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
Adrian’s POVSarah and I entered Dr. Arnold's office, where the doctor greeted us with a warm but professional smile. The room was small, with walls lined with certificates and medical charts. “We’re here to discuss moving Nora home,” I began. “She’s stable, but we want her out of this environment for safety reasons. We’re prepared to set up everything she needs to recover fully.”Dr. Arnold leaned back, considering my words. “Nora has made significant progress, but home care requires careful planning. I’d recommend a comprehensive check-up to ensure she’s ready for the transition. If all goes well, I’ll prepare a detailed list of equipment and follow-up requirements.”Sarah nodded, her voice soft but resolute. “We trust your judgment, Doctor. Our priority is her well-being.”He scribbled something in his notebook. “I’ll start the check-up immediately. By tomorrow, I’ll have all the results and recommendations ready. Assuming there are no complications, you can take her home then.”R
Sarah's POVAdrian's office was colder than I'd expected, the atmosphere thick with tension as Rome's presence sucked all warmth from the room. My eyes darted to the spilled contents of the folder: photographs and documents that clearly rattled Adrian. I wanted to look closer, but his rigid stance warned me to stay back.“Care to explain yourself, Adrian?” Rome asked smugly, leaning against the desk as though he owned the place.Adrian’s jaw tightened. “Where did you get these?”Rome’s smirk widened. “Does it matter? What matters is what I plan to do with them.” He glanced at me briefly, as if gauging my reaction. “You’ve got a lot riding on this deal, Adrian. Don’t make me ruin it for you.”I stepped forward, surprising even myself. “What exactly do you want?” I demanded, my voice steadier than I felt.I felt Adrian's heated gaze on me but I paid him no attention, my glare directed at Rome.Rome’s brows arched. “Bold, aren’t we? It reminds me of someone I know.” He turned his full at
Adrian's POVThe moment my lips were inches away from hers, I hesitated, my mind a chaotic storm. Sarah’s green eyes widened, searching mine, and I could see the wariness mingled with something softer, something I didn’t deserve.I couldn’t bring myself to cross that line. Not yet.I released her hand gently and took a step back, raking a hand through my hair in frustration. “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry, Sarah.”She blinked, clearly thrown off by my sudden retreat. “Adrian…” Her voice was quiet, unsure, and it only twisted the guilt tighter in my chest.“I just—” I paused, trying to find the words. How could I explain the storm raging inside me? The pressure Rome had applied, the secrets I was desperately trying to keep buried, and now, the undeniable pull I felt toward her. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.“I need some air,” I muttered, walking toward the balcony before I could do something else I’d regret.The cool night air did little to calm my nerves. My hands grippe
Sarah’s POVAdrian Blackwood had always seemed like a playboy without a care in the world, but tonight, he had let me glimpse a fragment of the man behind the walls. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to change my perspective of him and make me want to fight for him, even when he was adamant about keeping me out.The ride back to the penthouse had been quiet, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. It was the kind of quiet that carried weight, a shared understanding that didn’t need words.As we stepped out of the car and into the garage, I caught him glancing at me, a faint smile tugging at his lips. It was fleeting, but it was there.“Are you done packing?” He asked as we got into the elevator. I shook my head. “Not quite, I have a little left to do.”“Okay. We should leave early tomorrow so we can prepare the apartment before we go to the hospital for Nora. I sent a caretaker there already but I'd like to make her room ready.”My heart melted with the thought he was putting into ma
Sarah's POVThe faint hum of machines was the first thing I became aware of, followed by the sterile smell of antiseptic. My eyelids felt heavy, but I managed to open them slightly, squinting against the dim light filtering into the room.As my vision adjusted, the scene before me brought a lump to my throat. Adrian was slumped on a couch in the corner of the room, his tall frame awkwardly folded, and his head resting against the backrest. In his arms, Nora was curled up, her tiny body rising and falling with each breath, her thumb tucked into her mouth. Adrian’s other hand rested protectively over her small back.I blinked slowly, unable to tear my gaze away. The sight was painfully beautiful, stirring something deep within me. Despite everything that had happened, here he was, holding my daughter close, as if guarding her from the world.A wave of exhaustion rolled over me, but I fought against it, forcing myself to take in my surroundings. The room was spacious and quiet, with soft
Adrian's POVThe morning sunlight filtered weakly through the blinds in my study, casting soft streaks across the desk cluttered with documents and my laptop. I leaned back in my chair, massaging the dull ache spreading across my temples. The stress of the past few weeks was catching up to me, and no matter how much I tried to push through it, my body was rebelling.I glanced at the cup of coffee beside me, untouched and now cold. It was the third one I had made this morning, each one forgotten in the whirlwind of emails and contracts that needed my attention. But none of it could distract me from the ache in my chest—the absence of Sarah and Nora.The house felt emptier without them. Every time I passed by Nora’s room or glanced at the seat Sarah used to occupy at the dining table, the void became unbearable. I wanted them back. No, I needed them back. But I didn’t know how to convince Sarah without being overbearing.A sharp knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. “Come in,”
Sarah's POV The sun dipped lower in the sky as the soft hues of twilight began to seep through the curtains. Nora had finally dozed off on the couch, her tiny frame curled up with the teddy bear Tasha had gifted her. Her peaceful expression was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind.I sat in the armchair across from her, staring at my phone. My fingers hovered over Adrian’s name in my contacts. I hadn’t called him since we last spoke, and the silence between us was deafening. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to hear his voice—I did, desperately—but I didn’t know what to say. He would want to persuade me to come back home and I wasn't sure I could hold out any longer.The contract marriage was supposed to be a solution, a way to navigate through our individual struggles without the mess of emotions. But somewhere along the way, things had shifted. My heart had shifted.A faint knock at the door startled me from my thoughts. My gaze darted to Nora, still soun
Adrian's POV Emily flinched as I stood face-to-face with her, her eyes shut tightly. I shook my head and stepped back. “Keep my wife's name out of your mouth, Emily Harrison.” I warned before storming away. Emily’s silence lingered in the air, heavy and uncharacteristic. I glanced back over my shoulder as I reached the car, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw a crack in her usual mask of arrogance. Her hands trembled slightly, though she quickly folded her arms, masking the movement.Good. Let her stew in the fear she’d never admit to.I climbed into the car, slamming the door harder than I intended. The driver didn’t ask questions—he knew better. He simply started the engine, and the sleek black sedan pulled away from Rome’s estate.As we drove through the city streets, the adrenaline began to fade, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. Emily wasn’t the enemy I needed to focus on. She was just another distraction, a pawn in Rome’s twisted game. But Rome? He was the architect
Sarah’s POVThe quiet of the morning was interrupted by a sudden, high-pitched wail. My heart skipped a beat, and I rushed back into the guestroom, my mind racing. There, sitting up in bed with wide, tear-filled eyes, was Nora. Her little hands clutched the covers, and her face was twisted in confusion and fear."Mommy! Where are we?" she cried, her voice trembling.I hurried over, my heart breaking at the sight of her distress. She was always so strong, but the unfamiliarity of her surroundings had shaken her. I scooped her up, cradling her against me as I sat on the edge of the bed."It’s okay, sweetheart," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "We’re safe, and this is just a temporary place. We’re with Aunt Tasha."Her small hands clutched at my shirt as she buried her face into my chest. "I want to go home, Mommy," she whimpered.I held her tighter, feeling the weight of the tears that threatened to escape. "I know, baby. I know. We’ll be back home soon. But for now, we’re her
Adrian’s POVI stood in my office, the morning sun streaming through the tall windows. The same office where I had made countless decisions, handled crises, and navigated the cutthroat corporate world. But today, I felt powerless.Sarah wasn't with me. She wasn't waiting back at home for me to get back. I had spent the entire night calling, searching, and pacing the empty hallways of the house. Nora’s laughter that once echoed in those walls was replaced with an unbearable silence. And now, after finally hearing her voice, I still couldn’t shake the ache in my chest.She promised she’d come back. But promises had a way of breaking under pressure.A slight knock at the door broke my thoughts. “Come in,” I said, my voice harsher than I intended.Richard stepped in, his expression unreadable. My father was a master of masking his emotions, but even he couldn’t entirely hide the curiosity—and disapproval—gleaming in his eyes.“I heard she left,” he said without preamble, closing the door
Sarah’s POVTasha led me into her guestroom, carrying Nora who had fallen asleep on the couch while Tasha and I talked. “It's nothing like the place you left but I hope you like it.” She said as she laid Nora down. I shook my head. “It is more than enough, Tasha. Thank you so much for supporting me in this.”She straightened up. “Who said I supported you? This is a sure path to losing the one guy who comes close to deserving you.”My heart clenched at her words. “What do you mean?”“You know exactly what I mean. Even a blind man can sense what's between you two. I saw you guys together just once and you both couldn't stop staring at the other.” She responded, folding her arms across her chest.“I don't know what you're talking about.” I lied, my flushed face betraying me.“Sure, girl. Whatever floats your boat.” She chuckled. “Should I serve you dinner?”“I don't feel like eating right now. Thanks once again, Tasha. You're a darling.”“Goodnight then.” She blew me a kiss as she clos
Adrian’s POVI hung up the phone with Sarah, the weight of her words still lingering in my chest. The conversation had left me with more questions than answers. She sounded calm, but I knew her too well to miss the cracks in her voice. Something was off. But before I could dwell on it any longer, Neville entered the room with a sense of urgency in his step.“Sir,” he said, holding up a tablet with the headline flashing across the screen. “You need to see this.”I took the tablet from him, my eyes scanning the words. The headline screamed at me like a cruel joke: “Sarah Blackwood’s Past Exposed—More Secrets Uncovered.” The article was filled with old photos of Sarah, ones I’d never seen, not the kind of images anyone would want resurfacing. Each photo painted her as someone far removed from the woman I knew—someone caught in a life she’d long since left behind.There were many more posts similar to that one.My heart pounded as I looked at the text beneath the photos, the commentary de
Sarah’s POVI hung up the phone, clutching it tightly as if it could somehow bridge the distance between Adrian and me. His words were reassuring, but I knew him well enough to sense the weight he was carrying. It wasn’t just the scandal or the board—it was the relentless expectation to prove himself, to be everything everyone demanded of him.The thought made my heart ache.I glanced at Nora, who was sprawled on the living room floor with her coloring books, completely unaware of the storm swirling around us. Her innocence was a fragile shield, one I was determined to protect at all costs.But how could I protect her when I could barely hold myself together?I needed air. Grabbing my coat, I called out to Nora. “Sweetheart, I’m stepping outside for a minute. Stay here, okay? I’ll be right back.”“Okay, Mommy!” she chirped, not looking up from her drawing.I stepped onto the porch, the crisp morning air biting against my skin. Taking a deep breath, I tried to clear my head, but the we