Chapter six

~Emilia

Once she left, I placed the roses gently in a crystal vase by the window. The light filtered through the petals, casting soft shadows on the sill. Then I sat down on the bed, heart still pounding heavily.

I didn’t know what I was doing.

This wasn’t a normal marriage.

It was a transaction.

But still, somewhere deep inside me, I hoped it could be something more.

Later that evening, Adrian came home.

I heard the door open downstairs, followed by the faint creak of his shoes across the tiled floor. Sharp, deliberate steps. Cold.

He didn’t call for me. Didn’t check if I was settled.

I found him in the living room, jacket off, shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows as he poured himself coffee. He looked tired—more tired than usual.

I stood in the doorway.

“Hey,” I said.

He looked up briefly. “You found your room?”

“Yes. It’s beautiful.”

He took a slow sip of his coffee. “Don’t get too comfortable.”

I stepped closer. “Why did you agree to let me stay?”

He stared into his cup. “Because