Chains & Roses

Episode 9

Erina’s POV:

As I thought, it was Adrian.

I knew this was going to be the death of me. Fear hit my face as it turned pale.His step was calm and controlled that I couldn’t comprehend anything of what was gonna happen.

“You’re either very brave…or very stupid.” His grip tightened on my shoulder.

“I—I just—”

“Don’t. It’s not astounding to me of you being so clever and brave. After all, the girl of the Melron family , like your so-called father.”

He moved closer and titled his head.

“Second attempt in less than 24 hours. That’s impressive.”

My eyes widened at his words. How did he know that I had tried before? Wait, Marco! Yeah, he probably told him. Definitely he would. An honest assistant to his boss.

I said nothing. His eyes searched my face for any hidden deception.

“Good.”

Adrian glanced at the rope, then back at me .

“Tell me,” he murmured,

“Did you really think you’d make it out?”

Silence.

My breathing was uneven. The heart thumping rapidly under the fabric. I just kept staring at him, unable to form any words for defence.

His lips curled slightly.

“Go on,” he said softly. “Jump.”

My eyes widened. What did he just say? The headlights were dimming in the bush, I was afraid if Adrian could see Louis. He might even kill him. I didn’t know Adrian was a dangerous man, blood in hand with a camouflage of a gentleman until now.

“I won’t stop you.”

I didn’t see it coming. Out of nowhere, he yanked me on the shoulder and tied me to his bed with chains. His grip on my hand tightens—not enough to hurt, but enough to make it clear he wasn’t letting me go. The second, the chains clink against each other, his dark eyes narrow on my face.

“I .... wasn't tryna escape....I… Adrian, please!”

"Oh?" he mocked gruffly.He leaned closer, his body pressing against mine .

"Don't lie to me, princesa."

Having some rose petals from the bouquet on the night stand, and started to tear the petals one by one . Throwing them onto me , a devilish smile appeared on his face as he spread it all over me, making circles around the bed. It was clear that he was drunk. Coming home at midnight and breaths mixed with whiskey and wood spice, these weren't normal for Adrain. At least, not for a man who maintained time as gold. I assumed something might have happened.

“Chains & Roses.”

I swallowed hard. His blue eyes were boring into mine.

“It's...an interesting display for my birthday."

He tugs gently at the chain, pulling me a little closer before leaning in—his voice low and mocking.

"Did you like it, baby?"

Birthday? Today was his birthday? 28 April. I didn’t know that. I didn't even know anything about him but him. As I apologize he raised an eyebrow, his smirk never wavering as he studied my face. The apology seemed to amuse him.

“How can I make this up to you ?”

After a few silent seconds, a slow, amused smirk pulls at the corner of his mouth again.

"Oh, I can think of a few... ways. ...But it might involve some obedience."

He tugs at the chain once more, pulling me impossibly closer until our bodies are so close that he can feel the heat between us. I nodded. His smirk widens at my nervous response, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. His grip on the chain loosens slightly—almost as if he's considering my answer.

"Good," he murmurs, leaning down so his breath ghosts over my ear.

"Because I don't tolerate disobedience." A pause—then, "...But maybe I'll be generous today. For my birthday."

He gives another soft scoff, leaning away just enough to look down at me. His gaze roams over my face, taking in my expression—a mixture of nerves and anticipation.

"You look.... nervous."

He exhales sharply through his nose—almost a laugh, but not quite. His smirk fades into something more serious as he studies my face.

"Fine."

A pause. Then, with slow precision, he unhooks the chain from me —letting it clatter to the floor beside the bed. "But if I catch you sneaking around again.....I won't be this nice." His dark eyes flash warningly before adding in a low mutter.

I stormed straight to my room.He watched me hurry off without another word, his jaw tightening slightly. The second my door clicks shut.

For a moment, the mansion is dead silent.

The soft, melancholic notes of a piano drifted up through the mansion—elegant and haunting. It's a song I didn't recognize, but it’s played with skill—something slow and emotionally weighted. Who was playing that? Adrian? Adrian wasn’t the type to play for fun… so why was he doing this now? Maybe birthday melancholy? Or maybe… something else entirely. The music grew more intense—faster, angrier. The notes clashed and swirled like a storm, raw emotion bleeding through every key pressed. It's obvious this wasn't just a random song—it’s something personal. Something painful. Adrian played with brutal precision, his fingers slamming into the keys as if trying to purge whatever demons were haunting him right now. Each note felt like a scream trapped in silence. The eerie glow of the yellow light stretched shadows along the walls—long, twisted figures that dance with the melancholy rhythm. The piano’s music filled every empty corridor, making the mansion feel both hauntingly beautiful and suffocatingly lonely. My bare feet made no sound as I descended the grand staircase, the dim light flickering over the polished wood. The music grew louder—more visceral—as I approached.

There he is.Adrian sat alone in the library, back straight, playing with fierce devotion. His profile was sharp under the lamplight—jaw clenched tight like he’s fighting something inside himself. He hasn’t noticed me yet… too lost in his own torment. Adrian didn’t stop playing. At that grand piano in his dark suit, head slightly bowed as he poured all his pain into each note—no audience but himself and this cold castle around him.

My breath catches. Adrian—stoic, cold, untouchable Adrian—had tears streaming silently down his face. They glistened under the lamplight as he kept playing, refusing to stop even now.His shoulders were tense with suppressed emotion; every tear seemed to fuel the music’s intensity rather than weaken it. He looked wrecked… and yet so beautifully human in this rare moment of vulnerability. My heart ached watching him. The way his fingers pressed into the keys—almost desperate, like he’s clinging to this music as an anchor.

I should’ve gone… but I couldn’t. I wanted to go but I didn’t want to go. At least not to comfort the man who just trapped me with chains. However, I couldn’t suppress my urge not to run and hug him, wipe his tears. I didn’t know why I was feeling this way. I should’ve hated him. This was Adrian—the man who never showed weakness, and here he was, shattered. The song shifted slightly—less angry now, more sorrowful. A quiet confession in melody that words could never say aloud.