The moment Lila stepped back into her apartment, her heart still racing from everything that had happened earlier that day, her phone buzzed. She pulled it out with trembling hands, and when she saw the name flashing across the screen, her breath caught.
Adrian Wolfe Blackwood.
Her thumb hovered before opening the text.
> Tomorrow, arrange your clothes. My driver will come to pick you up after I meet your family, because I'll be meeting them tomorrow.
Her heart skipped a beat. Tomorrow?
She stared at the message, rereading it over and over, unsure if she was imagining things. But no, it was clear. Adrian wasn't wasting time. He was moving things forward at a pace that made her dizzy.
The sound of the door opening jolted her back to reality. Her mother and Jake walked in, both looking worn out from the hospital. Jake flopped onto the couch, tossing his bag aside, while her mother quietly removed her scarf, exhaustion etched across her face.
"Why is your face like that?" Jake asked, narrowing his eyes at his sister. "You look like you just saw a ghost."
Her mother added softly, "Lila, are you alright? You're pale."
"Yes," Lila replied too quickly, forcing a small smile as she tried to hide her nervous energy. "I'm fine. It's just… there's something I need to tell you."
Both of them turned toward her with curiosity and concern.
She hesitated, then slowly held out her phone. "Adrian… will be coming tomorrow. He's coming here to meet you."
"What?" Jake's voice cracked with shock.
Lila swallowed hard, her lips trembling before she forced herself to continue. "And… we already got our wedding certificate."
The silence that followed was deafening.
Her mother blinked in disbelief. "What did you say?"
"No wedding ceremony? Just like that?" Jake shot to his feet, staring at her as though she had lost her mind. "You mean you went and got married without telling us? Without even letting me meet him properly?"
Lila flinched under the intensity of their voices, but she nodded. "It was… private. A small wedding. That's how Adrian wanted it."
Her mother's face softened, though her eyes still held a flicker of disappointment. "A private wedding? Hm. If that's what you chose, my dear… then that's what matters. But it's sudden. Very sudden."
Jake groaned, pacing the small living room. "Unbelievable. One minute you're telling us you're dating, and now you're saying you're already married? And tomorrow he's just going to walk into this house like everything's normal?"
Lila bit her lip, unable to look him in the eye. "Jake, please… just trust me. Everything's fine. You'll understand tomorrow when you meet him."
---
The next morning arrived quicker than she expected. Lila barely slept a wink, tossing and turning all night as her mind ran wild. By dawn, she forced herself out of bed, knowing she couldn't appear anxious when Adrian came.
Her mother was already awake in the kitchen, the sound of pots clattering filling the air. She looked up when Lila entered. "Come, help me. If Adrian is coming here, we must make a proper impression."
Lila nodded, rolling up her sleeves. Together, they worked side by side, preparing dish after dish—steaming rice, seasoned chicken, spiced vegetables, and even her father's favorite soup, though he wouldn't be able to eat it just yet.
Jake stumbled in later, rubbing his eyes. When he realized what was happening, he straightened quickly, muttering, "I guess I should look decent if your almighty Adrian Wolfe Blackwood is stepping into our house."
"Jake," Lila scolded gently, though her nerves were too frayed to argue.
By mid-morning, the table was full, the aroma of food filling the small apartment. Her mother had even laid out her best tablecloth and polished the few glasses they owned until they sparkled.
Lila had chosen a modest but beautiful dress, pale blue with delicate embroidery. She brushed her hair until it shone and applied the lightest touch of makeup. Standing in front of the mirror, she barely recognized herself. She looked… almost like a bride ready to be presented.
Her mother wore a simple gown, her expression calm but her hands fidgeting as though she were just as anxious as her daughter. Even Jake had dressed in his best shirt, though he rolled his sleeves rebelliously.
Then, just as the clock struck noon, the faint sound of a car engine reached them.
All three froze.
The hum grew louder, then stopped right outside their apartment. A sleek, black luxury car came into view through the curtain, polished so brightly it reflected the midday sun.
Lila's breath caught in her throat. Her legs felt weak. She turned toward her mother, voice barely above a whisper.
"He's here, Mom."
Her mother reached out and squeezed her hand. "Breathe, Lila. Just breathe."
Jake crossed his arms, muttering under his breath, "Let's see what kind of man this Adrian really is."
The knock on the door came, firm and confident.
Lila's heart pounded so hard she thought it might burst. With shaky steps, she moved to the door, her fingers trembling as she reached for the handle.
When she pulled it open, her breath caught.
Adrian Wolfe Blackwood stood tall and composed, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that made the narrow hallway feel too small for him. His presence was overwhelming, his sharp eyes scanning the modest apartment before landing on her.
"Lila," he said smoothly, his deep voice filling the room.
She swallowed hard, stepping aside. "Come in."
Behind him, Nathan, his ever-present assistant, stood by respectfully, carrying a box that looked suspiciously like gifts. Adrian entered with an air of authority that instantly shifted the atmosphere of the room.
Her mother stood up quickly, smoothing her dress nervously. Jake remained seated but stared at Adrian with sharp, suspicious eyes.
"Mom," Lila began softly, her voice trembling. "This is… Adrian. My husband."
Her mother's lips curved into a small smile, though it was tinged with unease. "Welcome, Adrian. Please, sit. You must be tired from the trip."
Adrian inclined his head politely. "Thank you, Mrs. Bianca. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Jake snorted under his breath, earning a sharp glare from his sister.
But Adrian didn't seem fazed. He sat down, his movements precise, his posture perfect. Nathan placed the box of gifts on the table before retreating to the background.
The room was tense, filled with unspoken questions. Lila's hands twisted in her lap as her mother poured drinks, and Jake leaned back with folded arms, studying Adrian like a puzzle he was determined to solve.
Finally, Adrian spoke, his voice calm but commanding. "I know this may seem sudden, but I wanted to come here today to assure you that Lila is in safe hands. She is my wife now, and I intend to provide for her and for this family."
Lila's mother blinked, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Jake, however, leaned forward, his expression skeptical. "Just like that? You show up here with fancy gifts and expect us to believe you care about her? Why the rush? Why marry my sister without even letting us meet you first?"
Lila's heart dropped. "Jake!" she hissed.
But Adrian simply turned his gaze to the boy, his expression unreadable. "I understand your doubts. It's natural. But know this—whatever her dreams are, whatever she needs, I will make sure she has it." His eyes flicked back to Lila briefly, then returned to Jake. "And as her brother, I expect you to hold me accountable."
For a moment, the room fell into silence again. Jake stared at him, caught between his protective instinct and the undeniable weight of Adrian's words.
Lila's mother finally spoke, her voice soft but steady. "Then all I ask is that you take care of my daughter, Adrian. She has carried too much on her shoulders already."
Adrian inclined his head. "She won't have to anymore."
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