Fitting Room

Transferred where?

By whom?

Without telling me?

The receptionist had looked genuinely apologetic, her voice soft as she explained that my aunt’s file had been flagged. Private facility. Restricted access. Legal authorization already filed. My name—my name—wasn’t on the list anymore, they couldn't tell me where she was.

I didn’t argue.

I couldn’t.

I knew only one man could be responsible for this.

Adrian Blackwood.

I felt defeated.

I walked out of the hospital feeling hollow, the kind of empty that made your ribs ache.

The black car was still there.

Waiting.

Across the bushes

My feet ached even more

The driver stood beside it this time, arms folded, posture stiff. His eyes flicked to my legs before he caught himself and straightened, jaw tightening.

“Welcome back ma'am" he said carefully.

I stopped short. “I told you I needed a walk.” I smiled painfully, putting my weight on each leg carefully making sure I didn't limp.

"Thank you for waiting for me Mr?" I echoed, suddenly remembering I didn't know his name.

"Brandy ma'am, and I'm just following orders"

I nodded

He opened the car door

I got in

I heaved a sigh of relief, he must not have noticed the slight limp, how much time I took, that I went through some bushes- he didn't seem suspicious, that was good.

My skin prickled the entire way, a creeping awareness settling deep in my chest. Adrian had hidden my aunt away from me—removed my name, erased my access. He was keeping me in the dark, deliberately severing whatever connection existed between him and Aunt Claire.

I felt anger rustling under my skin.

One year, I reminded,

Just one year.

Back at the villa, everything felt unchanged. Margaret greeted me with the same warm smile. The guards still stood outside with the same expression, that was normal- at least at Blackwood's villa.

---

By evening, I was dressed and ready—again.

This time, the outfit laid on my bed was soft, Cream trousers, a soft black blouse, heels. It screamed wealth, but in hushed tones, something I noticed Adrian valued.

He was already waiting by the door.

He looked… lethal.

The man that I signed a part of my life away to, The man hiding my Aunt, I clenched my fists and walked towards him, slightly wincing as the shoes rubbed against the bruises on my feet.

Charcoal suit. Open collar. Watch gleaming faintly at his wrist. He gave me a single glance- slow, assessing, and turned toward the car.

“Come.”

That was it.

The drive began, different driver, different car, white this time, City lights.

"You look beautiful tonight Elera" Adrian suddenly said, voice calm and smooth.

This was the first time he complimented me, I wasn't flattered.

I almost scoffed, not looking at him. “Beautiful? That’s rich”

He glanced at me, eyes sharp, unamused by my sarcasm. “It’s true.”

I ignored him, turned fully toward the window, letting the tension simmer.

He didn’t press, Just kept his eyes on the iPad on his lap, going through some boring looking speed sheets.

“Where are we going?” I asked after a pause, voice low. I was bored.

“You’ll see,” he said, and that was it. No details.

I sighed, leaning back, arms crossed. I closed my eyes, preparing for the surprise waiting for me when the car stopped.

---

Clothing Store Xen?!

Milla would've screamed my ears off.

I'd heard one too many stories about this clothing store, about how only top Celebrities could shop here, and how she'd been trying to come here for years. I might as well soak in the experience. I'll have something to tell Milla about later.

It was glass, marble and discreet signage. No crowds. No paparazzi. Just luxury.

Inside, staff straightened instantly.

“Mr. Blackwood.”

They recognised him.

Respect followed him like a shadow.

He held my hand, delicately, and almost lovingly, I didn't care about how he held my hand, I focused all my energy in trying not to limp.

Eyes lingered, Staff showed exceptional care, looking at eachother from time to time.

I caught it.

Had they not seen him with a woman before?

He spoke to the manager in low tones while I stood nearby, suddenly very aware of myself.

“This won’t take long,” he said, turning to me. “Try on what they bring.”

I was guided into a fitting area, handed dresses, jackets, heels. I changed mechanically, my mind elsewhere, my feet- they seemed to get worse by the minute, I hoped he wouldn't notice. I would probably ask Margaret for medication once we got home.

When I stepped out in the third outfit, Adrian was seated on a low couch, one ankle resting over his knee.

He looked up.

The room seemed to still.

“Sit,” he said, nodding toward a velvet stool.

I hesitated.

Then sat.

A staff member approached with a pair of heels, but Adrian lifted a hand. “I’ll do it.”

She froze, startled, then retreated immediately.

My pulse spiked.

Adrian leaned forward, unhurried. He took one heel, slid it onto my foot with practiced ease. His fingers were warm, steady.

Then the other.

As he adjusted the strap, his hand lingered.

Just above my ankle.

Higher.

My breath caught.

His thumb brushed my skin lightly, almost absentmindedly—until it grazed the tender ache along my leg.

The bruise.

I stiffened.

Adrian’s hand stilled.

He didn’t look up right away. His fingers pressed gently, not enough to hurt, but enough to confirm.

Then he raised his eyes to mine.

"I quite like the colour" he suddenly said

His thumb traced the edge of the bruise once more, slow, deliberate. The touch sent a shiver straight up my spine.

“Parks can be really unforgiving,” he added casually.

My heart slammed against my ribs.

He knew.

He finished fastening the strap and stood, stepping back as if nothing intimate had occurred.

“They’ll do,” he said to the staff. “Package them.”

I stood on unsteady bare legs, my mind racing.

He stood up Sharply.

Stood in front of me, my heart pounding, cold sweat running down my face.

His movement was smooth, fast, I almost didn't notice till I was in his arms.

Bridal style

My breath caught in my throat

"What're you doing Adrian, put me down" I whispered hoping only he would hear me.

“Do you really think I’d let you stumble around after that little adventure in the park?” My face turned red, This confirmed it.

He walked out of the store, staff bowing at each side.

"You forgot to pay Adrian" I said, hoping it'd make him put me down.

His lips curved into a smirk

"No I didn't darling"

" I own the Place-"

My jaw dropped