Talia couldn't breathe.
Serena had found her. Not online, not through messages - in the mansion itself.
She was standing at the grand entrance to the garden, arms crossed, dark eyes sharp, lips curved into a dangerous smirk.
"Hello again, little wife," Serena said, voice dripping with malice. "Did you really think you could stay here unchallenged?"
Talia swallowed hard. "I'm not afraid of you."
Serena laughed softly, a sound that sent chills down Talia's spine. "You should be. This isn't your world, and you're not supposed to belong in it. Adrian will always-"
Before she could finish, Adrian appeared behind Talia, his presence sudden and intense. His dark eyes fixed on Serena, and in that moment, Talia felt something primal emanate from him.
"Stop," Adrian's voice was a low growl, dangerous and absolute. "Now."
Serena's smirk faltered for a split second. "Or what?" she challenged.
Adrian stepped closer, his hand brushing Talia's arm, not letting go. "Or you'll regret it. Everything you've done to intimidate her, to provoke her... stops today. Do you understand me?"
Serena's lips tightened. "You think you can protect her from me?"
"I don't think," Adrian said, voice cold as ice. "I know."
Talia felt a shiver run down her spine - a mixture of fear, awe, and something dangerously like... excitement. His possessiveness wrapped around her like armor, and she realized she'd never felt so safe - or so desired - in her entire life.
Serena glared at both of them, then finally turned, but her parting words were sharp:
"This isn't over. He'll always want me... and soon, you'll see your place."
Adrian didn't move. His eyes followed Serena until she was out of sight, then he turned to Talia, pulling her slightly closer.
"You don't have to worry about her," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Or anyone. Not as long as I'm here. Not as long as this marriage exists."
Talia's chest tightened. "Adrian..." she whispered.
"Yes?" he asked, voice low, commanding.
"I... I-" Her words faltered. She couldn't tell him the truth. That she was already feeling something forbidden, something dangerous. That her heart was starting to care, despite herself.
Adrian leaned slightly closer, and his eyes darkened with intensity. "You don't have to say it. I already know."
Her breath caught. His nearness was intoxicating, terrifying, and undeniable.
For the first time, Talia understood: this contract marriage wasn't just about money, survival, or appearances anymore.
It was about him.
And she was falling.
