Sarah's POV
I 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 goals? You know, someone who didn’t belong but tried to make themselves part of your life anyway?”
He raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a half-smile. “That’s oddly specific.”
I shrugged, pretending nonchalance. “Just something I’ve been thinking about.”
Adrian’s expression turned serious. “In business, people like that are a given. Everyone wants something from you. But in my personal life, well, I’ve learned to keep my circle small. Trust is hard to come by.”
His words resonated with me, but before I could reply, the balcony door opened, and a familiar figure stepped out.
It was her.
The woman in yellow sauntered toward us, her smile saccharine as her eyes flitted between Adrian and me.
“Adrian,” she purred, ignoring me completely. “I was wondering where you’d disappeared to.”
Adrian straightened, his brows furrowing. “Sophia,” he said, his tone cool and distant. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Oh, you know me,” she said, waving a manicured hand. “I couldn’t miss a Blackwood event. Always full of surprises.”
I clenched my fists at my sides, biting back a retort. Adrian’s sharp gaze flicked to me, and I saw a flicker of concern in his eyes.
“Sophia, this is my wife, Sarah,” he said, his voice firm.
Sophia turned to me with a feigned look of surprise. “Oh, you’re Sarah. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Funny,” I said, my voice laced with sarcasm. “I can’t say the same.”
Adrian’s lips twitched in what looked like suppressed amusement, but Sophia’s smile didn’t falter. “Well, I’m sure we’ll get to know each other soon enough. I’m always around.”
With that, she swept back into the gala, leaving an uncomfortable silence in her wake.
“I’m sorry about her,” Adrian said, running a hand through his hair.
“Who is she?” I asked, unable to keep the edge out of my voice.
“An old acquaintance,” he replied vaguely, his jaw tightening.
I folded my arms. “An old acquaintance who seems to think she still has a claim on you.”
Adrian stepped closer, his expression softening. “Sarah, you’re my wife—fake or not. I don’t care what she or anyone else thinks. I’m not interested in her.”
His words should have reassured me, but the nagging doubt remained. If Sophia was so confident, she must have a reason. And I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of her interference.
Adrian reached for my hand, his touch warm and grounding. "Sarah, you have nothing to worry about. Whatever Sophia’s trying to pull, it won’t work."
I wanted to believe him, but the unease in my chest wouldn’t go away. Sophia’s smug smile and cryptic words replayed in my mind like a broken record. I pulled my hand away gently, turning back toward the city lights.
"It’s not just her," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "It’s everything. This arrangement. Sometimes it feels like I’m in over my head."
Adrian’s brows knit together, his gaze unwavering. "I think you're perfect. Don’t let her, or anyone, make you doubt that."
The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard, and for a moment, I felt the weight on my shoulders lighten. But before I could respond, the balcony door opened again, the sudden noise cutting through the quiet.
A tall man in a crisp black suit stepped out, his face unreadable under the dim terrace lights. He held a tablet in one hand and a look of urgency in his sharp eyes.
"Mr. Blackwood," the man said, his tone brisk. "We have a situation."
Adrian’s expression hardened immediately, the shift in his demeanor startling. "What kind of situation, Graham?"
The man, Graham, glanced at me briefly before lowering his voice. "It’s Sophia, sir. She’s stirring up trouble with the investors inside. Something about her being promised a place in the new deal."
My stomach sank. Of course, she wasn’t done.
Adrian pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. "Excuse me," he said, giving me an apologetic look. "I’ll handle this."
He followed Graham back inside, leaving me alone on the balcony once more. The cool night air felt heavier now, the silence oppressive.
I turned toward the railing, gripping it tightly as I tried to calm my racing thoughts. Why was Sophia so determined to insert herself into Adrian’s life, and by extension, mine? What was her endgame?
A faint noise behind me made me stiffen. It wasn’t the sound of the balcony door this time, but something softer, deliberate.
I spun around, my heart pounding.
A shadowy figure stood just beyond the terrace lights, their face obscured.
"Who’s there?" I demanded, my voice trembling despite my best efforts to sound confident.
The figure stepped closer, the dim light revealing a face I didn’t recognize. Their lips curved into a chilling smile.
"Mrs. Blackwood," they said softly, their tone both polite and threatening. "We need to talk."
Adrian's POV I moved swiftly through the crowd, Graham trailing behind me as we made our way toward the heart of the gala. My mind raced, trying to piece together Sophia’s angle. Promised a place in the new deal? It was absurd. No one in my team would dare make such a promise, not to her or anyone else without my approval.When we entered the main hall, the hum of conversation seemed louder and more tense. Sophia was in the center of a small group of investors, her practiced charm on full display.“There he is!” she announced as her eyes locked onto me. Her tone was light, but the smirk playing on her lips was anything but innocent. “Adrian, darling, I was just telling everyone about the wonderful opportunity you mentioned last year. You remember, don’t you?”I kept my expression neutral as I approached, every step calculated. “Sophia,” I said evenly, “a word, please.”Her eyes lit up with feigned curiosity, but I caught the flicker of unease beneath her confident exterior.“Of cours
Sarah's POVAdrian's eyes clouded over as he shook his head as though trying to get rid of a memory. I knew because I had seen that look on myself numerous times. “He’s dangerous, isn’t he?” I asked, removing my hand from his tight grasp.He nodded. “Stay away from him. If he approaches you again, come straight to me.”I bit my lip, unsure of how to respond. Julian had seemed charming, even polite, but the tension in Adrian’s voice told me there was more to their story than he was letting on.“Why was he even here?” I asked cautiously, careful to keep my tone neutral.Adrian’s expression darkened. “Julian does what he wants, when he wants. He doesn’t need an invitation. He thrives on showing up unannounced and making his presence felt.”The sharpness in his words made it clear he wasn’t in the mood to elaborate. I nodded, deciding to let it go. This wasn’t my fight, after all, we weren’t really married. At least, not in the way that mattered.“I’ll stay away from him,” I said lightly
Adrian's POVThe knock on Sarah’s door echoed faintly through the penthouse. I stood outside, waiting for her to respond. My knuckles hovered over the wood, ready to knock again, but I paused. Something about the silence on the other side of the door felt wrong.“Sarah?” I called again, this time louder.The door creaked open, revealing her pale face. Her eyes darted toward the window, then back to me.“What’s wrong?” I asked, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.She hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip before whispering, “I thought I saw someone outside.”My mind began to race at whoever it might be, lurking around my environment. Despite my playboy front, I had a lot of enemies — ones who wouldn't hesitate to have my head on a platter. I followed her gaze to the large window that framed the city skyline. The curtains were half-drawn, and the faint reflection of the room shimmered against the glass. From this height, it seemed impossible for anyone to be lurking nearby
Sarah's POVThe city lights cast faint patterns on the ceiling of my room, but no amount of visual distraction could stop my racing thoughts. I lay on the bed, the soft hum of the penthouse’s heating system doing little to drown out the whirlwind in my mind.Nora.Her name was a mantra I couldn’t escape. My baby girl, sick in that sterile hospital room, hooked up to machines, fighting a battle no child should ever have to face. Every day I wasn’t with her felt like a betrayal, and every choice that led me here seemed like a mistake.And now, this.I turned over, staring at the faint glow from the window. Adrian’s world was a storm—dangerous, unpredictable. He wasn’t the carefree charmer I thought he was. Beneath the expensive suits and the devil-may-care grin was a man carrying burdens too heavy for anyone to bear.And somehow, I was now entangled in his chaos.With a sigh, I sat up, pushing the blanket aside. Sleep wasn’t coming tonight. My stomach grumbled, reminding me of the untou
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
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
Sarah’s POVThe faint sound of the bedroom door clicking shut stirred me awake. My body felt warm, cocooned in the blankets, and for a moment, I just lay there, relishing the rare sense of peace. The scent of Adrian’s cologne still lingered on the sheets beside me, a reminder that he’d been here just moments ago.I stretched, blinking against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. My body still felt sluggish, but at least today, the ache in my chest wasn’t as heavy as before. Small victories.A soft knock sounded at the door before it creaked open slightly."You're awake," Tasha’s voice floated in as she stepped inside. "I was about to wake you up."I didn't realize she'd slept over last night, Julian must have convinced her to. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "What time is it?""A little past nine. I figured you might want some tea before getting ready." She held up a steaming cup, and I smiled, taking it from her."Thanks, Tash."She perched on the edge of
Adrian’s POVThe rhythmic clicking of buttons filled the game room, accompanied by Julian’s occasional muttered curses whenever I got the upper hand. He was competitive, always had been, but tonight, his focus was scattered."You’re distracted," I pointed out, not taking my eyes off the screen.Julian scoffed, leaning back against the couch. "Says the guy who’s been playing on autopilot for the last ten minutes."I clenched my jaw, knowing he wasn’t wrong. My mind wasn’t on the game—it was on Sarah.Her conversation with Tasha had been playing in the back of my mind ever since I overheard my name. I hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but the way her voice softened when she said she didn’t regret marrying me—it did something to me."We should call it a night." I muttered, throwing the gamepad on a beanbag. "Hey! I was finally winning." Julian cried out, standing up after me. "I owe you a rematch some other day, right now, I really want to see Sarah." I told him, turning off the system. He t
Sarah’s POVThe house was quiet, except for the distant sound of Julian and Adrian’s voices from the game room. I sat on a couch, fingers tracing the rim of my teacup, letting the warmth seep into my skin.Nora had fallen asleep almost as soon as I tucked her in, her tiny hand gripping mine as she murmured something about unicorns and castles. A small smile touched my lips at the memory. She was growing so fast.Tasha, on the other hand, was still here, sprawled out on the couch opposite me, scrolling through her phone with a lazy smirk."You keep staring into space like that, and Adrian might start thinking you're regretting saying yes to him," she teased, glancing up at me.I huffed, shaking my head. "That’s the last thing on my mind.""Good." She sat up, tossing her phone onto the coffee table. "So, tell me. What is on your mind?"I hesitated, wrapping my fingers around my cup. "Emily."Tasha’s smirk disappeared instantly. "You’re really considering seeing her again?"I sighed. "I
Adrian’s POVI watched as Sarah laughed at something Nora said, her eyes soft with warmth. Despite everything weighing on her mind, she was still so present, still so... her.But I knew her well enough to see the worry lingering beneath the surface.As I turned back to the stove, mashing the potatoes, Julian leaned against the counter beside me, his arms crossed. "You don’t like this, do you?"I sighed. "It’s not about what I like. It’s about what’s best for Sarah."Julian scoffed. "And you think letting Emily back in is best?"I set the spoon down, lowering the heat on the stove. "I don’t know. But this isn’t my choice to make. It’s Sarah’s."Julian exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "I just don’t get it, Adrian. Emily nearly killed her. If that accident had gone a little differently—” He shook his head. "You could’ve lost her."I clenched my jaw. "You think I don’t know that?"Julian’s expression softened slightly, but he didn’t back down. "Then why aren’t you fightin
Sarah’s POVThe call with Emily lingered in my mind long after it ended. Even as I moved around the house, trying to keep busy, her words echoed in my head. "I hated you for being her. The one who got to be loved."How was I supposed to process that?I placed Nora’s notes back on the table and walked to the window, staring out at the expanse of land that filled Adrian's estate. The sun had begun to dip, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink. My fingers absentmindedly traced the rim of my mug.Emily had been angry—so angry that she had tried to hurt me. And yet, now that the truth had come out, all I could see was the pain underneath it.I took a deep breath, pressing my forehead against the cool glass.Could I really let her into my life?The doorbell rang, pulling me from my thoughts. I straightened, smoothing my hands over my dress before walking to the door. When I opened it, I wasn’t entirely surprised to see Tasha standing there, arms crossed, a knowing look in her eye
Adrian’s POVThe weight of the morning’s revelations settled over me like an iron cloak. Mark Spencer was making a move, and my father’s silence was just as dangerous as his action. I had been gone too long, wrapped up in Sarah, Nora, and the quiet normalcy I’d allowed myself to enjoy. Now, reality was knocking, and I had to answer.Julian stretched out in the chair across from my desk, arms behind his head, looking far too relaxed for someone about to sit in on a high-stakes meeting. “So, how exactly do you plan to convince Angela Cortez? Bribery? Blackmail? Flashing your devastating charm?”Neville shot him a look before turning back to me. “She’s pragmatic, but she also values stability. If we show her that you’re in control, she won’t take the risk of siding with Mark.”I nodded, skimming through the folder in front of me. Angela wasn’t an easy woman to sway. She’d built her reputation on being firm but fair, and she wouldn’t be bought. That meant I needed to give her something Ma