As Adrian enters the room, a strange thought crosses his mind.
That woman from that night is here. She is standing right in front of me. She is my wife. And yet I feel nothing.
Nothing.
No pull. No heat. No hunger.
Instead, it is this gold digger. This woman I married out of obligation. This woman who constantly finds a way to get under my skin. She is the one who makes my chest tighten. She is the one who makes me lose control.
Why?
Adrian clenches his jaw as the thought lingers.
What went wrong?
He asks himself the question again and again, but no answer comes. Only irritation. Only confusion. Only the sound of his own breathing in the quiet room.
He moves toward the bed and lies down heavily, staring at the ceiling. Sleep does not come easily. His thoughts refuse to settle. His body feels tense, restless, unfamiliar.
Then suddenly, he feels it.
A weight.
Warmth.
Lina rolls toward him in her sleep and places her head on his chest.
Adrian freezes.
His body stiffens instantly. His breath catches. His eyes widen slightly as he looks down.
She is asleep.
Her face is calm. Peaceful. Unaware of what she has just done.
For a moment, he does not move. He does not breathe properly. He does not know what to do.
This should not be happening.
This is not part of the contract.
His hand hovers awkwardly at his side. He debates pushing her away. He debates waking her. He debates getting out of bed altogether.
But he does none of those things.
The only thing that comes out of his mouth is quiet and restrained.
Just go to sleep.
He turns his face away and closes his eyes, forcing his body to stay still. Forcing his mind to shut down. Forcing the moment to pass.
Morning comes too quickly.
Lina wakes up slowly, her eyes fluttering open as sunlight filters into the room. The first thing she notices is warmth beneath her cheek.
Then a steady heartbeat.
Her body stiffens.
She lifts her head abruptly and turns.
Adrian.
He is right beside her.
Her eyes widen in shock as she pushes herself up.
What are you doing on my bed? Lina asks sharply, pulling the sheets closer to herself.
Adrian opens his eyes slowly and looks at her, unbothered.
Your bed? he replies calmly.
He sits up slightly and looks around the room.
You are in Blackwood mansion. This is my bed. My room.
Lina stares at him in disbelief.
Technically…
Before she can finish her sentence, Adrian moves.
In one swift motion, he climbs over her and pins her down against the mattress. His weight presses into her. His hands trap her wrists.
You are mine too, he says lowly.
Lina panics.
No. No.
She struggles beneath him.
You promised you would not do this, Lina says urgently.
Adrian looks down at her, his expression unreadable.
We are married, he replies. And it is part of the vows.
No. Hey. Stop.Lina pushes against his chest, her voice shaking.
You said you would not touch me. What changed?
Her eyes burn with anger and hurt.
Do not make me lose the little respect I have for you, Lina says firmly.
Adrian's jaw tightens.
If you had guts, get real, he snaps.
Suddenly, he releases her and stands up abruptly. His movements are sharp and angry. He grabs his robe and turns toward the door.
As he opens it, he freezes.
Rose is standing there.
Eavesdropping.
Hey. Good morning, Adrian, Rose says sweetly.
She smiles brightly, pretending innocence.
How did you sleep?
Adrian's eyes darken.
Go back to your bedroom and rest, he says coldly.
Then he adds sharply.
And stop snooping around.
Rose's smile falters.
Why is Adrian treating me like this?
Bitterness flashes across her face as she watches him walk away.
No. It must be something.
Her lips press into a thin line.
That bitch.
I will not let her get away with this.
She turns and leaves, her expression dark with determination.
Later that morning, Lina sits quietly at the dining table with Mrs Blackwood. The atmosphere is calm, almost deceptive.
As Lina eats, a sudden wave of nausea hits her.
She stops mid bite and presses a hand against her stomach.
Mrs Blackwood notices immediately.
You should go to the doctor. You could be pregnant, she says casually.
Lina freezes.
Mrs Blackwood, I think it is just acid reflux, Lina replies quickly.
Really?
Mrs Blackwood studies her face closely.
Okay. I will go to the doctor after breakfast, Lina says.
Inside her mind, panic erupts.
Could I be pregnant?
The thought sends a chill through her.
But it has only been a short time after that one night stand.
Her heart pounds as fear and confusion twist together.
From outside the room, Rose watches through the doorway.
If Lina is pregnant, my chance with the Blackwood family is over.
Her fingers curl into fists.
No. I cannot let this happen.
She pulls out her phone and steps away.
Hello. It is me. I need a favor.
Her voice is low. Dangerous.