5: The man in the shadows.

Adrian.

It's been a few seconds, and a million excuses have crossed my mind on how to respond. 

There was one in particular that was quite convincing. 

‘I was just walking by; where you looking for me?’ 

If it wasn't that, then I might as well say I've been standing here for the past hour.

Nikolai was no fool. 

I will go with the first.

“Adrian…” 

When I heard the voice a second time, it didn't sound threatening, nor like Nikolai’s. 

Rather it was soft, sweet and delicate, it wasn't a man's voice.

Isabel…

I quickly turned to look at her. I've never been so happy to bump into someone in many years.

“Isabelle.” She walked closer and when she was just a foot away, there were sturdy footsteps that were approaching.

Nikolai's.

I leaned forward and kissed Isabelle's lips. Wrapping my hands around her waist line, I pressed her body on mine, giving off an impression that we've been bonding.

Suddenly the steps stopped, after a few seconds, it became distant by the minutes. 

He must have watched for those spaced out seconds of quiet moments.

“Stop it.” Isabelle pushed me.

“I'm sorry, that was not gentlemanly of me. I just…”

“I do not care about why you did that, Adrian I have something to tell you.”  

“Please, go ahead.” 

“This marriage is my responsibility, so I will not avoid it. But do not expect anything from me.” 

When she said those words, a wave of relief ran through my spine. 

Whatever her reasons were, I do not care to know. 

“I cannot be a perfect wife, I will not be able to love you. We will be a couple on the surface only. Behind closed doors, I want to lay on separate beds.” 

At that moment, I stared at Isabelle dazedly while holding my breath.

Her face looked gentle, and her expression was warm. It made me wonder, how much pressure or perhaps, what she had to give up for this marriage.

But it made it easy for me at least. For the first time, I wouldn't have to pretend.

“Thank you…” The words flew out of my mouth and her brows instantly crinkled.

“Thank you???” Isabelle's eyes searched mine, “do you also hate the idea of this marriage?”

Up until now, stepping my foot into this house filled my heart with so much anger. They've tried to kill me, they deserved all my hate.

But standing here in front of Isabelle who reminded me a lot about myself caused that hate to waver a tiny bit. 

But at least, this was indeed the best.

“Do you, Adrian?” She asked again, and I nodded. 

“Understandable.” She responded and then turned to leave.

“I accept everything apart from the bed part, we have to look like genuine couples.” When I said that, Isabelle seemed to lose it, and she hurriedly walked to me.

She gripped my arm and pushed me against the wall.

“I cannot lay on the same bed as you. I cannot lay on the same bed with a man…” 

I pursed my lips, as her words replayed in my head.

“A man?” My eyes narrowed deeper and I took a better look at her.

Her hands quickly loosen around my arm. I could see the way her lips were shaking and her body quivering.

She couldn't…

“Isabelle…” I called and stared at me with guilty eyes.

“You are a…” She pressed her hands against my lips.

“Don't you dare utter those words in this house.” She threatened.

Interesting…my first time in this house, and I've learnt a couple of things. 

“Your secret is safe with me.” I gently held her hand.

Her eyes were wavering as she sucked her lips in. “You don't look bothered.”

“It's your life Isabel, why should I be bothered?” I countered and she heaved a deep breath.

“There they are…” 

Gabriel, Liliana and Leonardo walked up to us. I was so distracted by Isabelle that I didn't hear them coming.

“It seems the couple are getting along.” Liliana had a wide smile on her lips, she patted her daughter's hair and then said, “Darling, why don't you come bring your special drink to Adrian?”

“She makes the best Chapman.” Gabriel applauded his daughter.

All of these were strange. Patting their child's hair, praising her skill and laughing together.

I couldn't relate. 

They didn't seem frightening, rather they looked like a happy family. When Liliana held her daughter and led her away, Gabriel followed them.

My gaze lingered on their figure before it disappeared, suddenly, I felt a hard strike on my cheek.

Leonardo slapped me.

“You better stop getting goofy and remember what you are to do. I can't believe I let myself trust you with something so important, you weakling.” 

He nudged me backward and I lost my balance, I fell on my butt. 

Everything happened so fast that I didn't have time to process my thoughts. 

This wasn't new, but it seems to hurt every time it happened.

“I already regret having you, don't make me kill you myself.” 

“Understood?” He yelled. 

Waiting for my response, when he didn't get it. Leonardo stepped on my wrist, pressing on it harder as leaned towards my face…

“Understood?” He asked again. 

I didn't moan in pain, there was no such thing. The feeling of my bones cracking and about to break into parts wasn't as excruciating as it was when it happened the first time ten years ago.

I slowly raised my eyes and locked them on his.

“Yes, I understand.” I squinted my eyes. 

He then stood up straight and I let my gaze follow him till he was standing 6inch towering against me.

But then-

The figure standing behind him at a corner didn't escape my view.

Nikolai.

As if being humiliated wasn't enough, the man I've come to loathe was standing right there. 

He must have loved it. Watching me being terrorized by my father. I could see the

smirk on the corner of his lips as he watched in awe.

But there was one thing that crossed my mind-

How long has he been standing there?