20

Chapter Six - The Weekend Away

By Friday afternoon, Lena was beginning to regret agreeing to the trip.

The estate was beautiful.

Too beautiful.

A sprawling country mansion surrounded by gardens, tall trees, and distant mountains. It should have felt peaceful.

Instead, Lena felt trapped.

Especially when she saw Adrian step out of the car and immediately walk around to open Victoria's door.

He offered her his hand.

Victoria smiled as she took it.

"Thank you, darling."

Adrian leaned down and kissed her forehead.

Lena looked away.

She didn't know why the gesture bothered her.

It shouldn't.

Victoria was her mother.

Adrian was her fiancé.

They were supposed to be affectionate.

Still, something unpleasant twisted inside Lena's stomach.

She grabbed her suitcase.

"I'll take this."

Adrian glanced at her.

"I'll carry it."

"I can manage."

"Lena—"

"I said I can manage."

She walked toward the house.

Behind her, Victoria laughed softly.

"She's been in a mood all day."

Lena heard Adrian answer.

"She'll be fine."

That irritated her even more.

That evening, dinner was served outside beneath strings of warm lights.

Victoria looked happier than Lena had seen her in months.

Adrian sat beside her, listening as she talked about wedding plans.

Every now and then, he reached for her hand.

Each time, Lena noticed.

And each time, she took another sip of wine.

"You're drinking quickly," Adrian remarked.

Lena looked at him.

"Are you keeping count?"

"No."

"You seem to be."

Victoria laughed.

"Leave her alone, Adrian."

He gave Lena a quiet look.

"I'm not saying anything."

"Exactly."

Lena lifted her glass again.

Victoria frowned.

"Maybe slow down, sweetheart."

"I'm fine."

She wasn't.

The wine had begun warming her cheeks, loosening the thoughts she'd been trying desperately to keep under control.

Adrian leaned toward Victoria and whispered something in her ear.

Victoria laughed.

Lena stared at them.

"What did you say?"

Victoria looked over.

"Nothing."

"Must have been funny."

Adrian's eyes met Lena's.

"It was."

Lena smiled too brightly.

"Great."

She poured herself another glass.

Adrian reached across the table and gently covered the bottle with his hand.

"That's enough."

Lena stared at his hand.

Then at him.

"You don't get to tell me what to do."

"I know."

"Then move your hand."

He didn't.

Their eyes locked.

Victoria looked between them.

"Lena, perhaps you should get some fresh air."

Lena pushed her chair back.

"Fine."

She stood too quickly.

The world tilted slightly.

Adrian immediately reached out to steady her.

His hand closed around her arm.

"I'm fine," she said.

"You've had too much."

She pulled away.

"I said I'm fine."

Then she walked toward the garden.

The night air cooled her face.

Lena wandered down the garden path, shoes dangling from one hand.

She stopped beside a fountain.

"What am I doing?" she whispered.

"That's what I'd like to know."

She turned.

Adrian stood several feet away.

She laughed.

"Do you follow everyone around?"

"Only people who are about to fall into fountains."

"I'm not going to fall."

"You're drunk."

"I'm not."

"You are."

She pointed at him.

"You know what your problem is?"

Adrian folded his arms.

"What?"

"You're too calm."

A faint smile touched his face.

"And yours?.

"I'm not calm enough."

"Clearly."

Lena looked toward the house.

Through the windows, she could see Victoria.

Her mother was standing near the fireplace, smiling at something on her phone.

Lena's expression changed.

"She really loves you."

Adrian followed her gaze.

"I know."

"And you love her?"

He was silent.

Lena looked at him.

"That's a simple question."

"Not for me."

She laughed bitterly.

"Of course it isn't."

Adrian stepped closer.

"Lena."

"Don't."

"You've been angry all evening."

"I'm not angry."

"Jealous, then."

She stared at him.

Her face flushed.

"I'm not jealous."

"You are."

"Why would I be jealous?"

Adrian didn't answer.

Lena stepped closer.

"Tell me."

His eyes searched hers.

"Because you care."

The words silenced her.

For a moment, the alcohol, the jealousy, and the confusion seemed to disappear.

There was only Adrian.

And the terrible truth neither of them wanted to say aloud.

Then a voice came from the terrace.

"Lena?"

Victoria.

Lena stepped away immediately.

"I'm coming!"

She turned toward the house.

Before she left, she glanced back at Adrian.

He was still watching her.

But this time, there was no amusement in his eyes.

Only conflict.

And Lena knew the weekend had just become much more complicated than she'd expected.