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
Adrian’s POVSarah didn’t realize it, but she was becoming the glue holding me together. I had gotten so used to no one caring for me that when Sarah entered my life, her attention began to thaw at my walls.I hadn’t expected this arrangement to change anything about my life other than the legalities and appearances. It was supposed to be simple—help her care for Nora, and secure my position in the company. Yet, here I was, doing things I’d never done before.I caught myself glancing at her as we drove toward my apartment, her fingers absently twisting the hem of her sweater. She was nervous, though she tried to hide it. I wanted to say something reassuring, to tell her it would all work out, but the words felt too personal. Too real.Instead, I tightened my grip on the wheel and focused on the road.For as long as I could remember, I’d kept people at arm’s length, letting them see only the version of me I wanted them to see. It was easier that way—no expectations, no attachments. But
Adrian’s POVThe moment Sarah fell asleep, I slipped out of the room, careful not to wake her. She was exhausted, and I hated that she had to go through this mess because of me. She didn’t deserve to carry the weight of my family’s power games or the vultures circling her past.If she hadn't gotten involved with me, her past wouldn't be plastered all over the place. Neither she or Nora would be in danger.I made my way downstairs, the quiet of the house doing little to soothe the turmoil inside me. My phone was still in my hand, the text from my father glaring back at me like a taunt.“Fix this mess, Adrian. Now.”Fix this? The audacity of the man. My father had spent years molding me into the perfect heir, dictating every move, every decision. And now, with Sarah’s past dredged up and splattered across headlines, he probably thought he could use this as leverage to remind me who truly held the reins.Not this time.I dialed his number, pacing the length of the living room as it rang.
Sarah’s POVThe faint hum of coffee machines and the quiet chatter of customers had been my background for most of the day. The cafe had been my haven, a place to work and let my thoughts roam freely. I had spent hours drafting ideas for my new freelance position and working on my new article, a sense of accomplishment warming my chest.As the day waned, I glanced at my watch. I needed to get home early enough to prepare for the dinner Adrian had promised. A soft smile tugged at my lips as I gathered my things. Dinner as a family—it was such a simple thing, yet it filled me with a warmth I hadn’t felt in years.By the time I got home, Nora was already playing in the living room, her laughter echoing through the house. “Mommy!” she called, running toward me.“Hey, sweetheart,” I said, bending down to scoop her up. “Let’s get you all dressed up for dinner, okay?”Her eyes sparkled. “What should I wear? Something sparkly?”I laughed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Something ni
Adrian’s POVThe soft glow of sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows as I descended the stairs, the scent of fresh coffee filling the air. It was one of those rare mornings where everything felt normal. Peaceful.Sarah was bustling around the kitchen, dressed in a simple but elegant blouse and jeans, her hair swept into a loose ponytail. Nora sat at the kitchen island, humming a cheerful tune while munching on a piece of toast."Good morning, ladies," I greeted, taking a seat across from Nora."Good morning, Daddy!" Nora chirped, her face lighting up with a grin. My heart felt like it would burst open. I didn't think she'd take what I said the day before so seriously. Sarah glanced over her shoulder, a spatula in hand. "Eat your breakfast quickly, Missie." She scolded, hiding a smile. "What does the best chef have for us today?" I asked, pouring myself a cup of coffee. Sarah rolled her eyes, but I caught the faint smile tugging at her lips. "Toast and scrambled eggs."As we
Sarah's POV I breathed in deeply as the memories of that night came rushing back. "It was when Nora was three years old," I began. "I had just gained admission to study part-time at the university, and I was staying with Tasha at the time." I paused and glanced at Adrian. His gaze was focused on me as he listened intently. "Tasha was still a nursing student at the time and was away on a night shift, leaving Nora and I alone at home."I felt a sob clawing its way up my throat as I continued. "I had just put Nora to bed when someone picked the lock and forced their way in. Turns out it was my ex.""Nora's dad?" He asked, his eyes a silent comfort. I nodded in response. "He had just been released from jail earlier that day and he managed to track me down."I flinched as I remembered how when I had refused to follow him, Michael had thrown me against the wall and punched me in the guts. It was that sight Nora woke up to. Adrian's jaw tightened as I spoke, his hands clenched into fis
Adrian’s POVThe words left my mouth before I had the chance to rethink them, and the silence that followed was deafening. Sarah stood there, her hand still resting on the doorframe, her back stiff, her expression unreadable.What was I even saying? Was I insane to bring this up now? Maybe. But seeing Nora’s face earlier—the innocent hope in her eyes—had stirred something inside me I couldn’t ignore any longer.She didn’t move, didn’t speak, and for a brief, agonizing moment, I thought she was going to leave without saying a word. Then, slowly, she turned to face me fully."Adrian," she said softly, her voice cautious. "You can’t mean that.""But I do," I replied, surprising even myself with the certainty in my voice. "I don’t want this to just be a contract anymore, Sarah. Not for me, not for Nora."Her eyes widened, and I saw her grip the doorframe tighter, as if she needed something to steady her."Don’t do this," she said, her voice trembling. "Don’t say things you don’t mean.""I
Sarah's POVNora’s question pierced the air, so direct and innocent it left me momentarily frozen. I turned to her, my heart hammering as I saw her big, curious eyes staring at Adrian.Adrian looked equally stunned, his lips parting slightly as if he wanted to say something, but no words came out."Nora…" I began softly, trying to regain control of the moment, but she wasn’t finished."Because Emma said people who live together are married," she continued, her voice tinged with confusion. "And you and my Mommy live together. So are you my Daddy?"The weight of her words hit me like a freight train. It was a question I’d known would come eventually, but I hadn’t expected it so soon—or for her to ask it so casually like she was talking about the weather.Adrian cleared his throat, his usual composure faltering. "Nora, I—""Sweetheart," I interjected, placing a hand on Nora’s shoulder. "Remember when we talked about how every family is different? Not all mommies and daddies are married o
Adrian's POV"I should go to bed now," Sarah let out, scrambling to her feet."Goodnight, Sarah," I muttered. The kiss lingered in my mind long after Sarah disappeared upstairs. I sat in the dimly lit living room, staring at the almost empty bottle of wine on the table, replaying the moment in my head.It wasn’t planned. I hadn’t intended for it to happen. Yet, as I leaned back on the couch, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was inevitable.Her quiet strength had always drawn me in. The way she carried herself, even when everything seemed to weigh her down, was remarkable. Tonight, though, something shifted. I’d seen a side of her I hadn’t before—vulnerable, open, and unguarded.I ran a hand down my face, letting out a heavy sigh."What are you doing, Adrian?" I muttered to myself.It wasn’t part of the deal. I wasn’t supposed to care—at least not like this. This arrangement was meant to be simple: a contract, a partnership. But every time I saw her with Nora or caught her smiling
Sarah's POVThe morning air was still crisp as I watched Adrian and Nora leave. I sighed, leaning back against the counter, trying to gather my thoughts.As soon as the door shut behind them, Tasha cleared her throat, bringing my attention back to the present."I need to get going," she announced, stretching. "Afternoon shift at the hospital calls.""Right, of course," I replied. "Let me grab my things. I’ll drop you off on my way."Tasha raised an eyebrow. "You’re heading out too? Where to?"I hesitated for a moment, unsure how much I wanted to share. "It’s my first day freelancing for that company I told you about. Figured I’d work from a co-working space to get some quiet."Her expression softened with approval. "I’m glad you’re doing this. It’ll be good for you, Sarah."I offered her a small smile before heading upstairs to change into something more presentable. A soft blouse and tailored pants later, I grabbed my laptop bag and keys, and we were out the door.The ride to Tasha’s
Adrian’s POVI woke up early the next morning, determined to make Nora’s day easier so Sarah wouldn’t have to stress more than she already was. I made my way to Nora's room, where she was still sleeping."Hey, sunshine," I gently shook her awake. Her eyes fluttered open, and when she saw me, her lips stretched into a smile."Good morning, uncle Adrian," she murmured, latching onto me in a hug."Good morning, Nora. Did you sleep well?" I asked, patting her back."Hmmhmm," she hummed, snuggling closer."Why don't you go brush your teeth while I make breakfast?" I suggested, setting her down in front of the bathroom.She nodded eagerly and skipped off. I stood there for a moment, listening to the soft sound of her tiny footsteps on the floor as she made her way to the bathroom. A sense of calm washed over me as I watched her, her innocence and simplicity reminding me of what really mattered. For now, at least, I could still take care of her in the ways she needed.I made my way downstair