LOGINAria didn’t sleep well.She turned from one side of the bed to the other more times than she could count. Every time she closed her eyes, she replayed what had happened.The way he had pinned her.The way he had kissed her.The way he had spoken after.It wasn’t just the actions.It was the meaning behind them.That warning.That control.That something darker she still couldn’t fully understand.She exhaled sharply and turned onto her back again, staring at the ceiling.“This is insane,” she muttered under her breath.Beside her, Adrian was already awake.Of course he was.He always woke up before her.Always composed.Always in control.Like nothing ever got to him.Unlike her.“You’re thinking too much again,” he said without looking at her.Her jaw tightened.“I wouldn’t have to if you didn’t do things like that.”Now he looked at her.“What things?”Her eyes narrowed.“You know exactly what I mean.”His expression didn’t change.“If you’re referring to last night,” he said calmly
By the time they got back to the mansion, Aria didn’t feel like the same person who had left earlier.Something had shifted.Not completely. Not enough to fix everything.But enough.The car ride back had been quiet again, but this time, it wasn’t heavy. She didn’t feel like she was suffocating under her own thoughts. Her chest didn’t feel tight anymore.And maybe that was the problem.Because the moment she stepped into the room—Something in her flipped.It started small.She kicked off her shoes without care, tossing them aside. Then she dropped onto the bed, bouncing slightly from the impact.Adrian closed the door behind them, watching her.“She must have had too much sugar,” he muttered under his breath.Aria let out a random laugh.It wasn’t controlled.It just… came out.She covered her mouth for a second, but then laughed again.“Why am I laughing?” she said, half to herself.Adrian didn’t answer.He just watched.Carefully.That look in his eyes—observant, calculating—never
By the time Aria stepped out of the car, her head was pounding.The drive back had felt longer than it actually was. Every second inside that car had been filled with the echoes of her parents’ voices. Their words didn’t leave her. They never did. They stayed, repeating themselves over and over, digging deeper each time.The guards opened the door for her, but she barely noticed. She walked past them without a word, her steps quick, uneven.Inside the mansion, everything looked the same.Clean. Quiet. Controlled.Like nothing had happened.But she didn’t feel the same.Her chest felt tight. Her throat burned. Her eyes stung, but she refused to cry. Not here. Not where anyone could see.She just needed to get to the room.That was all.One step. Then another.She didn’t look around. Didn’t greet anyone. Didn’t slow down.By the time she reached the bedroom door, her hands were shaking slightly.She pushed it open.And froze.Adrian was there.Sitting on the couch.Waiting.Her breath c
The next morning didn’t feel any better.Aria woke up tired, even though she hadn’t really done anything the day before. Her body felt heavy, her mind worse. The memories from last night were still there—clear, uncomfortable, impossible to ignore.She stayed still for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling.Then she turned her head slightly.Adrian was already awake.Of course.Sitting calmly like always, adjusting his watch as if nothing had happened.Like he hadn’t pushed her to her limit.Like she hadn’t reacted.Her chest tightened.She looked away quickly and got out of bed without saying anything.“Morning,” he said.She ignored him.She didn’t speak to him while getting ready.Didn’t look at him.Didn’t acknowledge him.And he noticed.Of course he did.But he didn’t push.That somehow made it worse.At breakfast, the silence didn’t last long.“Sit,” he said, not even looking at her.Aria paused.Something in her snapped a little.“I’m not your employee,” she replied.He looked
The room was quiet when Adrian stepped in. He closed the door behind him without making a sound, his expression calm, controlled—as if nothing unusual had happened downstairs. But his eyes were sharper now. More focused. Because he had noticed. Of course he had. Aria lay on the bed, her back to the door, the covers pulled up to her shoulders. Her eyes were closed. But she wasn’t asleep.Not even close. Her breathing was too steady. Too controlled. She was awake. And upset. Adrian stood there for a moment, watching her. Then— A faint smirk touched his lips. He knew exactly why. He walked toward the bed slowly. Unhurried. Like he had all the time in the world. When he reached the edge, he didn’t say anything. He just got onto the bed behind her. Close. Too close. Aria stiffened instantly. Her eyes remained closed. But her body reacted. That alone was enough. Adrian moved closer, his chest brushing lightly against her back. Then his arm slipped around her wai
The house was quiet again.But this time, it didn’t feel tense.It felt… normal.At least on the surface.Aria sat at the dining table, eating slowly, her movements calm but her mind still active.Across from her, Adrian was focused on his food and a document beside his plate. He hadn’t said much since morning, and honestly, she preferred it that way.Less talking meant less confusion.Less confusion meant she could think clearly.Or at least try to.She kept her eyes on her plate, determined not to look at him too much.Because every time she did—She remembered last night.And this morning.And everything in between.And she didn’t want to deal with that right now.---“Sir.”One of the servants stepped forward quietly.Adrian didn’t look up.“Yes.”“There’s a visitor asking to see you.”Aria barely paid attention.People visited him all the time.It wasn’t her business.“Who?” Adrian asked.The servant hesitated slightly.“Miss Cassandra.”That name—It changed something.Adrian pa







