The aroma of fresh coffee and toasted bread drifted through the elegant dining room, mingling with the faint hum of morning chatter from the city beyond the glass walls. The table gleamed with polished silverware and neatly folded napkins, set with precision that reflected Adrian Wolfe's usual standards of perfection.
Lila sat across from him, delicately slicing through a piece of fruit, her mind still swirling from the shocking news report she had seen yesterday morning. Though Adrian seemed unfazed, the bold headline declaring him as a married man echoed in her mind like a drumbeat. The world knew. It was only a matter of time before eyes turned in her direction.
But for now, they shared a quiet breakfast. Adrian sipped his coffee slowly, his sharp eyes occasionally flicking to her as though measuring her silence. When he finally spoke, his deep voice broke the stillness between them.
"I'll drop you off at your workplace today," he said, his tone casual, but the weight of the words settled heavily between them.
Lila froze, fork halfway to her lips. She quickly lowered it, her pulse racing. "No," she said softly but firmly, shaking her head. "That can't happen."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, clearly unaccustomed to hearing resistance. "And why not? It's safer, more efficient. You're with me, after all."
She met his gaze with quiet determination, her voice trembling slightly but clear. "Because no one knows I'm your wife. And I'd like to keep it that way for now. Please… let me continue as I am. Just Lila."
For a long moment, Adrian studied her, his expression unreadable. The intensity of his eyes made her heart flutter uncomfortably, but she didn't look away. Finally, a small sigh escaped him, almost imperceptible.
"Hmm. Okay," he said at last, leaning back in his chair. His agreement was reluctant, but it was there nonetheless. "We'll do it your way."
Relief washed over her, and she offered a small, grateful smile before returning to her breakfast.
---
After they finished, Lila excused herself to prepare for the day. She stood before the mirror in her room, carefully selecting her outfit. She wanted to look professional yet comfortable — someone who belonged in the creative environment she was about to step into.
She chose a long, straight skirt that hugged her curves tastefully, with a slit that ran elegantly along the side. She paired it with a sleeveless top and layered a tailored coat over it, the structured fabric adding an air of sophistication. Her figure was highlighted just enough, polished without being showy.
She tied her hair neatly back, letting the length fall smooth and sleek behind her. Her small handbag completed the look — minimal, functional, and refined. She stared at her reflection, drawing a slow breath. This wasn't just about looking the part. This was the start of her dream, the moment she began her journey as more than just "Adrian Wolfe's wife."
---
When she stepped out of the house, Nathan was already waiting by the sleek black car, his posture as formal as ever. He quickly moved to open the back door for her, but Adrian appeared behind her, striding with effortless authority.
Nathan bowed slightly. "Good morning, miss. Good morning, sir."
"Morning," Adrian replied curtly, sliding into the car. Lila followed, offering Nathan a polite nod before settling beside Adrian.
Once the doors closed, the quiet hum of the engine filled the air. Adrian glanced at Nathan through the tinted partition. "You'll drop Lila at her workplace today," he instructed.
"Yes, boss," Nathan replied.
Lila's fingers tightened on the strap of her bag. She glanced sideways at Adrian, wondering if this was his way of compromising — not dropping her off personally, but still ensuring she arrived safely.
When the car pulled up outside H Star Movie Company, the towering building loomed impressively. Glass walls reflected the morning sun, and people streamed in and out with folders, coffee cups, and hurried conversations. It was a place alive with creativity and business, a perfect blend for someone like her.
Nathan moved to step out and open the door for her, but Lila quickly raised a hand. "No, Nathan. Please… I can manage."
He hesitated, glancing at Adrian.
Adrian's gaze lingered on her, sharp as ever. Finally, he leaned slightly toward her, his voice low but firm. "When you step in, ask for the manager. He'll show you to your colleagues. Don't wander aimlessly."
"Yes, I understand," she replied with a small nod. Her heart pounded, but she forced a calm smile. "Thank you."
Adrian's eyes softened briefly — just a flicker — before his usual stoicism returned.
Taking a steadying breath, Lila stepped out of the car. The morning breeze brushed against her face as she smoothed her skirt and adjusted her coat. She straightened her shoulders and walked toward the entrance, her heels clicking against the pavement.
---
Inside, the lobby buzzed with life. Posters of films and scripts-in-progress decorated the walls, and staff hurried across the floor with determined energy. Lila reached into her bag and pulled out her new work ID card, her fingers brushing the plastic as if it were a precious gem. She clipped it neatly to her coat pocket before moving toward the reception desk.
Before she could speak, her phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced at the screen and smiled softly at the familiar name flashing there: Jake.
She pressed the phone to her ear. "Hello, Jake."
"Hello, sis," his warm voice came through, tinged with relief. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," she replied quickly, stepping to the side so she wouldn't block the reception line. "And you?"
"I'm okay. Father was asking about you," Jake said. "They just discharged him home this morning."
Her chest tightened with emotion. "Really? That's good news. I'm glad he's back home. Tell him I'll visit as soon as I can."
"I will," Jake promised. Then his tone shifted, lighter now. "So, how's my big sister? You finally settled in? I hope you're doing something you actually love."
A smile curved on her lips as she lowered her voice, glancing around. "Yes. I've started working here at H Star Movie Company. Can you believe it? The place where they actually write and adapt stories into films."
Jake whistled softly through the line. "Wow, sis. That's huge! You've always wanted this. I'm proud of you."
Her heart swelled. "Thank you, Jake. I really have to go now — it's my first day. But I'll talk to you and Mom later tonight when I'm home, okay?"
"Deal," he said cheerfully. "Take care of yourself, Lila."
"You too," she whispered before ending the call.
She slipped the phone back into her bag, her fingers brushing against the ID card again. The moment felt surreal — a mixture of fear, excitement, and hope all knotted together in her chest.
Taking a deep breath, she turned back toward the reception desk, ready to step fully into the new chapter of her life.
---