[5]

“How is she?” Tara asked.

There was worry in her eyes—soft, aching, unmistakable. She stepped forward the moment the door to her room opened, as if she had been waiting for this exact second.

Adrian paused, caught off guard. He hadn’t expected her to still be awake. He had assumed she’d gone to bed already. Clearing his throat lightly, he steadied himself.

“She’s much better now. Kara calmed her down, and… Liora’s asleep with her.”

Tara let out a quiet breath. “Thank goodness.” Her shoulders sagged in relief. “I’ve been waiting to hear from you. I didn’t want to force myself into Liora’s room… I was afraid she’d only become more scared of me.”

She lowered her gaze, her expression heavy with guilt and sorrow. “I’m sorry, Adrian. I really… can’t seem to be a good mother to her.”

At first, Adrian had been ready to be angry. The scene at the dining table was still fresh in his mind—the way she had struck Liora’s hand, the coldness in her voice, the unfamiliar look in her eyes.

But all of it faltered the moment he saw her now. She stood before him with slumped shoulders, swollen eyes, and none of the sharpness she had shown earlier.

Something was different. And Adrian wasn’t sure whether it unsettled him… or concerned him.

“You don’t have to blame yourself like this,” he said at last, stepping closer, studying her more carefully. “She was just being spoiled. By tomorrow, she’ll forget all about it.”

Tara shook her head slowly. “No, Adrian… this is my fault.” She drew in a deep breath, as if holding back something heavier than guilt alone. “I shouldn’t have reacted like that. I didn’t even recognize myself.”

Adrian frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

Tara fell silent for a moment, then sat down on the edge of the bed. Her fingers clasped tightly together, betraying her unease. “Actually... I was in an accident earlier.”

“What?!” Adrian straightened immediately. “Why didn’t you tell me that from the beginning?”

His attention shifted to her injuries at once, examining every bruise and scrape far more carefully than before. “You should have said something...”

“I’m alright now, darling,” Tara said with a calming smile. She let him take her hand in his. “During the accident...” Her voice softened. “I was really scared.”

Adrian stared at her intently. “What were you afraid of?”

“The car came so fast. I didn’t even have time to think.” She lowered her eyes, her voice trembling. “The only thing that crossed my mind was... what if I didn’t survive?”

Her fingers tightened slightly . “What if I really disappeared... without leaving anything behind?”

Adrian didn’t respond right away. This wasn’t the direction he had expected the conversation to take. Tara had never been the type to show fear so openly. She had always been composed, steady—easy to manage, easy to predict.

But tonight… She wasn’t.

“That’s enough,” he said finally, his tone softer now. “You’re safe. You’re fine. That’s what matters.”

Tara nodded, though the sadness still lingered in her eyes.

“I know… but it feels different now. Like I’ve just realized that everything can disappear at any moment.” Her voice wavered. “And maybe that’s why my emotions got out of control… and Liora—”

She covered her face, holding back the sob that had been building all this time.

Adrian let out a quiet breath, then reached out to gently rub her shoulder. “You’re just exhausted. Today was too much for you.”

“Mm.” Tara didn’t argue.

“Get some rest,” he continued. “You need it.”

Tara lifted her face, looking at him for a moment before speaking softly, “Can you stay with me?”

Adrian hesitated.

“Just for a little while,” she added quickly. “I just… don’t want to be alone tonight.”

It was a simple request. Normally, Adrian would have brushed it off without a second thought—but tonight, he didn’t refuse right away.

After a brief pause, he gave a reluctant nod. “Alright.”

Tara shifted slightly, making space beside her. Adrian lay down on the other side of the bed, keeping a careful distance—as he always did. The room dimmed, the lights softened into a quiet, warm glow.

Silence settled between them.

Tara lay on her back, staring at the ceiling, while Adrian kept his gaze fixed ahead. There was no touch between them. Not even the slightest brush of skin.

“Adrian,” Tara called softly, breaking the silence.

“Yes?”

“Our wedding anniversary is coming up soon, isn’t it? I’ve already prepared the celebration, just like every year.”

Adrian gave a small nod. “Yes.”

Tara smiled faintly. “Time really does move fast, doesn’t it?” She turned slightly, looking at him. “You must be very busy with the Neo Group project.”

Her tone shifted—lighter now, warmer, softer than before.

Adrian glanced at her briefly. “It’s a major project. A lot is at stake. And you’ve played a big role in it too, Tara.”

“I know,” Tara replied quietly. “And you’ve handled it exceptionally well. I’m just supporting you. Without your final decisions, this project wouldn’t go very far.”

Adrian didn’t respond, but something in his expression shifted—subtle, almost imperceptible.

“The Ashbourne name will grow even bigger after this,” Tara continued, as if speaking without any burden at all. “And of course… so will yours.”

There was a brief pause before she went on.

“You’ve always been like that, Adrian. You always know exactly what needs to be done.”

A faint smile touched her lips. “No wonder so many people trust you.”

Adrian gave a faint smile. “That’s my responsibility.”

Tara shook her head slowly. “Not everyone can do that—carry such a heavy burden.” She held his gaze for a few seconds longer, then added softly, “I’m proud of you.”

Adrian didn’t respond right away, but something in his eyes shifted—lighter now, more satisfied. He exhaled quietly, his body easing just a little. “I do all of this for our family.”

Tara’s smile deepened, layered with something harder to read. “In that case…” she paused, as if weighing her words carefully. “May I ask for something for our anniversary?”

Adrian turned toward her. “What is it?”

She didn’t answer immediately. Her gaze dropped for a moment before lifting again, meeting his with an expression that revealed nothing too clearly.

“All this time… I’ve never really asked you for anything,” she said softly. “And honestly, I’ve never received a gift that truly… meant something.”

Adrian’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Not because of its value,” Tara added quickly. “But because I want something that makes me feel like I’m truly part of your life.”

“So?” Adrian prompted. “What do you want?”

Tara drew in a quiet breath. “I want one of your properties.”

Adrian stilled for a moment. “A property?”

Tara nodded. “The apartment in the city center.”

He studied her for a few seconds, weighing the request. It wasn’t small—but it wasn’t something he couldn’t give either. A faint smile touched his lips.

“If that’s what you want, I’ll take care of it.”

Tara’s expression softened instantly. There was a flicker of happiness—genuine, or at least convincing enough for Adrian. As if what he had just offered her was something immense… something more than enough.

Even though, in truth, what he had given Kara was far greater.

“Thank you, Adrian.” She leaned in slightly, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. “I’m really happy.”

Adrian said nothing more.

But in his mind, one thought surfaced clearly—There’s no harm in giving her something.

After all…this might be the last time.

***

“Are you sure about this decision, Mr. Adrian?” The voice on the other end of the phone sounded hesitant.

Adrian stood in his study, one hand tucked into his pocket, the other holding his phone. He leaned back comfortably in his chair.

“Yes,” he replied shortly. “Proceed with the transfer.”

“This… isn’t a small asset.”

“I know.”

“May I ask your reason?” the lawyer pressed, curiosity still evident in his tone.

Adrian let out a faint smile. “Just a gift.”

“For Mrs. Tara?”

“Yes.”

There was a brief pause at the other end. “Very well. I’ll take care of it right away. By tomorrow morning, the apartment at Golden Palace will be transferred under Mrs. Tara Ashbourne’s name.”

The call ended.

Adrian stared at his phone for a moment before setting it down on the desk.

A gift.

The word felt light—too light. Because what he owned was far beyond just one or two luxury apartments. Letting go of one of them for Tara meant nothing to him.

And beneath it all, Adrian knew one thing for certain—once everything was over…

Tara would no longer be here.