20

Chapter Three- Dinner

Lena sat across from Adrian, trying desperately to look anywhere but at him.

The candles between them flickered softly.

Her mother, completely unaware of the storm beneath the surface, poured wine into everyone's glasses.

"I'm so happy we're finally all together," Victoria said.

Lena forced a smile.

"Me too."

Adrian said nothing.

She could feel his eyes on her.

She picked up her glass.

Her hand was shaking.

"You two seem awfully quiet," Victoria said with a laugh.

Adrian finally spoke.

"We're getting acquainted."

Lena nearly choked on her wine.

"Of course," she said quickly.

Under the table, she felt something brush against her ankle.

She froze.

She looked at Adrian.

His expression hadn't changed.

He was calmly cutting into his dinner as though nothing had happened.

Lena shifted her foot away.

A moment later, his gaze lifted to hers.

There was the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes.

She glared at him.

He simply took a sip of wine.

"So, Lena," Victoria said, "Adrian tells me you're finishing university soon."

"Yes."

"What are you planning to do afterward?"

Lena answered, but she could barely concentrate.

Every few seconds, her eyes drifted toward Adrian.

And every time, she caught him already looking at her.

Not openly.

Never long enough for her mother to notice.

Just enough to remind her that he remembered everything.

Then Victoria reached across the table and placed her hand over Adrian's.

Lena's stomach tightened.

"You know," her mother said, smiling at him, "I still can't believe how lucky I am."

Adrian looked at Victoria.

Then, for one brief second, at Lena.

"So am I."

The words landed differently than they should have.

Lena lowered her eyes.

She couldn't decide whether she was angry with him or afraid of how easily he could still affect her.

Dinner continued.

Her mother talked about the wedding.

The venue.

The guest list.

The flowers.

Every detail felt like another weight pressing against Lena's chest.

Then Victoria smiled.

"I was thinking we should all go shopping for the wedding next weekend."

Lena's eyes snapped up.

"All of us?"

"Of course."

Adrian leaned back in his chair.

"I'd like that."

Lena stared at him.

He gave her a calm, almost innocent look.

She knew that look now.

It meant trouble.

Victoria smiled.

"Perfect. It's settled."

Lena pushed her chair back.

"I need some air."

She stood and walked toward the balcony.

She barely had time to breathe before she heard footsteps behind her.

She didn't turn around.

"Go back inside, Adrian."

He stopped a few feet behind her.

"You shouldn't have followed me."

"I didn't."

She turned.

He was standing in the doorway.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then Adrian lowered his voice.

"Your mother doesn't know."

"No."

"She can't."

"I know."

His eyes held hers.

"And whatever happened between us—"

"Don't."

He stopped.

Lena folded her arms.

"You don't get to act like nothing happened."

His jaw tightened.

"I never said nothing happened."

"Then what are you doing?"

Adrian took one slow step closer.

"Trying to protect everyone from a truth that could destroy this family."

Lena's breath caught.

"Or yourself?"

He didn't answer.

That silence told her more than words could.

From inside, Victoria called their names.

Adrian stepped back immediately.

His expression changed.

Cold.

Composed.

The perfect fiancé again.

Before returning inside, he looked at Lena one last time.

"Smile."

She stared at him.

"Why?"

"Because she's watching."

Lena turned toward the dining room.

Her mother was looking directly at them.

Lena forced a smile.

And beside her, Adrian did the same.

Two people pretending nothing had ever happened.

While both knew it had.