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
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.
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