Chapter 20

Adrian’s POV

My smirk is dangerous and filled with content at my win. I have successfully crawled underneath her skin.

“Don’t you fucking dare!” She screeched, trying unsuccessfully to pull free from her bounds.

“Oh,” I mock gasped, my head tilting with a fake pout, “but I would dare. Who is going to stop me? You?”

Inching closer, I make sure that the snare in my gaze is blazing and obvious, “I’d advise you don’t run your mouth about my wife and I.” I pulled back, “…else, you would come to find that I would do much worse to those that cross me.”

She shift uncomfortably, the previous gleaming arrogant smirk now long gone.

The smile on my face returns with full force, I was filled with joy. One down, few more to go.

Emily looks up weakly, finally defeated. “Why are you doing all these? What did we ever do to you?”

“Why?” I cocked my head. Wondering if she deserved to know, or if she already knew and was feigning ignorance. “Hmmm… let’s see”

“One will be because you dare to cause my wife distress, two would be because you dared to object at our wedding, nearly ending it. Three..,” I stop pacing, “I guess you’ll have to ask you father about that but now I’m wondering. Did you also know?”

Her face contours into what I’d assume was confusion, “know about what? What do you mean?”

“Hmm. You have no idea do you? Then well it’s best if you don’t.” My smile was sardonic, as I move to leave, “Enjoy the rest of your time here then.”

“Wait,” she screeches, “What? You can’t leave me here, let me go.”

“Your father is yet to agree to my terms. Once he does, you’ll be free to go.”

Her face depicts pure panic, “But I…I..”

I cut her off, sharp. “No buts.”

Emily screamed,

I watched Emily’s face twist with pure fury as she spat, “You’ll pay for this you asshole!” Her tone filled with venom, “I’ll make sure of it!”

A slow, smug smile tugged at my lips. I leaned back slightly, taking my time as I looked her up and down with calm disdain.

“Oh, look at you,” I said, my voice dripping with mockery. “Even if I could afford it—and trust me, as the rich *bastard* I am, I certainly can—I wouldn’t pay a single damn cent.” My tone sharpened. “But for you and your family however, you’ll be the one paying until your soul bleeds for every single grievance your family has caused Brianna.”

She opened her mouth to snap back, but I saw the hesitation flicker across her face. “you really do like her, Uh?” She asks, her expression slightly softened as he observed me.

“Like?” I let out a low, incredulous chuckle. “Like? I love her. She’s my wife. My forever.” My voice dropped, steady and absolute. “I will make sure she has a beautiful, stress-free life ahead of her, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take out anyone in the way of that.”

That shut her up. The color drained from her cheeks as the weight of my words hit her.

I straightened and turned toward the door, done with this conversation. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I better get back to my wife. I wouldn’t want to keep her waiting alone in a cold bed.” I paused at the threshold, glancing back at her with a sharp, knowing smile. “You would know all about that, wouldn’t you?”

The jab landed hard. I saw the flash of humiliation in her eyes—the memory of that night clearly resurfacing. The night her so-called lover had run away with her, only to leave her abandoned in an empty bed after stealing everything she owned.

I didn’t wait for a reply. I gave her one last dismissive look and walked out, the echo of my footsteps the only sound remaining in the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I got back home in no time, headed straight for my wife. She was laid softly on the bed, her small figure sleeping soundly. My heart warmed in my chest.

Taking off my clothing, I went to take a a cold shower, wash myself clean of everything I’d done tonight. I return to her side, taking in her sleeping figure.

I rub gently at her brows, loosening the crease. She melts into my touch, visibly relaxing as I now stroked her hair.

Her hands peeked from underneath the blanket revealing her wedding band and the sight just sends a rush of excitement through me. My smile is easy as I appraised it. It fit her perfectly.

With a gently kiss to her temple, I slid right into bed. I badly want to hold her to sleep but I fear that would be moving too fast. “Goodnight, mi amor.”