The morning sun spilled across the Blackwood driveway, but tension hung heavier than the heat.
Talia was walking toward the garden when she saw her.
Serena. Leaning casually against Adrian's car, smirking like she owned the place. Her heels clicked against the pavement with calculated precision, each step radiating confidence - and challenge.
Talia's chest tightened.
"I told you she'd return," Adrian murmured behind her.
She turned, startled. He was already there, his suit perfectly sharp, posture rigid. His dark eyes locked on Serena, the air around him tense, controlled.
"She doesn't belong here," Adrian said quietly, but the words cut like steel.
Talia swallowed. "I can deal with her," she said, trying to sound firm.
"No," he interrupted sharply. "You don't deal with her. I do."
She blinked. His possessiveness sent a strange heat through her chest. It was intimidating... and thrilling.
Serena's gaze slid to Talia, eyes sharp.
"Ah, the new Mrs. Blackwood," she said lightly. "I almost didn't recognize you. You look... fragile. Scared, even."
Talia's hands clenched at her sides. "I'm not scared," she replied, voice steady despite the tremor in her chest.
Serena laughed softly, a dangerous, mocking sound. "You should be. Adrian was mine before you. And he's far from done with me."
Adrian's jaw tightened. His voice dropped, low and dangerous.
"Serena," he said, each syllable like a warning. "Step back."
The smirk faltered. But it returned almost immediately. "Or what? You'll fire me? Call security?"
Adrian stepped forward, his presence imposing. "No. I'll make sure you regret ever crossing me - and her."
Talia's breath caught. His words weren't just about her - they were about her and him. And the intensity in his eyes left no room for doubt: Serena had just walked into a world she would not survive.
Serena's smirk finally wavered. "We'll see," she whispered before turning and striding away, heels clicking like a countdown.
Talia felt her legs weaken. She looked at Adrian, who now towered over her, his gaze softer - just slightly - but still intensely possessive.
"You didn't have to say that," she whispered, still trembling.
"I did," he said simply. "Because she doesn't belong in your world. Or mine."
She swallowed hard, unable to speak. The heat in her chest was unfamiliar. Dangerous. Real.
"You're mine," he said softly, the words almost a growl.
"Yours?" she repeated, voice barely audible.
"Yes," he said firmly, almost bitterly. "While this contract exists, while you're in my house... you're mine. And I will not let anyone, past or present, hurt you."
Her heart thundered. She wanted to tell him it was just a contract. That she wasn't his. That she couldn't...
But the words caught in her throat.
Because she knew, deep down, she already felt it.
Something far stronger than a contract.
And she wasn't sure if she wanted to fight it anymore.
That night, Talia sat in her room, staring at the ceiling.
Serena had made it clear: she wouldn't disappear quietly.
And Adrian... Adrian had made it equally clear: she was his to protect.
Her chest ached. Conflicted. Confused.
And yet... something inside her told her that this contract marriage wasn't going to be as simple as she thought.
Because feelings, dangerous and forbidden, were starting to grow.
