Sarahโs P.O.V.The next few days passed in a blur of responsibilities and avoidance. I buried myself in work, leaving the mansion early each morning to manage the company and returning late in the evening to retreat into my room, ensuring minimal interaction with Adrian. Despite the unspoken tension between us, I continued to prepare meals for him, and though he never openly acknowledged my efforts, he ate every dish without complaint. It was an unspoken routine we had fallen into, neither of us willing to break the fragile balance of our strange marriage.On Friday night, as I sat cross-legged on my bed reviewing a stack of documents, a sharp knock echoed through the room. Startled, I set aside the papers and rose to answer the door, my heart already anticipating another clash. I pulled the door open to find Adrian standing before me, his usual expression of irritation firmly in place. His deep brown eyes held a flicker of something unreadable, but I was too exhausted to try decipher
Sarah POVThe clinking of silverware against porcelain echoed through the opulent dining room, a stark contrast to the tension that crackled beneath the surface. By the time I returned, the elaborate mahogany table was surrounded by my family, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the chandelier. Jessica, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulder, was nestled beside Adrian, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes. A pang of something I couldn't quite name resonated within me. I forced a smile and slid into the remaining seat, wedging myself between my father and Adrian.The meal commenced, a parade of exquisitely prepared dishes that I barely tasted. My fatherโs chatter about some business deal faded into background noise. My attention was laser-focused on Justin, whose eyes, dark and intense, were glued to me. It wasnโt a casual glance; it was a persistent, unnerving stare that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Each time I met his gaze, a flicker of something
Sarah POVThe soft glow of a Sunday morning filtered through the curtains, painting the room in a warm, inviting light. I lay nestled in the plush comfort of the bed, relishing the rare feeling of utter relaxation. The events of the previous day โ the tense confrontation with my father, the unexpected comfort from Adrian โ felt like a distant, unsettling dream. My phone buzzed insistently on the bedside table, shattering the peaceful quiet. Groaning, I reached for it, squinting at the bright screen. Ester's name flashed, a beacon of energy I wasn't quite ready for."Good morning, Sunshine!" her voice, a burst of pure enthusiasm, practically exploded through the speaker. Even at this ungodly hour, she was a force of nature."Morning, Ester," I mumbled, pushing myself up against the headboard. Sleep still clung to me, a warm, comforting weight."Get ready! I'm picking you up in 20 minutes. We're going shopping!" she declared, the background noise suggesting she was already in motion, pr
Adrian POVThe aroma of roasted meat and savory spices hung heavy in the air as I entered the kitchen. It was nearly seven, and the pangs of hunger were beginning to make themselves known. Sarah sat at the dining table, a half-eaten plate in front of her. Her brow was furrowed slightly, as if she were contemplating some complex equation. She looked up as I entered, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before she quickly masked it with a neutral expression."Take a seat," she said, her voice even and polite. "I'll get your food." She rose and disappeared into the kitchen, returning moments later with a steaming plate of steak, mashed potatoes, and what looked to be perfectly roasted vegetables. She placed it in front of me, the clinking of the ceramic a stark contrast to the quiet hum of the refrigerator. Then, she resumed her own meal, her movements precise and economical.It had been almost a month since ourโฆarrangement. Our forced marriage. And this was the first time we had
Sarah POVThe week leading up to the Annual Gala had been a whirlwind of deadlines, meetings, and overflowing inboxes. I barely had time to breathe, let alone think about the event itself. Thankfully, Ester, ever the organized whirlwind, had taken charge of the logistics. She had coordinated with Adrianโs assistant regarding our outfits, ensuring that we would arrive at the venue simultaneously, a strategic move to maintain the illusion of marital harmony. Since I was finishing work late, I would get ready at the office, a plan that saved precious time.My last meeting of the day finally wrapped up, leaving me exhausted but relieved. I dismissed my team, promising them a less hectic week ahead, and retreated to my cabin. The door clicked shut behind me, and I sank onto the plush cushion of my chair, kicking off my heels with a sigh of pure bliss. While they certainly added a touch of sophistication, heels were instruments of torture after a long day. I propped my tired feet up on the t
Sarah POVA tap on my shoulder pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see Noah, smiling warmly at me. He took the empty seat beside me."Why are you sitting here all alone?" he asked."These parties aren't really my scene," I admitted. "But being married to Adrian, I guess I have to attend these things now.""Perhaps a dance will make the evening more bearable?" he suggested, extending his hand.I hesitated for a moment. A dance might be a welcome distraction. I placed my hand in his, and he led me to the dance floor. He wrapped his arms around my waist, and I placed mine on his shoulders as we swayed slowly to the music."I've heard a lot about you from Jessica and Adrian," Noah said, his voice casual."Oh, I'd love to hear those stories," I replied, a touch of irony in my voice. "It's always interesting to learn new things about oneself.""Haha, I can only imagine how challenging it must be to be with Adrian," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement."It's definitely a challenge
Adrian POVI was circulating among the various businessmen, engaging in polite conversation, when I heard Sarahโs voice. I turned and was momentarily speechless. Her dressโฆit was exquisite. It fit her perfectly, accentuating her curves in a way that was both elegant and provocative. Her hair, cascading down her shoulders, framed her face, making her look incredibly desirable. I noticed every male gaze in the room lingering on her, their eyes filled with admiration, and something possessive stirred within me. I pulled her closer, wrapping my arm around her waist, a silent declaration that she was mine.As I spoke with Mr. Groff, I saw Sarah excuse herself and head towards the bar. I watched her take a seat, a slight frown on her face. Just as I was about to make my way over to her, Jessica appeared at my side, her hand slipping possessively onto my arm."You look beautiful, love," I whispered to Jessica, offering her a small smile. She blushed, clearly pleased by the compliment.Jessic
Sarah POVThe car screeched to a halt in front of the imposing gates of the mansion. I flinched as Adrianโs hand, which had been gripping mine tightly throughout the ride, loosened. I quickly pulled my hand away, the lingering pressure a reminder of his barely controlled fury. I stepped out of the car, the cool night air a stark contrast to the simmering tension within me. My heart pounded in my chest as I walked towards my room, a sense of unease settling in my stomach. I was confused, troubled. Adrianโs outburst had been so sudden, so disproportionate to what I perceived as a harmless interaction with Justin. To me, the hug had been nothing more than a friendly farewell, a gesture of closure. But Adrian had twisted it into something ugly, something malicious. His unpredictable moods were a constant source of anxiety, and I knew that confronting him in his current state would be futile. It was best to avoid him, to give him time to cool down, before attempting to understand the root
Sarah POVAlessandroโs gaze lingered on me, his deep brown eyes searching mine for any sign of hesitation. I could feel the weight of his emotions pressing between us uncertainty, longing, fear. His jaw was tense, as if he was holding back words he wasnโt sure he was ready to say."Alessandro, you're right to ask," I said, my voice steady, though my heart was pounding. "I don't care about Adrian, I care about you. What happened to him... it was a moment of confusion, a mistake. I've realized that my heart has always been with you. That's why I told him we needed distance. I want you to know that you're the only one I want to be with."He exhaled slowly, crossing his arms over his chest, his posture still guarded. I could almost see the battle playing out in his mindโthe part of him that wanted to believe me and the part that still held onto the pain of the past."And Adrian?" he asked finally, his voice softer now but firm. "What happens if he doesn't stay away?"I shook my head, step
Sarah POVA lump formed in my throat at the tenderness in his tone. I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.โMe too,โ I whispered back. โIโm so glad weโve been able to work through everything. Iโm committed to us, Alessandro. I want you to know that.โHis hold on me tightened slightly, and he pressed a lingering kiss to the top of my head.โI know,โ he said. โAnd Iโm committed to us too. Whatever comes our way, weโll face it together.โAs exhaustion pulled me into sleep, I felt a rare sense of peace settle over me. The doubts that had once gnawed at the edges of my mind were beginning to fade, replaced by the quiet certainty that Alessandro and I were on the right path.But even as I embraced that sense of calm, a small part of me couldnโt ignore the lingering weight of Adrianโs last message. His words echoed in my thoughts more often than I wanted to admit. There was something unresolved there, something that refused to fade into the backg
Sarah POVHis words carried an unmistakable edge of jealousy, laced with something deeper frustration, maybe even desperation. I could hear it in the way Adrian spoke, the way he hesitated just a fraction of a second before choosing his words. He wasnโt ready to let go, that much was obvious. But I had already made my decision.I wasnโt going to let the past interfere with the fragile, beautiful thing Alessandro and I were rebuilding.Instead of answering Adrian right away, I chose to ignore the message, setting my phone aside with a steadying breath. The temptation to respond, to offer him some kind of closure, gnawed at me, but I resisted. The best thing I could do for myself for my relationship was to keep my distance. Even if it hurt.So I threw myself into work that day, immersing myself in tasks, focusing on anything that kept my mind from drifting back to Adrianโs lingering words. But even as I busied myself with emails and meetings, I felt the weight of the unresolved tension
Sarah POVHis words settled deep within me, reassuring me in a way I hadnโt realized I needed. But there was still one more thing I had to say, a truth that needed to be voiced.โI wanted to let you know that I spoke to Adrian,โ I admitted, watching his face carefully. โI told him we needed some space. I want you to know that youโre my priority, and I wonโt let anything or anyone come between us.โFor a moment, Alessandro didnโt say anything. His expression was unreadable, but then his shoulders dropped slightly, and he exhaled a breath he had probably been holding for too long. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady, appreciative. โThank you for that, Sarah. I appreciate it. Iโve been worried about how much heโs been around, but I didnโt want to pressure you.โI gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. โI understand,โ I murmured. โBut you donโt need to worry. Iโm committed to making this work. Weโve come too far to let anything get in the way now.โHis thumb brushed over my knuckles,
Sarah POVSarah's POVAs the days passed after Adrian's unexpected visit, the tension between Alessandro and me began to ease. We had successfully navigated a difficult moment, but I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Adrian's presence was still a looming threat to our relationship. Even when things felt light and easy between Alessandro and me, a small, anxious voice in the back of my mind kept whispering reminders of the pastโof Adrianโs influence, of the confusion he stirred within me. I knew I had to confront the situation head-on, not just for Alessandro's sake, but for my own peace of mind.It was a bright, clear afternoon when I finally decided to send a message to Adrian. The sun streamed in through the curtains, casting golden patterns on the floor, but despite the warmth of the day, I felt an unmistakable chill settle in my bones. The words didnโt come easily, but I knew they were necessary.Message to Adrian:Hi Adrian, I think we must maintain some distance for a whil
Sarah POVBeside me, Alessandro shifts. His voice is calm, firm, but thereโs an unmistakable edge to it. โWeโve been trying to focus on our relationship and work through things together. I appreciate your concern, but I think itโs important for us to handle this on our own.โAdrianโs gaze flicks to Alessandro, and for a moment, the air crackles with unspoken tension. Then he looks back at me. โI get it. I just didnโt realize how deep things were between you two. I guess Iโm still trying to understand where I fit into all of this.โA pang of something guilt, frustration, maybe both presses against my ribs. I take a deep breath, steadying myself. โAdrian, you have to understand that Iโm trying to rebuild my relationship with Alessandro. Iโve made it clear that I need to focus on that, and your presence here complicates things.โFor the first time since he arrived, something in Adrianโs expression shifts. His shoulders relax just slightly, and some of the steeliness in his eyes fades. Th
Sarah POVThe tension in the kitchen is thick enough to cut with a knife. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the rich aroma of butter sizzling in the pan, but none of it is enough to mask the growing unease settling over the room. Adrian takes a seat at the table without waiting for an invitation, his movements deliberate yet casual, as if trying to stake a claim on the moment. I sense Alessandroโs eyes on me, his concern pressing against my skin like a silent question. He doesnโt have to say anythingโI already know heโs on high alert.I try to steady my nerves, pushing down the wave of anxiety clawing its way up my chest. This unexpected visit could be nothing more than an awkward inconvenience, a minor speed bump on the road Alessandro and I are rebuilding. Or it could be the kind of turning point that shifts the entire course of our relationship.I glance at Alessandro, searching for reassurance in the warm depths of his gaze. He gives me a small, firm nodโsilent suppo
Sarah POVWe move in perfect harmony in the kitchen, our bodies falling into an effortless rhythm as we prepare breakfast together. The scent of sizzling butter and warm spices fills the air, mingling with the quiet hum of our laughter. Itโs easy, natural like slipping into a well-worn routine.Alessandro reaches for the same cutting board as I do, his fingers grazing mine. The brief contact sends a spark through me, and I glance up at him, my breath hitching slightly. He notices. His lips curl into a knowing smile, and for a moment, the rest of the world fades away.โYouโre distracted,โ he murmured, his voice laced with amusement.I smirk, shaking my head. โYou wish.โHis laugh is low and warm, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. As the food on the stove begins to sizzle, Alessandro gently nudges me with his hip, pulling me closer to him. His touch is light, almost teasing, but thereโs something deeper in the way he looks at me.โSarah,โ he says, his voice dropping into a w
Sarah POVThe kitchen is bathed in warm morning light as I start gathering ingredients. I pull my hair up into a loose bun and tie Alessandroโs oversized hoodie around my waist, enjoying the familiar scent of him clinging to the fabric. The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and I hum softly as I chop vegetables and whisk eggs. Thereโs something so soothing about the simplicity of this momentโabout the act of creating something with my own hands for someone I care about.I heat up the pan and begin making the pancakes, savoring the familiar rhythm of cooking. The sizzle of batter hitting the hot skillet and the rich aroma of butter melting fill the room, making my stomach grumble in anticipation. Iโm plating the first batch when I hear Alessandroโs footsteps approaching from down the hall.He walks into the kitchen, his hair tousled from sleep, the sleeves of his t-shirt pushed up haphazardly. A sleepy smile graces his lips as he rubs at his eyes. "Good morning," he says, h