Adrian vs Eleanor
304 Words
The Cole mansion felt colder the second time.
Eleanor was waiting in the sitting room. No tea. No smile.
Just Lila’s gala photos printed and spread across the table.
Explain, Eleanor said.
Lila swallowed. It’s not
The front door slammed.
Adrian.
What are you doing? he asked his mother.
Talking to your fiancée, Eleanor said, not looking at him. Alone.
She’s not alone.
He walked in and stood next to Lila. Close. Shoulder to shoulder.
Eleanor laughed, sharp. Oh please. Since when do you care?
Since you decided to ambush her.
She’s using you.
Then let me deal with it.
The room went dead quiet.
Eleanor stood. You’ve never stood up to me, Adrian.
There’s a first time for everything.
He took Lila’s hand. Right there. In front of her.
We’re engaged, he said. Deal with it.
Eleanor stared at their joined hands. At the ring. At Lila.
You’re going to get hurt, she whispered. Both of you.
She walked out. Heels clicking.
Lila let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.
Adrian still hadn’t let go of her hand.
You didn’t have to do that, she said.
Yes, I did. He looked down at her. I’m tired of pretending with you.
Lila’s heart tripped. What does that mean?
It means
His phone buzzed.
Adrian’s lawyer.
Contract addendum ready to sign. Also: board saw the photos. They love it.
Adrian cursed under his breath.
Business. Always business.
He dropped Lila’s hand.
Come on. We have to sign something.
Lila nodded. But the warmth where his hand was stayed.
In the car, she asked, Was any of that real?
Adrian stared at the road. Which part?
The part where you chose me.
He didn’t answer.
But he didn’t pull his hand away when hers brushed his in the middle console.
To Be Continued
- Writer
