Adrian’s POVThe weight of the conversation with my father still sat heavy on my chest as I stepped into our bedroom. Seeing Sarah awake, her tired eyes watching me with concern, only made it worse.She didn’t need this. Not now. Not when she was still weak.But she deserved the truth.And so, I told her.The moment the words left my mouth—My father is dying. He wants me to take over the company—the room grew impossibly quiet.Sarah’s fingers curled around mine, grounding me. “What are you going to do?”The truth was, I didn’t know.My whole life, I had fought against Richard Blackwood’s control, trying to carve my own path and refusing to be a pawn in his empire. And now, with his mortality looming over him, he was trying to pull me back in.“I don’t know,” I admitted, the words foreign on my tongue. I always had a plan, always knew my next step. But this? This was uncharted territory.Sarah studied me for a long moment before speaking. “Did he say how long?”I exhaled sharply, dragg
Sarah’s POVThe moment Adrian left the room, the silence pressed in on me like a heavy weight.I sank further into the pillows, staring at the closed door, my mind replaying our conversation. His father was dying. He wanted Adrian to take over the company.And Adrian didn’t know what to do.That alone was enough to tell me how deeply this was affecting him. Adrian always had an answer, always had a plan. But now, I saw the uncertainty in his eyes, the way his walls threatened to rise again.I hated it.I hated that his father still had this much control over him. I hated that even in the face of death, Richard Blackwood was pulling strings, ensuring Adrian was trapped in his web.I swallowed hard, shifting slightly in bed. Pain rippled through me, but I ignored it. I had gotten used to it by now.My thoughts drifted to Julian’s expression when he stepped into the room earlier. I hadn’t missed the tension in his posture, the way his eyes flickered to Adrian like he knew something I did
Sarah’s POVI arranged the presentation files carefully on the conference table, aligning each one perfectly in front of a seat. Next, I placed bottles of water beside them, smoothing out the edges of my dress with trembling hands. I exhaled slowly, stepping back to assess my work. Everything was in place for the meeting with Adrian Blackwood, the CEO.The door swung open, and the board members began filing in, their conversations blending into a steady hum. I took my seat beside my manager, gripping my iPad and light pen, ready to take notes.Just minutes before the meeting was set to begin, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I hesitated, then leaned toward my manager. “Excuse me, sir. I need to use the restroom.”He shot me a pointed look. “Make it quick. I don’t want you missing a thing in this meeting.”I nodded and hurried out, my heels clicking against the polished floor. The elevator doors slid open, and just as I stepped forward, Adrian Blackwood strode out. His attention was locked
Adrian’s POVI leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly as the weight of the board meeting settled over me. The pressure to maintain Blackwood’s dominance in the industry was mounting, and my personal life—of all things—was now under scrutiny.Neville, my personal assistant, strode in, shutting the door behind him with a knowing look. “We need to talk.”I rubbed my temples, already anticipating where this was going. “I was just about to call you in. Let me guess—you’re about to lecture me on how my dating habits are tanking our company’s image?”He didn’t even try to soften the blow. “I don’t need to lecture. The board made it clear: our biggest competitor is gaining traction because their CEO is a family man. Investors see him as reliable, grounded. Meanwhile, you…” He gave a pointed glance at the whiskey tumbler on my desk. “You’re ‘the bachelor CEO’ who cycles through models and influencers like they’re seasonal collections.”I scoffed, though the truth of his words gnawed at me. “S
Chapter ThreeSarah’s POVI stood at the doorway, my fingers gripping the strap of my bag tightly. The office was sleek and modern—black, white, and grey tones giving it a sharp, intimidating feel. Two paintings adorned the walls, though I barely noticed the details. My heart pounded against my ribs. This was the first time I had been called into the CEO’s office since I started working here two years ago.“Please, take a seat,” Adrian said, his voice smooth yet commanding.“I’m comfortable standing, sir,” I replied, trying to steady my voice.“Miss Nathaniel,” he said again, slower this time, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Have a seat.”With a reluctant sigh, I sank into the chair across from him, my back ramrod straight.“You sent for me, sir,” I said, meeting his gaze with a mix of defiance and anxiety.I had a bad feeling about this. Had my manager reported me? Did they find an excuse to fire me? I needed this job. I needed the money for Nora.Adrian leaned back in his cha
Adrian’s POVA moment of silence stretched between us, tension thick in the air. Then, she let out a slow breath and nodded. “Fine. I'll marry you… but I’m doing this only for my daughter.”A victorious smirk curled my lips. “Good. I knew you’d make the right decision.”Her eyes darkened with suspicion. “What do you stand to gain from this? You’ve been fine without a wife all these years.”I leaned back, watching her carefully. “I’m doing this for Blackwood Organization,” I said smoothly. “For the thousands of employees who rely on us. For my family’s legacy. For the future of the company. So, in a way, you and I are not so different.”She let out a sharp scoff. “Don't flatter me, Sir. There’s a world of difference between us. For one, I wouldn’t marry someone unless I loved him.”The second the words left her lips, realization dawned on her face. Her eyes widened slightly before she pressed her lips together, as if trying to take them back.I chuckled. “Well, you just shot yourself in
Sarah’s PovI stepped out of my bedroom, about to head out when Adrian emerged from the kitchen, his bare chest glistening with sweat. His sweatpants hung low on his hips, the sharp dips of his muscles on full display. He must have been working out—his usual morning routine before breakfast. Funny how I had memorized his habits when we had only been married for a few days.My eyes betrayed me, lingering a second too long.Adrian smirked. “I see you’re enjoying the view.”I snapped out of my thoughts, heat rising to my cheeks. “No! Eww!”His chuckle was low and deep, vibrating through the air between us. “You sure about that?” He took a step closer, arms folding across his chest, making his muscles flex deliberately.I took an instinctive step back, clearing my throat. “Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”He cocked a brow. “I’m supposed to be on my honeymoon since I got married last weekend.” His voice dripped with amusement. “Now, don’t change the subject. Where are you going?”“That’
Sarah's POVI was still standing there, trying to process the woman’s words when Adrian found me. His warm presence beside me broke through my thoughts.“You wandered off,” he said, handing me a drink. His voice held a teasing edge, but his eyes softened as he studied my face. “What’s wrong?”I hesitated, unsure if I should mention the encounter. What if it was nothing? What if she was just trying to rattle me? But the lingering unease in my chest told me otherwise.“Nothing,” I replied, forcing a smile. “Just needed some air.”Adrian’s gaze lingered for a moment before he nodded. “Let’s step outside. It’s quieter on the balcony.”He led me out to a secluded terrace overlooking the city skyline. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the oppressive heat of the crowded gala hall.“Better?” he asked, leaning against the railing.I nodded, but my thoughts were still racing. “Adrian,” I started, deciding to test the waters. “Have you ever had someone try to come between you and your
Sarah’s POVThe moment Adrian left the room, the silence pressed in on me like a heavy weight.I sank further into the pillows, staring at the closed door, my mind replaying our conversation. His father was dying. He wanted Adrian to take over the company.And Adrian didn’t know what to do.That alone was enough to tell me how deeply this was affecting him. Adrian always had an answer, always had a plan. But now, I saw the uncertainty in his eyes, the way his walls threatened to rise again.I hated it.I hated that his father still had this much control over him. I hated that even in the face of death, Richard Blackwood was pulling strings, ensuring Adrian was trapped in his web.I swallowed hard, shifting slightly in bed. Pain rippled through me, but I ignored it. I had gotten used to it by now.My thoughts drifted to Julian’s expression when he stepped into the room earlier. I hadn’t missed the tension in his posture, the way his eyes flickered to Adrian like he knew something I did
Adrian’s POVThe weight of the conversation with my father still sat heavy on my chest as I stepped into our bedroom. Seeing Sarah awake, her tired eyes watching me with concern, only made it worse.She didn’t need this. Not now. Not when she was still weak.But she deserved the truth.And so, I told her.The moment the words left my mouth—My father is dying. He wants me to take over the company—the room grew impossibly quiet.Sarah’s fingers curled around mine, grounding me. “What are you going to do?”The truth was, I didn’t know.My whole life, I had fought against Richard Blackwood’s control, trying to carve my own path and refusing to be a pawn in his empire. And now, with his mortality looming over him, he was trying to pull me back in.“I don’t know,” I admitted, the words foreign on my tongue. I always had a plan, always knew my next step. But this? This was uncharted territory.Sarah studied me for a long moment before speaking. “Did he say how long?”I exhaled sharply, dragg
Sarah’s POVThe moment Adrian left, a strange sense of unease settled over me. I tried to shake it off, telling myself I was just exhausted, but something in my gut told me that whatever he was going to face wouldn’t be simple.I shifted against the pillows, trying to find a comfortable position, but my body protested every movement. My muscles ached, my skin burned, and my stomach felt like it was twisted in knots. I hated feeling this weak, this helpless.Dr. Arnold adjusted my IV, his face calm but focused. “How are you feeling now?”“Like I got run over by a truck,” I muttered.His lips twitched in amusement, but his eyes remained serious. “The reaction should subside soon. Your body is just struggling to adjust.”I let out a slow breath. “I thought I was getting better.”“You were—you are.” He paused. “But sometimes setbacks happen. The important thing is that we caught it in time.”I nodded weakly. “Thank you.”“Just rest,” he said gently. “Tasha will be here if you need anythin
Adrian’s POVThe morning started off wrong. I knew it the moment I opened my eyes and felt the tension in the air, the unease settling in my chest like a weight I couldn't shake.Sarah stirred beside me, her face scrunched up in discomfort. Her breathing was shallow, her skin pale, and when I placed a hand against her forehead, I felt the heat radiating off her.The moment my mind caught up with what was happening, I sat up, my heart pounding as I turned to her. She was curled into herself, her face twisted in discomfort, beads of sweat forming at her temple."Sarah?" I whispered, brushing her hair back.She let out a low whimper, her hand pressing against her abdomen. "It hurts..."Dread curled in my stomach. She hadn’t complained about pain since we got back home. The worst was supposed to be over.I threw off the covers and immediately reached for my phone. “I’m calling the doctor,” I said firmly, dialing the number as I swung my legs over the side of the bed. I glanced at the cloc
Sarah’s POVThe way Adrian’s jaw clenched, the way his fingers curled into tight fists at his sides—I knew whatever he’d just learned wasn’t good.I tightened the towel around my hair, stepping closer. “Adrian.” My voice was soft but firm. “What is it?”He exhaled through his nose, his gaze dark with an intensity that sent a chill down my spine. “My father’s making moves.” His voice was controlled, but I could hear the anger simmering beneath. “He’s coming after me.” A pause. “And you.”A cold weight settled in my stomach.Me?I blinked, my fingers tightening around the towel. “What do you mean?”Adrian ran a hand over his face before pushing off the wall and walking toward me. “He’s pulling strings, calling in favors. He’s not taking Julian’s resignation lightly, and since I’m the one still under him...” His throat bobbed. “He’s going to come unto me very strongly. And knowing him, he’ll come at us from every angle.”My heart pounded, but I forced myself to stay calm. “What does that
Adrian’s POVThe weight of Julian’s words settled in my chest like a stone. I’d known this moment was coming—the day he’d finally walk away from our father’s expectations—but I hadn’t expected the tension that came with it.Julian stared at me, waiting for my reaction. Sarah, standing a few feet away, had that quiet, assessing look she always wore when she sensed something was off.I exhaled, rubbing my jaw. “Julian, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. If this is what you want—”“It’s not that simple,” he interrupted, shaking his head. “You think he’s just going to let me walk away?” His laugh was bitter. “He’s furious. And you know how he is when he’s mad.”Yeah, I did. Our father was a man who demanded control, who molded his sons into what he deemed worthy. And if you refused to fit the mold? You were a disappointment. A failure.Julian had been fighting that label for years. And now, he was finally letting it go.Sarah stepped forward, her voice softer but firm. “What exactl
Sarah’s POVThe cafe smelled of fresh bread and warm coffee, a quiet hum of conversation filling the space around us. It was cozy, simple, and oddly comforting. I ran my fingers along the rim of my coffee cup, my mind still lingering on my conversation with Dr. Monroe. Across from me, Adrian watched me with those steady, patient eyes. He hadn’t pushed me to talk, hadn’t filled the silence with empty words. He just was—a quiet strength I could lean on if I chose to.“Want another pastry?” he asked, nudging the last croissant on the plate toward me.I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips. “No, I’m good.”He arched an eyebrow. “Are you sure? Because you inhaled the last one.”I shot him a look, but he only smirked, clearly pleased with himself. Annoying man.I reached for my coffee, taking a slow sip. The warmth settled inside me, grounding me. “I feel like ice cream,” I said suddenly, surprising even myself.Adrian blinked. “Ice cream?”I nodded, leaning back against the cus
Adrian’s POVI watched as Sarah slipped her hand into mine, her fingers small but steady against my palm. It wasn’t the first time she’d held my hand, but today, it felt different—like she wasn’t just seeking comfort but choosing to trust me.It was a small step, but with Sarah, every step forward mattered.“Let’s go,” I said, giving her hand a light squeeze before leading her toward the door.As we made our way down to the car, I stole a glance at her. She looked beautiful in the sky-blue dress, but beyond that, there was something in her expression that struck me—an openness that hadn’t been there before. She was still guarded, still careful, but she wasn’t pulling away.Progress.I opened the car door for her, waiting until she was settled before rounding to my side. As I started the engine, I could feel her watching me.“What is it?” I asked, keeping my tone light.Sarah hesitated. “Just… thanks. For coming with me.”I glanced at her, my grip tightening slightly on the steering wh
Sarah’s POVI slipped my hand into Adrian’s, my fingers curling around his warmth. It wasn’t the first time we’d held hands, but today, it felt different—like I was choosing to lean on him, to trust him.He didn’t say anything about it, just gave my hand a light squeeze.“Let’s go,” he said.As we walked down to the car, I felt his eyes on me, but I kept mine ahead, steadying myself. I had spent days convincing myself that I was ready for this session, that I could sit in a room with a stranger and say the words I’d been running from for years.Now, standing on the edge of it, my chest felt tight.Adrian opened the car door for me, waiting until I was seated before rounding to his side. I watched him as he started the engine, the steady way he moved, the ease in his presence. He had been patient with me—more patient than I deserved.“What is it?” he asked, his tone light but attentive.I hesitated, then murmured, “Just… thanks. For coming with me.”His grip tightened on the steering w