Elle POV
Adrian’s jaw was clenched so tight I was sure it was on the verge of snapping. He gripped the steering wheel like he wanted to break it in half, his foot heavy on the gas as we sped through the dark streets. The tension in the car was suffocating, but I knew better than to say anything.
The article. The photos. Damian and Lucia’s smug faces. The way Adrian had walked out of the house without a word, his hand gripping mine .
His phone buzzed on the console, breaking the thick silence. He glanced at it, his lips curling in a scowl. “Pick it up please. Put it on speaker.”
I grabbed the phone, swiping to answer.
“Mr. Blackwell,” a sharp female voice came through. “I’ve been trying to reach you all evening. We have a problem.”
Adrian didn’t respond, his focus on the road, his knuckles white against the leather wheel.
“Go on, Melissa”
“The article,” she began, her voice lowering. “It’s spreading like wildfire. The photos—” She hesitated. “They’re explicit. It’s not just tabloids anymore. Major outlets are picking it up. Investors are panicking. Sir, they’re pulling out.”
Adrian cursed under his breath. “How bad?”
“Bad enough that we’re at risk of losing three major projects. By tomorrow morning, it could be more. They’re calling you reckless. A player. Sir, this could destroy your reputation.”
The word player hit the air like a slap. Adrian didn’t flinch, but I saw his grip on the wheel flex, the tension rolling off him in waves
Melissa hesitated again before adding in a whisper, “The board is concerned. Many of our investors are traditionalists, and… well, your personal life has always been a topic of discussion. This incident is only confirming their worst assumptions. They want to see stability. A different image.”
“Stability,” Adrian repeated, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Yes,” she said cautiously. “If they see you as… settled, it might appease them. A serious relationship, a commitment—”
Melissa kept talking, but Adrian reached over and ended the call with a quick swipe of his finger.
“Let’s get married then.”
The words were out before I even thought them through.
Adrian’s head snapped toward me, his eyes narrowing. “What the hell are you talking about?”
I shrugged, keeping my voice light despite the way my heart was hammering in my chest. “You need stability, right? A committed image? Well, here I am. Problem solved.”
“This is insane, Elle.” He shook his head, returning his gaze to the road. “I’m not dragging you into this mess. It’s gone too far already.”
“You didn’t drag me into anything,” I shot back. “We’re in this together. And it’s not like we’d be doing it for real. Just on paper.”
“This is ridiculous.”
“Is it?” I countered. “Adrian, think about it. You’re being dragged through the mud because of this, and your business is at risk. Investors want commitment, a solid image. We can give them that.”
He didn’t respond, his silence louder than any argument.
“Adrian,” I pressed, turning in my seat to face him. “It’s practical. Smart, even. You’ll get the stability you need, and I…” I paused, swallowing the lump in my throat. “It’ll make Damian and Lucia think twice before pulling another stunt like this.”
“Marriage isn’t something to take lightly.”
“You think I’m taking it lightly?” I countered. “Look, Adrian, we’ve already made a mess of things. Why not use it to our advantage? It’s not like we’d be the first people to get married for convenience.”
“This isn’t a joke, Elle.”
“And you think I’m treating it like one?” I shot back. “Adrian, look at me. Do I look like I’m laughing?”
His gaze flicked to me, his expression unreadable. I held my breath, waiting, watching as the wheels turned in his head.
“ What exactly do you get out of this, Elle?”
I shrugged, keeping my tone light even though my pulse quickened under his intense stare. “I just want to help. And…” I paused, letting a small, mischievous smile curl my lips. “Let’s be honest—watching Damian squirm would be the cherry on top. So, win-win.”
“That’s it? No hidden motives? No agenda ?”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I shot back, rolling my eyes. “I’m trying to do you a favor, but if you’re going to make this harder than it has to be, I’m out.”
“Wait I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry” he said, his voice softer now. He exhaled sharply, looking torn before finally muttering.
“Meet me at City Hall. Tomorrow. Ten a.m.”
I nodded, my stomach flipping.
We pulled into the quiet suburb where my mom lived. The house was dark, a single porch light illuminating the front door. Adrian parked the car and killed the engine.
“Elle—”
“I’ll be fine,” I said quickly, cutting him off before he could say whatever it was he was thinking. “Goodnight, Adrian.”
I opened the door and stepped out before he could argue, the cold night air biting at my skin. As I walked up to the house, I could feel his eyes on me as the car stayed silent behind me.
Tomorrow, I thought, pausing at the door. Tomorrow, everything changes.
