The afternoon sun was soft against the sky, fading into warm gold as Adrian and Lila stepped out of the dining hall. The quiet rustling of the trees blended with the gentle breeze. They stood side by side, not saying much, simply watching Nathan as he finalized the car arrangements. The sleek black car gleamed in the driveway, and the uniformed driver moved swiftly, ensuring everything was perfectly in order.
Lila clasped her hands in front of her, trying not to fidget. Her nerves were not from the long journey ahead, but from the weight of the reality that pressed upon her shoulders—she was now officially Mrs. Wolfe, bound to Adrian not just by paper but by the unspoken expectations of his powerful family.
When Nathan was done, he opened the back door. "Sir, ma'am, everything is ready."
Adrian gave a curt nod and gestured for Lila to step in first. She slipped into the plush leather seat, inhaling the faint scent of cologne and polished wood. Adrian followed, his tall frame taking up space beside her with an aura that filled the car. Nathan settled in the driver's seat, and with a smooth turn of the wheel, the journey began.
For the first few minutes, silence hung thickly. Lila watched the scenery blur past the window, her thoughts scattered. She didn't know whether to speak, ask questions, or remain quiet. But Adrian broke the silence.
"What's your dream, Lila?" His voice was calm, low, but it carried curiosity.
Her head turned slightly, startled by the question. "My dream?"
"Yes." His gaze lingered on her profile, patient but piercing. "What do you truly want for yourself?"
She hesitated, fingers brushing against the hem of her skirt. "I… I've always wanted to write. Stories, books—things that could reach people." She chuckled nervously. "But it's not something I talk about much. Writing feels like a world only I understand."
Adrian didn't comment immediately, but his mind was already spinning. A writer? he thought. That explained her quiet observations, the way she seemed to see beyond the surface of things. After he had introduced her to his parents, he would make sure to connect her to the right people—publishers, editors. If she was his wife, her dream deserved a stage.
Their conversation drifted lightly after that, but soon Adrian leaned back against the seat. To Lila's surprise, his eyes softened, lids lowering until he drifted into sleep.
Nathan caught sight of it from the rearview mirror, and his hands momentarily stiffened on the wheel. His eyes widened slightly, though he quickly masked his reaction. The boss… asleep? It was unheard of. Everyone in Adrian Wolfe's world knew he battled insomnia so severely that even sleeping pills rarely worked. But here he was, head tilted slightly toward the window, his breathing even, his face calm. Nathan said nothing, but the surprise lingered in his chest.
Lila sat quietly, stealing a glance at Adrian. He looked so different when asleep—less sharp, less commanding, more human. She wanted to ask Nathan if this was normal, but she didn't dare disturb the peace that had settled in the car.
The miles stretched on, and soon discomfort began gnawing at her. At first it was a small cramp, one she tried to ignore. But within minutes, the sharp ache grew, twisting in her lower belly. She shifted uncomfortably, pressing her lips together, trying to keep her face neutral.
Finally, she leaned forward. "Nathan… could you please stop for a moment?"
Nathan glanced in the mirror, his brows furrowing in concern. "Of course, Mrs. Wolfe." He pulled the car over near a quiet rest stop.
Lila slipped out quickly, clutching her handbag tightly. It didn't take long for her to realize the cause of her pain—her period had started unexpectedly. She sighed with relief that she always carried pads with her, even though her cycle was unpredictable.
She freshened up, returned to the car, and settled back into her seat. But the cramps didn't ease. Minutes turned to nearly an hour, and each passing moment felt heavier. She pressed her palm against her abdomen, trying not to let her discomfort show, though her pale face betrayed her.
Nathan noticed, his voice soft but worried. "We'll soon arrive, Mrs. Wolfe. Just hold on a little longer."
She nodded weakly. "I'll be fine."
But her words were more for reassurance than truth.
By the time they reached the Wolfe estate, forty-five minutes had passed. The mansion loomed magnificently, towering with marble pillars and glistening windows. Its sheer grandeur made Lila's heart skip, but she hardly had the strength to marvel at it. The moment the car stopped, Adrian stirred awake.
His eyes fluttered open, confusion flickering across his expression. I… slept? He sat up straighter, as if needing to confirm it wasn't a dream.
"Sir, you're awake," Nathan said carefully.
Adrian didn't respond immediately. His gaze shifted to Lila, noticing her discomfort at once. "Lila," he called softly. "Are you okay?"
She tried to smile and nod. "I'm fine."
Nathan, however, spoke up. "Boss, she's been complaining of stomach pain. She endured it the whole way."
Adrian's expression darkened, not in anger, but in worry. He didn't press her for details, simply stepped out of the car and moved swiftly to her side.
Inside the mansion, they were greeted immediately. Adrian's father, tall and dignified, stood in the grand foyer. Beside him was Mrs. Wolfe, Adrian's stepmother, elegant yet sharp-eyed.
"Is this your wife?" his father asked, eyes settling on Lila.
"Yes, Father," Adrian replied firmly.
Lila bent respectfully. "Good day, sir."
His stepmother stepped forward, smiling faintly. "Come, have a seat, dear."
Adrian shook his head lightly. "Father, Mother, I think she's not feeling well. I'd like her to rest before dinner. I'll introduce her properly later."
His father nodded with understanding. "That's fine. Take care of her first."
Nathan carried some of their luggage upstairs while Adrian guided Lila gently toward their room. Once inside, she lay down on the bed, curling slightly.
"Should we go to the hospital?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.
She shook her head. "No, it's just… my period. It happens every month. I'll be fine."
Adrian's jaw tightened. He hated seeing her in pain, but he respected her words. Without saying much, he disappeared briefly and returned with a pack of ice. He placed it gently over her lower abdomen, his touch surprisingly careful.
"You'll feel better with this," he said quietly.
Then he sat by her feet, removing her heels and massaging her soles with slow, deliberate movements. His hands were warm, steady, soothing. The pain didn't vanish, but the care behind his actions made Lila's chest tighten with something she couldn't name.
Her eyelids grew heavy. Despite the discomfort, sleep pulled her under, her breathing evening out.
Adrian watched her until she drifted off completely. His mind, however, remained restless. He had slept earlier—something impossible for him. And it had been next to her. Was it coincidence, or was there something about her presence that quieted the storm inside him?
He didn't know yet. But as he adjusted the blanket over her, his thoughts whispered one truth: he needed to confirm it again.