CHAPTER 5: PREPARING THE BATTLEFIELD

SERAPHINA'S PENTHOUSE

The house had fallen completely silent. Aurora was asleep.

Fresh from a warm shower, Seraphina changed into a silk nightgown before settling onto her bed.

She reached for the tablet resting on her bedside table.

Dozens of partnership requests filled the screen.

One by one, she skimmed through them. Until...

Blackwood Group.

Her fingers stopped moving. She opened the file.

Inside was a formal proposal outlining the company's interest in partnering with Aurelia Capital on Manhattan's most ambitious luxury waterfront development.

She read every page carefully. The proposal was impressive. Professional.

She set the tablet aside and stared at the ceiling for several moments.

Then she reached for her phone.

Scrolling through her contacts, she dialed Vivienne.

The phone rang once. Twice. Then a calm voice answered.

"What's up?"

Seraphina's expression grew unreadable.

"Have you informed Blackwood Group that Aurelia Capital has accepted their request for a meeting."

"Yes, we'll be looking forward to the meeting tomorrow."

"Thanks Vivi," Seraphina said and ended the call.

She let out a loud exhale, relaxing on the bed.

Now she'll be facing him officially.

BLACKWOOD MANOR

The headlights of Adrian's black Mercedes swept across the long driveway before coming to a smooth stop beneath the grand entrance.

He stepped out, loosening the knot of his tie as exhaustion settled heavily on his shoulders.

His mind drifted to Aurelia capital. Still waiting for their reply or perhaps, if they would reply.

He shook the thought away as he handed his briefcase to one of the household staff.

"Good evening, sir."

He acknowledged them with a nod before walking into the mansion.

The house was unusually quiet.

Normally, Roxanne would greet him with her warm smile before asking about his day. Tonight, there was only silence.

A frown creased his forehead.

"Roxanne?"

No answer.

"Mom?"

None.

He climbed the staircase and pushed open the bedroom door.

Roxanne was sitting on the edge of the bed, still dressed in the cream blouse and skirt she'd worn earlier. Shopping bags lay forgotten in one corner of the room.

Her shoulders trembled. She was crying.

"Roxanne..."

She quickly wiped her face and forced a smile.

"You're home."

The smile shattered almost immediately.

Adrian crossed the room in a few long strides and knelt before her.

"What happened?"

"It's nothing." She shook her head.

"No, It isn't. Tell me." He gently took her hands.

The concern in his voice broke the last of her restraint.

Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Your mother..."

His jaw tightened instantly.

"What did she say?"

"She said the Blackwood family needs an heir." She lowered her gaze. "And... if I can't give you one...another woman should."

The words hung heavily between them.

For several seconds, Adrian didn't speak. He simply closed his eyes, struggling to contain the anger rising inside him.

When he looked at Roxanne again, his expression had softened.

"I'm sorry."

"But she's right." She laughed bitterly through her tears. "I've spent years trying to become a mother. I've lost count of how many hospitals we've visited. How many treatments I've gone through. Every time I think there's hope, I'm disappointed all over again. I feel like I'm failing you."

Adrian immediately shook his head.

"You've never failed me."

Fresh tears filled her eyes.

"But I can't give you what every husband dreams of. What if one day you wake up and regret choosing me? I know You only married me because our families signed a business agreement."

He gently cupped her face, forcing her to meet his eyes.

"That may have brought us together. But that's not why I stayed. I love you Roxanne."

He brushed away her tears with his thumb.

She searched his face, almost afraid to believe him.

"Even if... I never have a child?"

His answer came without hesitation.

"I'll still love you. You're my wife."

A faint, trembling smile appeared on her lips.

"You really mean that?"

"I do."

She threw her arms around him, burying her face against his chest.

Adrian held her tightly, resting his chin lightly on her hair.

For a long while, none of them spoke.

Memories slowly began to creep in. The same words he said to HER. But ended up shattering everything. The guilt that had left him a long time ago began to resurface.

He broke the hug and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Roxanne's ear before leaning forward.

Their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss. There was no urgency.

He kissed her so he could forget. And it seemed like it was working.

When their lips parted, Roxanne pulled away his suit jacket and began unbuttoning his shirt.

"Whoa easy," he chuckled.

"It's been a while babe. Maybe tonight might be it," she took off his shirt.

His abs appeared beautifully.

"Alright, let's make babies," Adrian teased.

Their lips collided again. More intimate.

Adrian's hands disappeared into Roxanne's blouse and he unhooked her bra.

She immediately took off both the blouse and the bra.

Her back met the bed and he came on top of her. Their kiss continued.

He dipped his hand under her skirt, grabbing her ass, squeezing it hard.

She moaned.

His lips left hers and moved to her neck. Kissing and licking, down to her collar bone, down to her breasts.

He grabbed one with a hand. The other hand was still under her skirt, caressing her ass.

His mouth took in her nipples, sucking and biting.

True, it's been a while they've had this. It has always been work. But this time, work can wait.

It's him and his wife.

"Damn it Adrian," Roxanne moaned.

He was still on her breast. Just that he had switched to the other one. He lifted his head to look at her. His eyes were cold, toxic.

"Are you ready baby?"

"Yes baby, I'm fucking ready! Let's make babies!" She giggled.

Adrian smirked, loosening his belt. He pulled off his trouser, left in only his boxer.

Then he slipped away Roxanne's panties, leaving her skirt. He spread her legs apart, wrapping it around his waist.

She was already dripping.

"All yours daddy."

He was about to release the weapon when his phone rang.

His eyes rolled towards it, his expression changing.

"The call can wait," Roxanne turned his head to face her. She stretched her hand and ended the call.

Adrian smiled, adjusting her legs on his waist.

The call came again. He sighed in annoyance, moving to pick the phone.

"Babe!" Roxanne whined.

"Hang on, I think it's important?" He said after seeing it was Ethan calling.

"What's more important than us," she frowned.

Adrian picked the call.

"Yes Ethan. I'm busy, say what you have to say so..."

"Sir, Aurelia capital has approved of a formal meeting tomorrow by 10," Ethan said.

Adrian's eyes widened a bit, before composing himself.

"Alright, inform the board immediately."

"Okay sir."

The call ended.

"What is it?" Roxanne asked him.

"Our request was accepted," he replied simply.

"That's great!" She beamed.

Adrian stood up.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to go shower. I have work to do in preparation for tomorrow."

"Seriously? What about me?"

" I'm sorry babe, but this is important."

He didn't wait for her reply, he went straight to the bathroom.

Roxanne grumbled folding her arms.