The morning sun reflected off the Blackwood mansion's glass walls, but Talia hardly noticed.
Her hands still shook as she stared at her phone. The article had gone viral. Hundreds of messages. Hundreds of notifications. And countless judgmental eyes online dissecting her life.
"Mrs. Blackwood," Grace whispered nervously, appearing at her side. "I've spoken with the PR team. They're handling the situation, but..." She paused. "...Mr. Blackwood insists on speaking to you immediately."
Talia's stomach twisted. She wanted to hide, to disappear. But there was nowhere to run. Not in this mansion. Not in this marriage.
Adrian found her in the garden again, his suit jacket thrown over his arm, the morning breeze ruffling his perfectly styled hair.
He didn't smile. Not even a hint. Just those dark eyes fixed on her.
"Step aside," he said quietly.
Confused, Talia looked at him.
He gestured for her to follow him into the study. Once the door clicked shut, he turned sharply.
"Do you have any idea what this could do to me?" His voice was low, dangerous.
Talia blinked. "I... I didn't do anything wrong. It wasn't me who leaked-"
"It doesn't matter who leaked it!" Adrian's hand slammed onto the desk, making the papers jump. "You're my wife, temporary or not. And as long as you're in this house, in this world... I don't allow anyone to hurt you."
Talia froze. His words hit harder than she expected.
"You... you can't control everything!" she whispered, almost shaking.
"I don't intend to," he said calmly, stepping closer. "But I will control what matters most."
Her heart skipped. His presence was overwhelming. Every inch of him radiated power. Possession. Danger. And, somehow... care.
Over the next few days, the mansion was buzzing with unseen war. Security was discreetly tightened. The PR team released statements to protect Adrian's image-and hers.
But outside threats weren't the only danger.
Serena had returned.
Talia spotted her across the driveway one afternoon, leaning against a sleek black car, arms crossed, lips curved into a smirk. Her dark eyes locked on Talia with unmistakable challenge.
Adrian appeared behind Talia, silently. One glance at Serena, and Talia felt his presence like armor around her.
"She's here to stir trouble," he murmured.
"I can handle her," Talia said quickly, though her throat tightened.
Adrian's dark gaze met hers. "No. You don't handle anything that belongs to me."
Her stomach fluttered, a mixture of fear and something else she couldn't name.
"She's dangerous," he warned. "And she will push until I make her regret it."
Talia looked at him, and for a brief, dizzying moment, she realized... this contract marriage had rules. But feelings, however forbidden, were already creeping in.
That night, Talia sat in her room, heart still pounding from the day.
Her phone buzzed again. A new article, new rumors, new threats.
Then came a text from an unknown number:
Stay away from Adrian. Or this will only get worse for you.
Her hands shook. She looked up, and Adrian was already at her doorway.
"Don't," he said softly. "I will handle it."
Talia blinked. "I... I don't want to be in danger."
"You're not in danger," he said, stepping closer. "Not while I'm here. Not while you're mine."
The words made her chest tighten.
"Yours?" she asked quietly, almost disbelieving.
His eyes darkened. "For now. And don't you forget it."
Talia swallowed hard. The line between contract and reality was blurring faster than she could handle.
And deep down, she knew... nothing would ever be the same again.
