Talia couldn't sleep.
The mansion was too quiet.
Her thoughts were too loud.
Serena's words replayed in her mind like a poison.
You're a contract.
Temporary.
He'll throw you away.
She stared up at the ceiling, heart heavy.
This wasn't real.
This marriage.
This life.
This man.
So why did it already feel like something she could lose?
She sighed and slipped out of bed, wrapping a light robe around herself. Maybe a glass of water would help clear her head.
The hallway lights were dim.
She padded softly down the corridor toward the kitchen.
But as she passed the study, she noticed light spilling from beneath the door.
She hesitated.
Then, against her better judgment, she knocked.
Silence.
She knocked again, softer.
"Come in."
His voice.
Low. Calm.
She pushed the door open slightly.
Adrian sat behind a massive desk, sleeves rolled up, tie loosened. Papers were scattered everywhere. He looked… human. Tired. Not the untouchable billionaire everyone saw.
"You're awake," he said.
"So are you," she replied quietly.
She stepped inside.
"I couldn't sleep," she admitted.
"Neither could I."
The air felt different in here. Heavier. More intimate.
She glanced at the documents. "Work?"
"Always."
She gave a small smile. "Figures."
Silence fell.
Not awkward.
Just… full.
He studied her carefully. "Did Serena say something to you?"
Her breath caught.
She hadn't expected that.
"She… implied things," Talia said carefully.
"About the contract."
"Yes."
Adrian's expression darkened slightly.
"You shouldn't listen to her."
"She said I'm temporary."
His jaw tightened.
"This marriage may have started as a contract," he said quietly. "But while it exists, you are not temporary. You are my responsibility."
The words settled deeply.
Responsibility.
Not affection.
Not emotion.
But still… something.
She hugged her arms around herself. "Why does she still care so much?"
He looked away briefly. "Because she doesn't like losing."
That didn't answer everything.
But she didn't push.
She took a small step back. "I should go."
He nodded. "Goodnight, Talia."
She turned toward the door.
Then his voice stopped her.
"You did well tonight."
She looked back at him.
"At dinner."
He stood now, walking slowly toward her.
"You handled my family. Serena. The pressure."
He stopped a few feet away.
"I won't forget that."
Their eyes held.
For a second too long.
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.
She forced herself to break the moment.
"Goodnight, Adrian."
She walked out before she could do something foolish.
Like stay.
⸻
The next morning, everything changed.
Talia was in the garden, trying to clear her head, when Grace rushed toward her.
"Mrs. Blackwood," she said urgently, "there's been an incident."
Talia's stomach dropped.
"What kind of incident?"
Grace hesitated.
Then handed her a tablet.
On the screen was a news article.
BILLIONAIRE CEO'S 'WIFE' EXPOSED: WHO IS TALIA MORGAN REALLY?
Below it… her photo.
Her name.
Her school.
Her mother.
Private details.
All exposed.
Her blood ran cold.
"What is this?" she whispered.
Grace looked worried. "The media picked it up early this morning."
Talia's hands trembled.
This was not part of the contract.
This was not supposed to happen.
Her phone began buzzing nonstop with unknown calls and messages.
Panic clawed at her chest.
She looked up just as Adrian stepped into the garden.
He took one look at her face and knew.
"What happened?" he asked sharply.
She handed him the tablet with shaking hands.
His eyes scanned the article.
And for the first time since she met him…
She saw real anger in his expression.
Dangerous. Controlled. Cold.
He lowered the tablet slowly.
"This will be handled," he said quietly.
But the way he said it told her something else.
Someone had crossed a line.
And Adrian Blackwood did not forgive easily.