at me—soft, unguarded in a way I didn’t see often. Or maybe it was how easy it felt, sitting here, hands intertwined like it was the most natural thing in the world.Either way, I didn’t regret it.Sarah hesitated at first, her mind doing that thing where she overthought every detail. I could see it in the way her fingers twitched slightly against mine, the way she chewed her lip like she was trying to convince herself it was okay to want this.But then, she nodded.And just like that, something in my chest loosened.I didn’t think she’d say yes.At least, not this easily.Sarah had always been the careful one, the one who thought things through, weighed the risks, and second-guessed anything that felt too impulsive. And yet, here she was—her lips curving into a small, uncertain smile, but a smile nonetheless.I smirked. “Good. I’ll take care of everythin
Sarah’s POVThe warmth from my shower still clung to my skin as I ran a towel through my damp hair. The quiet hum of the air conditioner filled the room, but my thoughts were louder. My body ached—not as badly as before, but enough to remind me of everything I’d been through.A soft knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts. I turned toward the sound, hesitating for only a second.“Come in.”The door creaked open, and Adrian stepped inside, his tall frame filling the space. His usual confidence was there, but his eyes carried something softer today. He lingered for a second before stepping forward.“You feeling okay?” he asked, his voice low.I offered a small smile. “Better than yesterday.”He nodded, watching me closely before glancing around the room. His gaze flickered to the neatly made bed, then back to me.“Nora and Julian headed to the park,” he said after a moment. “So, it’s just us.”I stilled. The way he said it wasn’t suggestive, but something about it made my pulse quic
Adrian’s POVThe breakfast table slowly emptied, leaving only the remnants of a meal that had been more than just food. It had been a moment—one I wasn’t sure I had expected but found myself grateful for.Sarah had looked lighter this morning. Not entirely at peace, but something close to it. And for the first time in a long time, I’d seen a hint of something in her eyes that wasn’t guardedness.We are getting somewhere I started gathering the plates while Nora ran off excitedly to get ready. Julian helped Sarah up, supporting her as she walked slowly toward her room. “Take it easy,” he murmured, his usual teasing tone absent.“I will,” Sarah replied, offering him a small smile before disappearing down the hall.I carried the dishes into the kitchen, setting them in the sink before turning to find Julian strolling in, rolling up his sleeves. “You actually gonna wash those or just stare at them?” he asked, smirking.I huffed out a breath. “You could’ve just gone with Nora instead of c
Sarah’s POVThe first thing I noticed when I woke up was the quiet.For months, my body had been conditioned to expect chaos—to wake up in a haze of panic, machines beeping, heart pounding, muscles tight, always bracing for something to go wrong. But this morning, the silence was different. It wasn’t heavy. It wasn’t suffocating.It was peaceful.I turned onto my side, blinking as the soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains. Nora was still asleep beside me, her tiny fingers curled into the sheets, her breath slow and steady. I smiled, smoothing a hand over her hair.She was safe.I was safe.That truth should have settled me. But instead, it made something twist deep in my chest.I swallowed, shifting carefully so I wouldn’t wake her, and sat up. The ache in my body was dull but present, a reminder that I wasn’t fully healed yet. Physically, at least.Emotionally?That was another story.I had spent so long keeping my guard up, convincing myself that I didn’t need anyone. Tha
Adrian’s POVThe hallway was dark, but I didn’t need light to find my way. I had walked these halls enough times now, memorized every creaky floorboard, every shift in the air.Still, I hesitated outside Sarah’s door, listening.Silence.Good.She was finally asleep.I exhaled, dragging a hand down my face as I leaned against the wall. I hadn’t planned to check on her again. I had already done it once after she settled in, and I had told myself that was enough. That I needed to give her space.But space was the last thing I wanted to give her.Seeing her in that hospital, pale and fragile, had changed something in me. Or maybe it hadn’t changed anything at all—maybe it had only made me realize how much she had already meant to me.Hearing her say thank you tonight had been unexpected.She didn’t owe me gratitude.She didn’t owe me anything.And yet, that whisper of appreciation had settled in my chest, lodging itself in a place I wasn’t sure I wanted to acknowledge.I pushed off the w
Sarah’s POVHome.The word should have felt comforting. But as I lay in my bed, staring at the familiar ceiling, unease curled around my ribs.I didn't know how long it had been since I'd been staring at the ceiling but I was sure hours had passed.I had dreamed about this moment for weeks—about leaving the hospital, about stepping back into my own space, about finally being free from the suffocating sterility of that room.And yet, now that I was here, I felt anything but free.The sheets smelled the same—fresh linen with the faintest hint of my perfume. The mattress molded against me just as it always had. Everything was the same.But I wasn’t.I shifted under the covers, the soft fabric brushing against the bandages still covering parts of my skin. My body was healing, but the bruises that weren’t visible? Those would take longer.I turned my head slightly, glancing toward the doorway. Adrian had left only a few minutes ago after making sure I was settled. His presence had been ste
Adrian’s POVThe night air still clung to my clothes, the weight of the last few hours pressing against my chest like a phantom I couldn’t shake.Michael.I hadn’t known him before today, but I had known his kind. Men who thought they could haunt a woman long after she had left them. Men who mistook fear for power, who thrived on control.Men who didn’t know when to stay buried in the past.But he knew now.I stood in the doorway of Sarah’s hospital room, watching the slow, steady rise and fall of her chest. She was asleep, curled up under the blanket, one hand resting near her face. Even in sleep, there was a slight crease between her brows, like the tension of the day hadn’t fully left her.I exhaled quietly and stepped inside.The chair beside her bed was still warm from when I had sat there earlier, waiting for her to fall asleep. I sank into it once more, running a hand through my hair.I had handled it.But the truth was, I still wasn’t sure what disturbed me more—the fact that
Sarah’s POVThe hospital room was quiet—too quiet.Tasha had left a few minutes ago, but I could still feel the weight of her presence, the way she had stood beside me, her arms crossed in that protective stance of hers. She didn’t say much, but she didn’t need to. I knew she was ready to fight this battle with me, just like Adrian was.And now Adrian was out there, facing the past I wanted so desperately to leave behind.I let out a slow breath, my fingers tightening around the blanket on my lap. My heart felt like it had been caught in a vise since the moment Neville walked in with the news. Michael was back. After everything—after all the pain, all the fear—he had come back like a ghost that refused to stay buried.I pressed a hand to my temple, willing the pounding headache away.It wasn’t fair.I had spent years trying to move forward, to build a new life, to be strong for Nora. And just when I thought I had finally escaped the shadow of my past, it had found a way to claw itself