Borrowed Vows, Billionaire Truths
Chapter 1 : The Evening
Everything Disintegrated Above Lena Moore, the demitasse chandeliers sparkled like a thousand critical eyes. With her fritters tightly gripping the stem of her champagne glass and a hard smile that might shatter demitasse, she stood in the middle of the chamber at the Blackridge Hotel. Men in fitted tuxedos and women covered in silk and diamonds, the megacity's finest moved around the fete as if the world had always been kind to them, laughing with ease. It was meant to be her vital moment. Daniel Cross, her three- time nut, had demanded that she go to the monthly CrossCorp Charity Gala. On the phone that morning, he'd sounded abnormally anxious, his voice tense with expectation. He'd told me to wear the blue outfit. The bone I enjoy.It had been interpreted by Lena as a sign. After all, it was not unrealistic to hope after three times together, innumerous pledges, participating in rent, and participating in dreams. Now she saw Daniel standing on the small stage next to the symphony, beaming endearingly while touching the microphone. The chamber was silent as the lights went down. Daniel's throat was sanctified." Thank you for your time, ladies and gentlemen. CrossCorp is commemorating ten times of achievement, creativity, and — over all — love tonight. There was applause. Lena's palpitation quickened. Daniel looked around the room before fastening on her. He beamed. She returned the smile." I have had the honor of working alongside someone who inspires me every single day for times," he went on. Someone who's wise, graceful, and incredibly encouraging.Lena's fingertips bucketed. Daniel left the stage and made his way through the followership, taking slow, dramatic ways. He came to a stop three bases from her. Her breath caught. also he rotated. and fell to her knees in front of another lady. The room was filled with gasps like broken glass. Lena's mind was unfit to comprehend what her eyes were witnessing, and her smile set. Daniel was brazed by an altitudinous, immaculate woman in a red gown that brought further than Lena's rent each month. She pretended to be surprised by pressing a well- prepped hand to her mouth. Daniel pulled out a velvet ring box and said," Vanessa," with warmth." Are you going to marry me?" The chamber exploded. Celebrate. Cheers. To record the event, phones were raised. Lena was having trouble breathing.
Lena's fingertips bucketed. Daniel left the stage and made his way through the followership, taking slow, dramatic ways. He came to a stop three bases from her. Her breath caught. also he rotated. and fell to her knees in front of another lady. The room was filled with gasps like broken glass. Lena's mind was unfit to comprehend what her eyes were witnessing, and her smile set. Daniel was brazed by an altitudinous, immaculate woman in a red gown that brought further than Lena's rent each month. She pretended to be surprised by pressing a well- prepped hand to her mouth. Daniel pulled out a velvet ring box and said," Vanessa," with warmth." Are you going to marry me?" The chamber exploded. Celebrate. Cheers. To record the event, phones were raised. Lena was having trouble breathing.Beneath the fests, the sharp sound of her champagne flute slipping from her fritters and breaking on the marble bottom went unheard. The screaming, chaotic, harsh noise within her head was louder. This is not taking place. Vanessa chortled vocally." Obviously, squeeze." As the followership cheered louder, Daniel put the ring on her cutlet and rose up, kissing his fiancée." Wasn't Daniel dating that girl?" muttered someone coming to Lena." Awkward."
" Unfortunate thing." Every syllable picked. Lena spun around and ran down. She could not recall how her heels slipped on the lustrous bottom, the gashes streaming down her cheeks, or pushing past the mass. With her lungs screaming for air and her casket burning, she stormed through the chamber doors and into the corridor." Lena." She came to a halt. Mrs. Grant, her master, was standing near to the elevators with her arms folded and her face tense with annoyance rather than worry. Lena murmured," I — I need a moment." Mrs. Grant's mouth came thinner." I sweat you will not bear any further twinkles. or a job. Lena peered at her." What?" Daniel told us before the moment that unborn collaborations may be jeopardized by your particular relationship. The board decides it's better to let you go in light of tonight's debacle. The words were hardly coherent. Lena responded sluggishly," You are firing me because my swain proposed to someone differently?" Mrs. Grant let out a shriek." Please do not make effects more delicate than they need to be. Hereafter, turn in your emblem. You'll be attended out by security.Behind them, the elevator resounded. That was all. I am not sorry. No respect. No occasion to clarify. Numb, Lena rambled past her and out into the darkness. As soon as she set foot on the road, rain began to fall; it was cold, implacable, and snappily soaked through her dress. As she staggered down the pavement, the sounds of music and laughing continued to resonate behind her like a cruel joke, the megacity lights blurring through her gashes. With pulsing shoulders, she broke under a streetlamp and at last allowed herself to shatter. For three times. her work. Her prospects. In a single night, gone. A black luxury vehicle idled gently across the road. Adrian Blackwood watched her from inside.It was duty, not interest, that had brought him to the fete. He set up charity events boring because there was too much commotion and too many fake grins. When the spectacle happened, he was getting ready to depart. The girl in the blue dress wasn't a commodity he'd intended to notice. Still, he had. When Daniel turned his reverse on her, he'd seen her expression. The way, in the blink of an eye, stopgap gave way to destruction. Adrian knew that expression. Loss. The automobileist looked in the rearview glass." Should I pull down, Joe?" Adrian took a while to respond. His piercing eyes stayed on the rain- drenched woman outdoors, jiggling in the streetlight as if the darkness might break her." No," he eventually replied." Hold on." Lena felt headlights pass over her many moments later. The satiny black machine slid to a stop next to her, and she turned, startled. The reverse window easily slipped down. Inside was a man with an icy aspect, a dark suit, and a clean white shirt. The road sounded quieter just by his presence." I guess you could use a lift," he said coolly. Lena retreated a step." I am alright." A falsehood. His aspect swept over her, slightly distinguishable but total." You are soaked." The time is night. You also appear as though the world has suddenly ended. She chortled perceptibly." It did." His expression changed in an undecipherable way. He said," My name is Adrian Blackwood." " And I've an offer for you." Her heart skipped a beat." I've no idea who you are. " Towering, calm, and fully unfazed by the storm, Adrian opened the auto door and stepped out. He broke at a gracious distance and extended his fleece in her direction. He said," One time."" A legal union. appearances in public as necessary. No emotional commitments Lena peered at him as if he'd gone insane." Your debts are paid in return," he went on. Your family is safe. And you no way have to worry about plutocrats again. Her breath caught." You are kidding." Adrian's eyes remained fixed." I'm not a joke." Above them, thunder rolled. Lena turned to face the wet thruway behind her. at the opulent hostel up front. She did not comprehend the foreigner's gift of a lifeline." Why me?" she murmured.
A pause." Because you have nothing left to lose," Adrian said. The globe appeared to cock. Lena took a swallow." And if I refuse?" Adrian looked directly into her eyes, a hint of honesty and peril lurking beneath the face. He answered,"Also I drive down." " And you still have the worst night of your life tonight." Rain trickled down her eyelashes. Lena seized his fleece.
Chapter 2 : The Offer of the Billionaire
The auto's innards had a subtle leather and rain scent. With Adrian Blackwood's fleece slung over her shoulders like a commodity from a former life, Lena sat strictly on the edge of the backseat. As the auto easily drew down from the check and the hostel lights dissolved behind them, her fritters gripped the fabric. There was a long period of silence. Her reflection in the window was cadaverous and odd as she watched the megacity speed history. She had been a lady with a job, a swain, and dreams that felt real just moments ahead. She was now riding through the rain with an unknown man who had casually proposed marriage while placing an order for regale." This is crazy," she whispered.Adrian sat across from her with his legs crossed and a casual yet dominating station. He transferred a sense of control indeed while he was seated, making the machine feel lower. He calmly answered," You're free to change your mind."" I have not yet requested a response." Lena chortled to herself." Under a streetlight, you proposed to me. That's crazy on its own. He looked at her steadily." You did not say no." She turned her head down. With his eyes set on the road, the motorist remained silent, as if they had this kind of converse every day. Lena said," Where are you taking me?"" My home," Adrian answered." There, you will feel more at ease than wherever you were going."" I did not assent to accompany you home."" No," he said calmly. Still, you were trembling.You also needed some time to reflect. She abhorred the fact that he was correct. The vehicle came to a private driveway with big iron gates on either side. Quietly, they opened to show a long road with gentle lighting. The home at the end had an unthinkable appearance; it was large, graceful, and chilly, like a palace designed for someone who did not suppose warmth was important. Lena took a swallow." You live then?"" Yes." The vehicle came to a stop under a covered doorway. In a alternate, a butler with an marquee surfaced. Adrian came out first and extended his hand to Lena. She broke. He said," I will not touch you unless you let me." She took a moment to put her hand in his. She was taken suddenly by the warmth of his hold. The manse's inside was pristine, with towering ceilings, marble bottoms, walls covered in artwork that appeared too expensive to be questioned. Everything was lovely. Nothing sounded to be inhabited. Adrian refocused to a lounge and said," You can sit."" Tea?"" No," Lena answered." responses." rather of sitting coming to her, he chose the armchair across from her, purposefully keeping a safe distance." Excellent." Her shoulders were squared." Why me? Without any questions, a thousand ladies would marry you." That is exactly the issue," Adrian remarked." latterly, they would interrogate." Her eyebrows knitted." I need a woman, not a mate with prospects," he said in a measured tone. Someone I do not know. Someone who would n't suppose the arrangement was romantic. Lena strained up." So I'm. handy."" Yes." She valued the candor, but the honesty hurt." You mentioned a time," she remarked." Why just a time?" With his hands behind his reverse, Adrian got up and moved in the direction of the window. There's a clause in my grandmother's will. I've to be married and stay wedded for a full time in order to maintain complete control over Blackwood effects." And if you do n't?"" My kinsman is now suitable to bounce." Enough to destroy everything my family has created. Lena took that in." So, plutocrat is at issue then."" And survival," he clarified." They're the same in my world. " She glanced at her hands." After a time, what happens?"" We got disassociated. Quietly. Without vacillation. No regrets. Before she could stop herself, she asked," What about love?" Sharp- eyed, Adrian turned back to her." There will not be any." She jounced at the futurity in his voice." So why should I be paid?" Lena enquired." Why not simply detect a hopeless person?"" Because attachment is fostered by despair," he stated." You are not hopeless; you are hurt." You are still proud. Startled by how precisely he'd read her, she blinked." And the terms?" she inquired. From the side table, he took out a thin brochure and set it on the coffee table between them. distinct bedrooms. Only show affection to the public when needed. total discretion. You will be admired, defended, and paid.
She opened the brochure. Her breath caught at the figures. She said," This would cover my mama 's medical charges." " Yes." " And the cost of my family's education." " Yes." " And my scores." " Every one of them." Her throat constricted." And if I fall in love?" she rumored. Adrian's eyes darkened, but his address remained unchanged. He remarked," also you'll remind yourself that this was in no way real." The room was silent. Lena shut the brochure. She declared," I do not trust you." Adrian said," You should n't." " Believe the contract." Her heart was contending as she stood. Her gut advised her to flee. She was told by every reality that she could not go to." I maintain my quality if I agree," she responded sluggishly. I am not going to be used as an accessory.Adrian bowed his head." Agreed."" And I decide how I live. I am not going to be locked." I also concurred." She gobbled tremblingly." I need time, also." He gave a nod." Tonight is yours." In the hall was a char." The guest room is ready, Joe." Adrian gave Lena a look." This place will keep you safe." Lena looked back formerly as she traced the char down the hallway. Adrian stayed where he was, by himself in the large room with his reflection in the black glass. That evening, Lena wondered for the first time Who's further wedged in this marriage?
Chapter 3 : Conditions and Terms
Lena did not get important sleep. The guest room, decorated in serene majesty and gentle neutrals, was bigger than her entire apartment. The bed appeared indefectible and unaltered, like a commodity from a magazine. But she lay awake under the covers, her mind racing as she goggled at the ceiling. marriage. a contract. Blackwood, Adrian. She saw Daniel's happy face on one knee, the ring intended for a different woman, each time she closed her eyes. The shame was still pictorial and searing. Also I flashed back to Mrs. Grant's uncaring words," Turn in your emblem hereafter." Lena knew one thing by sunrise. It was no longer an option to do nothing.She took a shower, put on some introductory apparel that the chair had given her, and went downward to follow the sound of soft steps. Daylight made the manse feel different; it was n't warmer, but it was also less intimidating. Adrian was awake formerly. He poured coffee while standing in the dining room with his sleeves rolled up, acting more like a regular person than a sovereign of a vast conglomerate. When she came by, he looked up. He remarked," You are beforehand." Lena answered," I did not sleep." " I did not, moreover." She was shocked by that. At the big table, they were seated across from one another. Dust molecules in the air were illuminated by sun streaming through the windows. Neither talked for a moment. Eventually, Lena remarked," I have accepted your offer." Adrian put down his mug." And? " She declared," I need clarity."" Total integrity. There will not be any surprises. He gave one nod." That makes sense." She gobbled." I will not give up my work if I accept this marriage. Indeed though I lost my job, I am not giving up on my career. Adrian fluently replied," You will not."" You'll actually be motivated to work." She looked at his face for signs of sport. No bone was set up. She went on," I will not be paraded like a jewel."" I maintain my identity, but I'll attend events when necessary."" Agreed."" I've no control over my phone." My musketeers. My family. Adrian's mouth slightly coiled." I do not want to control you."" And if I decide to leave after the time, you will not intrude," she said vocally after pausing.He replied," I will not."" You are free after the contract expires." She could hear the word" free" in her casket. Her hands were folded together." thus, boundaries are necessary."" Obviously."" No closeness," she declared." Not indeed for show." Adrian's eyes remained fixed on hers." Public affection — hand- holding, the occasional kiss — may be necessary." Her stomach constricted." That's still closeness."" Not to me," he said." But we can set boundaries if it's to you." She took a swallow." noway engage in private closeness." A pause. Adrian replied," Agreed." She did not know why she felt relief or why it was followed by disappointment. She questioned," What about feelings?"" What if one of us?" She stopped talking." Creates feelings?" Adrian was done. She gave a nod. Without vacillation, he responded," also we end the arrangement beforehand. " It was unnerving how decisive his voice sounded." And if the media believes this is not real?" Lena enquired." They will not," Adrian answered." Because we'll be conclusive." Her twinkle accelerated." How?" A tablet was slid across the table by him. papers formerly assuming about his enigmatic romantic life dominated the screen with captions. He declared," We advertise the engagement within 48 hours." The coming step is a modest civil marriage. No hold- ups. Lena peered." That snappily?"" Yes." Overwhelmed, she leaned back." You truly had everything planned." Adrian remarked coolly," In my world, planning is survival." Watching the megalopolis outside the gates, she got up and paced to the window. Her former actuality was nearly out there, familiar but damaged. Without looking back, she questioned," Why are you so sure I will agree?" " Because," Adrian stated, "Your family is important to you. Also, you will not allow last night to define who you are. She shut her eyes. He was correct. She remarked," I want a clause added."" Name it."" I will not be caught off guard if you fall in love with someone differently during the contract. I am honest. Adrian allowed
about this." Just."" And I will not lie to your grandmother," she said, her voice calm despite the shaking in her casket. I speak variety if she asks me straight. Pressure flitted across his face. He declared," That will not be possible." Lena answered," So this will not be moreover." There was a heavy, charged silence between them. Adrian eventually let out a breath. You might steer clear of inquiries. Reroute. Still, you do not tell outright lies. She gave a nod." That is sufficient. " He got up and held out his hand." So, do we've an agreement?" asked Adrian. Lena examined his hand. important. steady. parlous. overdue bills came to mind. of her mama 's sick grin. Of the bitsy, helpless, unnoticeable woman she refused to come. She put her hand in his." Yes," she replied." We've an agreement." For a moment, Adrian's hold tensed just enough to be felt." Also welcome, Mrs. Blackwood," he added. She was shocked by the name." For one time," Adrian said vocally, as though knowing it. Despite a change in herself, Lena jounced. Since contracts were simple. What spooked her was acting as though nothing differently would grow.
Chapter 4 : Unloving Marriage
The courthouse had a subtle scent of apathy, paper, and polish. With her hands gripped in her stage, Lena sat on a rustic bench outside the register's office. She was dressed in a modest, exquisite cream dress that she had espoused from Adrian's hairstylist; it was nothing like the matrimonial gowns she had preliminarily bookmarked on her phone on further restrained, auspicious gloamings. There was no marriage then. It was an exchange. Adrian was standing at the window across from her, talking in short, low tones while holding his phone to his observance. He appeared fully relaxed, as if getting married before noon was just another task on his to- do list. Quietly, she examined him.His watercolor argentine suit was consummately acclimatized. Not yet a ring. No anxiety. Without vacillation. Anyone would suppose he was then to conclude a business deal if they rambled in right now. which he was, she assumed. After hanging up, he turned to face her." Within an hour, the press will be informed. Outdoors, shutterbugs will be staying. Lena felt her stomach constrict." Formerly?"" Yes."" Do I've a voice in that?"" You acceded to visibility," Adrian said calmly. This exposure is under control. Better than guess. She let out a slow breath." Reach right." Control." He looked at her for an alternate." You're still free to leave." Startled, she glanced up at him.However, you would n't say that," If you did not need this." He asserted that" demanding commodity does not remove choice."" I will not make you do anything. " Lena examined his face for signs of compulsion or manipulation. She did not find any. She was more hysterical of that than of being forced. The door to the office was opened by the register." Mr. Blackwood? Moore, Ms. We are prepared for you. Lena stood with shuddery legs. The room sounded too small for the magnitude of what they were going to do as soon as they entered. a office. Two chairpersons. In the corner is a flag. Not a flower. Not a single song. The register gave a gracious smile." This will be short." Short. Lena sat down next to Adrian. There was no contact between their knees. The register asked," Please confirm your full names." Adrian answered," Adrian James Blackwood."" Lena Marie Moore," she muttered, sounding further composed than she actually was. The register turned runners.
" Did you freely enter into this marriage?" Adrian replied," Yes." Lena broke. She saw filmland of her family studying late into the night, her mama counting capsules at the kitchen table, and her landlord's last notice." Yes," she replied. The word resounded. Documents were inked by them. dates. initials. Lena heaved when the register slipped two plain gold bands across the office." So easy," the woman blatted." The most straightforward marriages can occasionally endure the longest." Lena nearly chortled. Adrian picked up one ring and extended it. She peered at it. For her cognizance only, he rumored," It does not mean anything."" simply a symbol." After giving a nod, she held out her hand. He put the ring onto her cutlet with establishment, conservative, indifferent fritters that were warm.She treated him in the same way. The register declared," By the authority vested in me, I gasp you hubby and woman." The words hit hard." Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood, congratulations." Blackwood, Mrs. It did not feel like her name. As soon as they entered the courthouse way, cameras outdoors began to flash. There were cries. Questions flew." Mr. Blackwood! Is this marriage a surprise?" How long have you been together, Mrs. Blackwood?" Light, guiding, and easily visible, Adrian's hand settled at the small of her reverse. Lena strained up automatically. His voice was low as he leaned in near." Grin. Count to ten. Yes, she did. Flashes blew up. The world came hazy. Someone yelled," Are you happy?" Adrian responded with ease." veritably. " Everyone looked at her. Lena raised her chin." Yes." The term sounded presumptive, but it had an odd taste. The manse felt different that evening. It's just fuller, not warmer. In the guest room she had used the former evening, there were two wallets. Her things. Present but transitory. The schedule was explained by a char. There were dispatches from a hairstylist. Her phone was constantly buzzing with news announcements and unknown figures.
A riddle WOMAN MARRIES BILLIONAIRE BLACKWOOD. LENA BLACKWOOD WHO IS IT?
She flipped the phone over. It was a quiet regale. There was enough room between them to remind her of the regulations as they ate at separate ends of the table. Ultimately, Adrian remarked," This does not change anything."" Your routine is still your own." She gave a nod." And yours?"" Unaltered." She examined him." Have you ever had a mess with anyone? " He dithered." Not veritably frequently." He got up after supper." I will be working late. You ought to get some rest. His steps faded down the hallway as she watched him go. Lena took the ring off her cutlet and set it on the nightstand by herself. marriage devoid of affection. As she lay in bed, she heeded to the strange silence while gaping at the ceiling. Her hubby, Adrian Blackwood, was nearby. And for some reason, that was the least inconceivable aspect of her life at the moment.
Chapter 5 : coinciding with a stranger
When Lena awoke, there was an unthinkable silence. She shortly lost her sense of position. Also she was reminded by the strange ceiling, the restrained tinges, and the subtle aroma of precious soap. She had a partner.
This time, the conception elicited an odd, concave calm rather than fear. She looked at the nightstand as she sat up. The ring was still there, precisely where she had left it. She dithered for a moment before putting it back on her cutlet. The morning light made it feel heavier. The manse was awake downward. Workers moved quietly and effectively, as if they had rehearsed this new reality. A char gave her a gracious greeting with professionalism and no curiosity in her eyes." Mrs. Blackwood, good morning. It's breakfast time. Lena was a little startled by the title, but she jounced. The sun swamped the dining room. Adrian sat at the table, coffee untreated and tablet in one hand. As she walked by, he looked up." Good morning," he muttered." Good morning." The only sound during their several- nanosecond mess was the gentle clink of silverware. Ultimately, Adrian said," I will be traveling this week."" A quick trip. You're free to stay then or leave as you like.However, security will go with you, If demanded. She frowned a little." I can buy groceries without a sentry." He answered," Cater me." " For the time being." She allowed
about him." Do you suppose this is what marriage looks like?" He dithered." Yes, this marriage." Alright.Lena went about the home after breakfast, trying to get her comportments. There were halls that lead to peaceful recesses with artwork and murk, as well as chambers whose purpose she was doubtful of. It felt more like a gallery centered around a single man than a house. She broke in the study. A room that felt — suddenly — mortal was illuminated by sun streaming through towering windows. The shelves were filled with books. Near the office was an old leather president with a slightly scuffed armrest. She extended her hand and ran a cutlet along a book's chine. Adrian remarked from the doorway," You can read anything then." She heaved." I did not hear you."" I do not generally make myself known." She looked up at him." There is commodity different about this room."" I believe that is where it is. " He uttered those words." And where I am not acting." She was shocked by that. Adrian went on," You can alter the house if you want to." within a reasonable range. She arched an eyebrow." You are letting an interior developer do whatever they want?" He described it as" a controlled trial."" I wonder what you would do." commodity inside her stirred — interest, purpose — for the first time since the marriage." After that, I would begin by adding warmth," she stated." I do not feel like I live then."" Neither do I," Adrian murmured in response. There was a moping honesty between them. Lena's mama called her latterly that autumn." Lena," her mama muttered in a shaky voice." Is that accurate?"" Yes," Lena said vocally." I am wed." A pause." You remained silent."" I'm apprehensive. It took place fleetly." Are you happy? " Lena surveyed the large space, taking in the murk and sun as well as the new world she had entered. She declared," I'm. safe." Her mama let out a shriek." That's important." There was a formal regale that evening, but it was for appearance more than callers. workers are present. created a routine. Distant but focused, Adrian sat across from her. He said," This is temporary." " Tell me if it ever feels too important." She examined him." Kindness is n't a demand."" I am not," he replied." I am being reasonable." Lena went back to her room that evening and stood by the window, observing the distant fluttering megacity lights. abiding with an unknown person. Adrian was working late into the night nearly down the hall.They had the same name. a home. a contract. And nothing further. Still.
Chapter 6: The Initial Crack
Quietly, the shift started. So subtly that at first, even Lena was unaware that she was doing it. Light was the first thing. She observed how heavy curtains chosen for seclusion rather than comfort made it difficult for the morning sun to enter some rooms. Lena unlocked them one afternoon after verifying with the housekeeper that Adrian wouldn't return until the evening. Sunlight poured in. Dust moved. Her bare feet warmed the marble floors. The mansion exhaled. She did not relocate any furnishings. didn't come into contact with anything valuable. She only made the necessary adjustments: a vase was moved from a neglected corner to the center of the table, pillows were tilted toward discussion rather than distance, and a reading chair was shifted toward the window.minor adjustments. Individual ones. Lena sat in the sitting room with her sketchbook open on her lap when Adrian came back that evening. He came to a halt just inside the door. She sensed the halt, the little disturbance in his gait. "You made a change," he remarked. She looked up. "Is that a grievance?" "No." He moved deeper inside, looking around the space. Now the illumination was warmer and gentler. It didn't feel like a waiting room anymore. He remarked, "It feels different." "That was the idea." His customary detached demeanor gave way to something contemplative as he observed her. "You didn't request authorization." "I thought you said I could change things." "Yes, I did." One more pause. Adrian said, "I'm not used to people taking me at my word." Lena shut her sketchbook. "You ought to be." Dinner lasted longer than usual that evening. Not because they talked more, but rather because they took their time leaving. After the last plate was cleared, Adrian stayed at the table with his fingers clasped loosely around his glass. "Why interior design?" he said abruptly. Startled, she looked up. "You're curious?" "Yes." After a time, she remarked, "My father used to say spaces remember people." "I thought it was a good idea to restore areas that had lost their sense of security." Adrian silently took that in. He later discovered himself staring at the same walls he had been ignoring for years when by himself in his study. They appeared to be empty. The days that followed became predictable. Lena went around the city once more, seeing calm cafés, job applications,moments of normalcy while under covert surveillance. Adrian traveled, worked, and arrived late. But something was different every time he returned home. A lamp where none had been. A chair with a throw blanket folded neatly over it. There's a hint of warmth. He remained silent. Until Victor Hale came along. It was intended to be a casual supper. Just family. Victor arrived, his eyes lingering on Lena longer than was necessary, his grin too acerbic to be cordial. "So, the mystery bride finally appears," he remarked, raising his glass. Lena quietly met his gaze. "I'm not very mysterious." Victor laughed. "It's intriguing because of that." Adrian's voice entered with ease. "Victor." "Calm down," Victor said. "You have my congratulations. However, I have to admit—secretly getting married? You're not like that.Adrian answered, "Circumstances change." Leaning back, Victor examined Lena. "How did the two of you meet?" The question closed in on Lena. Adrian spoke before she could respond. He remarked, "She doesn't enjoy retelling it." "That's how I like it." It was delicate. safeguarding. Lena gave him a quick look. Victor's eyes were not touched by his smile. "Obviously. Inconsistencies are not what we would expect. Adrian was still wearing his jacket when Lena discovered him standing in the corridor later that evening. She muttered, "You didn't have to do that." "Yes," he said, "I did." She paused. "Victor doesn't trust us."Adrian stated, "He doesn't need to." "All he has to do is undervalue you." The words hung in the air. Lena noticed something strange as she made her way back to her room. She had been protected by Adrian Blackwood. Not because of the deal. But he did so because he wanted to. A fissure has appeared somewhere deep inside the home. And neither of them was aware of the potential threat.
Chapter 7 : A Dangerous Supper
The following morning, the assignment showed up. paper that's cream. Letters in gold. The top is etched with the Blackwood family crest. Seeing difficulty, Lena held it between her fritters. She read out loud," Formal family regale." " Your grandmother is hosting." Adrian looked up from his tablet across the breakfast table. Nearly gradually, his jaw tensed. He remarked," She does not waste time." " Is that a negative thing?" " It indicates her curiosity." Lena precisely folded the assignment." With regard to me."" Yes." The word was important. Lena said," I do not want to be tested." Adrian put down the tablet." You will not be." She examined him." That was n't veritably satisfying." He raised a corner of his mouth." Everyone is tested by my grandmother. You will make it through. The Blackwood estate transuded a subtle majesty that evening. It was power, tradition, and plutocracy that had been long before Adrian, not warmth — no way warmth. Lena uncurled her shoulders as she got out of the auto. Adrian extended his arm. She took it after just a moment of vacillation. Eyes turned inward. also came whispers. With a glass in hand, Victor Hale stood by the fireplace and observed them hardly. When they got near, he remarked," So the woman exists."" I allowed you to hire an actress." Adrian's hold on Lena's arm came a little tighter. Adrian calmly remarked," She's not for your recreation. " Victor chortled." Calm down. I am amazed. She is. quieter than I anticipated. Lena looked him in the eye." You allowed it would be loud?"" I anticipated ambition," Victor answered." You are conflating intent with volume," she remarked calmly. Victor's eyes sparked with commodity. An old woman sitting in a high- backed president across the room watched everything. Blackwood, Evelyn. Her eyes were unsettlingly concentrated on Lena. Adrian rumored," Come."" She's holding out." As they got closer, Evelyn remained motionless." So, this is the woman who married my grandson without telling me," she stated in a cool, collected tone. Lena bowed her head." Yes, ma'am."" No apologies?" Evelyn inquired." No," Lena answered." Just show respect." Evelyn raised an eyebrow." intriguing," she murmured." Take a seat." regale played out like a game of chess.The questions were direct but gracious." How did you get together?"" What are the opinions of your family?"" Now, what do you want to do with your life?" Lena gave thoughtful, veracious answers, calming herself and rerouting when necessary. When necessary, Adrian spoke. When he did n't, I heeded. But Victor observed every discussion. He leaned forward half through the mess." Adrian has noway revealed his life with ease. What set you piecemeal? There was silence at the table. Lena was burdened with expectation." Because I was not trying to enter his world," she responded sluggishly. I was constructing my own. Evelyn's eyes narrowed. Victor gave a faint smile." A practical response." Adrian covered Lena's hand with his own. It was a forceful touch. public. easily identifiable. Adrian said," Enough." There's no debate about my marriage. Silence favored Lena for the first time that evening. latterly, Evelyn halted Lena close to the door as they were about to depart. Evelyn remarked vocally," You do not look like someone chasing status."" You're dangerous because of that." Lena looked directly into her eyes." Only to those who confuse silence with weakness." Evelyn beamed. Adrian let out a slow breath in the machine. He remarked," You did well." Lena reclined in her chair." Victor does not trust us." Adrian said," No."" Still, my grandmother does." She faced him." Is that important?" Adrian looked back at her." Above all additional." Lena tasted the unnoticeable line between them changing formerly more as the machine drove down. It had been a parlous regale. Still, the rules had been altered by enduring it together.