Chapter 5

Sarah’s Pov

I 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’s none of your business.” I turned to leave, but his hand shot out, fingers curling around my wrist.

I collided with his chest, his warmth seeping into my skin, his hold firm yet gentle. My heart pounded against my ribs, and I hated that he could probably hear it.

“Not until you answer me,” he murmured, his voice low and demanding.

I swallowed hard. “I want to see my daughter.”

His grip loosened slightly, his gaze searching mine. “She’s well taken care of, Sarah. She’s recovering well.”

“I still want to see her,” I said, my voice unwavering.

Adrian studied me for a long moment before nodding. “Alright. I’ll go with you. A proper introduction is overdue.”

“No.” The word left my lips too quickly, making his eyes narrow slightly.

“Why not?”

I opened my mouth, then shut it. My thoughts scrambled for an explanation that wouldn’t sound ridiculous.

“She… she’s been through a lot. I don’t want to overwhelm her with someone new right now.”

His jaw clenched slightly, but then his expression softened. “I get it. But she deserves to know who her mother married… even if it’s not real.”

I flinched at his words.

“Just give me time,” I whispered.

He studied me for another long moment before sighing. “Fine. But not for long.”

*

Adrian and I were at my first gala, my first appearance in Adrian's society. 

The gala was a dazzling affair. The grand hall glittered under the golden chandeliers, the air thick with the scent of expensive cologne and champagne. The flashes from the cameras on the red carpet were blinding, the murmurs of the press a steady hum in the background.

I felt like an outsider.

The women were breathtaking, their gowns shimmering under the lights. For a fleeting moment, insecurity curled in my chest. But then, I caught sight of my reflection in one of the massive mirrors lining the hall.

A stunning blue mermaid dress hugged my curves in all the right places, a perfect match for Adrian’s crisp white suit.

Adrian’s hand found the small of my back, his lips brushing against my ear. “Did I mention you look absolutely breathtaking?”

His warm breath sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.

“You didn’t use that exact word, but yes, you did,” I replied, forcing my tone to remain neutral.

As we moved through the sea of elite guests, Adrian introduced me to business partners and friends. Compliments flooded in, and I responded with polite smiles, though I could feel the weight of their gazes assessing me.

“Sarah, you look gorgeous!” one woman gushed, her eyes twinkling. “I’d love for us to have lunch sometime.”

I managed a polite nod, my mind spinning from the overwhelming attention.

Adrian, on the other hand, thrived in this environment. He moved with effortless confidence, his presence commanding the room. It was both impressive and… frustrating.

“Just breathe,” he murmured when he felt me tense beside him. “You’re doing great.”

For a brief moment, his words grounded me.

“Would you like a drink?” he asked, his gaze softening slightly.

“Yes, please.”

He nodded and headed toward the bar, but before he could get there, someone stopped him, dragging him into conversation.

I sighed. “That might take a while.”

Feeling restless, I wandered off into the crowd, trying to shake the unease settling in my stomach.

Then, I felt it—a light tap on my shoulder.

I turned to find a woman standing before me, draped in a striking yellow dress that hugged her frame like it was made for her. She was beautiful. The kind of beautiful that turned heads the moment she stepped into a room.

Her lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. “So, you’re the one he picked.”

Something about her tone sent a warning bell ringing in my head. “Excuse me?”

She let out a soft laugh, the sound almost musical. “You have this innocent aura. You’re easy on the eyes… but you’re not his type.”

I stiffened. “What are you talking about?”

Her gaze flicked past me, and I followed it—to Adrian, who was still engaged in conversation across the room.

A cold realization settled in my stomach.

She turned back to me, amusement flickering in her sharp eyes. “If you’re talking about your husband, you should know something, sweetheart. Men like Adrian don’t just settle. And when they do…” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “They always leave room for a mistress.”

Anger flared in my chest.

I lifted my chin, meeting her gaze head-on. “If you’re hoping to be that mistress, you can back off now. Adrian is married to me.” My voice was steady, despite the unease clawing at my insides.

She smiled like I had just told her a joke. “Never say never, honey.”

Then, without another word, she turned on her heel and disappeared into the crowd, leaving me standing there—heart pounding, mind racing.

What the hell was that?