After almost two hours of trying on clothes, Lina was exhausted — but for the first time in her life, it was a good kind of exhaustion.
A happy one.
She now had a small arsenal of dresses, blouses, pants, and shoes she never would've been able to buy on her own. Adrian approved most of her choices, always with that analytical gaze… but sometimes, just sometimes, with something softer hidden beneath it.
When they left the store, he walked beside her carrying nothing but his intense presence — because all the bags would be delivered straight to the penthouse.
Lina was still trying to understand this world.
"Now we need to go to the cosmetics store," Adrian announced.
"Cosmetics?" She widened her eyes. "But I only use the basics…"
"Then you'll have the basics and anything else you want," he replied, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.
Lina sighed.
He really didn't understand the meaning of "basic."
When they entered the store, a beauty consultant — young, pretty, made up like a doll — rushed over.
"Welcome! How can I help?" she asked, but her eyes were locked… on Adrian.
Not just locked.
She practically sparkled at the sight of him.
Lina felt a strange sting in her chest.
Jealousy.
Yes, jealousy.
One she hadn't expected to feel.
Not so soon.
Not so intensely.
"We're looking for products for her," Adrian said, pointing to Lina without hesitation.
The consultant smiled politely at Lina… but nowhere near as enthusiastically as she had smiled at him.
"Of course!" she said, turning back to Adrian. "Can I show your… friend some options?"
Lina felt another sting.
Friend?
FRIEND?!
Before she could protest, Adrian said:
"No." His voice dropped, firm and unmistakable. "My fiancée."
The consultant froze.
Lina did too.
And the whole world seemed to stop for a moment.
"F-fiancée?" the consultant stammered, eyes wide.
Adrian tilted his head slightly, as if clarifying something obvious.
"Yes. My fiancée. Now, please assist her with priority. I'm only accompanying."
The consultant swallowed hard.
"O-of course, Mr. Luce. Miss… right this way, please."
Lina tried to hide the smile tugging at her lips.
But failed.
Fiancée.
He'd said it with such ease…
Such conviction…
And in front of another woman.
As the consultant guided her around the store, Lina could feel Adrian nearby. He didn't invade her space, but he observed every product, every choice, every gesture with quiet attention.
The consultant tried to smile at him a few times.
Tried to be charming.
Tried to start conversations.
But Adrian simply… ignored her.
His eyes stayed only on Lina.
And that… warmed her chest in a terrifyingly sweet way.
"I think these products suit your skin type best," the consultant said, showing luxurious packaging.
Lina nodded timidly.
"They're beautiful, but I'm not sure if I can—"
"She'll take them," Adrian said calmly.
The consultant wrote everything down instantly, almost sighing in relief.
Lina turned on him.
"Adrian! You don't have to buy all of this!"
He raised a brow.
"Lina. I told you to choose whatever you wanted."
"But I didn't choose everything…"
"Then I'm choosing for you," he replied, with that flawless, irritating logic only he possessed.
Lina crossed her arms.
"That's not how this works…"
He stepped half a step closer.
"For me, it is."
Her face flushed again.
When they finished, the consultant handed Adrian the receipt — he didn't even look at the total — and said goodbye with a professional smile, clearly disappointed he hadn't given her the slightest bit of attention.
As soon as they left the store, Lina grumbled:
"She was flirting with you."
"I know," Adrian said, completely indifferent.
"And you didn't even…" She waved her hands in frustration. "Care?"
"No." He looked at her. "Why would I care about someone who isn't you?"
Lina tripped over her own feet.
"W-what?"
"I don't repeat myself," he said. "Pay attention."
She turned red to her ears.
They walked through the mall, and Lina thought the day had already reached peak intensity… but then a tall, elegant woman dressed in white appeared out of nowhere, wearing a dangerous smile.
"Adrian?" she said, approaching with confidence. "It's been a while… I didn't expect to see you here."
Lina frowned.
Tch.
Great. Another one.
And this one looked worse.
When the woman reached out and touched Adrian's arm, the effect was immediate.
Adrian stiffened.
His breath faltered for a second.
And Lina saw — clearly — his skin begin to redden where she touched him.
An allergic reaction.
A reaction to women.
Lina froze.
"Adrian…?" she asked, alarmed.
He stepped back without hesitation, discreetly wiping the spot she had touched with a small handkerchief he pulled from his pocket — automatic, like he was used to doing it.
The woman frowned.
"Is something wrong?"
Her voice was sweet… but Lina could see Adrian was struggling with the discomfort.
He didn't want to show weakness in front of strangers — but he couldn't control his body.
And right there, still reacting to the unwanted touch, he grabbed Lina's hand. Hard.
Almost like a reflex.
Almost like she was his anchor.
The instant his skin touched hers, the redness began to fade.
Lina saw it.
The woman saw it.
And Adrian said, firm:
"Don't touch me again. My fiancée is the only woman who doesn't make me sick."
The woman paled.
Lina went speechless.
And Adrian, still holding Lina's hand as if he needed her to breathe, finished:
"Now excuse us."
He walked away, pulling Lina along.
The allergic reaction was already disappearing thanks to her touch.
When they reached the next corridor, Adrian still held her hand.
Tightly.
Warm.
Almost desperate.
Lina looked at him, scared.
"You… got sick when she touched you."
"I always do," he said, not looking at her. "With everyone… except you."
Lina opened her mouth, speechless.
And Adrian added, even lower:
"That's why I didn't want to let go of your hand."