Boundaries almost crossed
1062 Words
Chapter 5
The truth finally unfolded behind my mystery masked man, and I wondered if a life with Him could ever exist after what happened tonight.
I held myself upright and strong after finding out about Harper and Adam cause after all, what could I really do about it, I asked myself.
A certain behavior of elegance was to be displayed during events was expected to be portrayed during events, especially as a member of the Ashford family. I couldn’t fold now, and especially in front of everyone.
The night unfolded in polite smiles and practiced conversation.
Adam was pulled aside more than once as quiet offers of football futures were promised.
On the other hand, Daniel disappeared into discussions about business and internships.
As I also wasn't spared, people I hardly recognized started talking about Ivy League campuses and possibilities.
When the final guest started heading out, my practiced smile had begun to fade.
Leo was also present, talking to investors about his family business and football possibilities.
Leo watched me constantly, like he wanted to talk, but every time we were both pulled into a conversation.
And honestly, I may have been avoiding him.
Across the room, Adam watched.
Not openly. Not constantly. Just enough.
For some reason unknown, Adam had been different all night, distant, careful, and it unsettled me more than anger would have.
Once the last guests left, just a few family friends and business partners were still there. I made my way up upstairs to my room.
Silence there made breathing easier, unlike downstairs.
Finally, I had space for myself to be alone.
As I was trying to unzip my dress, I faced the mirror, ready to go to bed.
A knock came through the door. Quiet, but clear.
The door swung wide before words left my mouth.
Adam came in and shut the door behind him.
My breath caught as I said, “ Oh, hey.”
The room felt smaller with him there. He stood behind me, just close enough.
He said, “ What dress did you wear the night of the Gala?”
I turned around and replied casually, “ Black dress, why do you ask?”
“Funny thing is, the girl I met that night was in a black too,” he said with a serious expression.
I clucked and replied, “ Well, there were lots of girls with black dresses that night. It will be impossible for you to find her.”
He looked at me and walked closer.
He replied, “I think I just did.”
He grabbed my hand aggressively, lifting it in the air between us, and said, “ I knew I had seen that bracelet somewhere, but I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. It was you that night, wasn’t it?”
I swallowed my saliva and said nervously, “ No, I have no idea what you are talking about.”
“I gave you the pendant on the bracelet. It's something I can never forget,” he said.
He let go of my hand and walked into my closet.
I followed him behind, “ Adam, what are you doing?”
He was searching for something in my closet, and then he pulled out a black mask with diamonds, and it was the same one I wore that night.
He went further and pulled out a black dress, which was the same dress I wore that night.”
He walked towards me with the items in his hands and said, “ Don’t lie to me, Elena.”
He dropped them onto the floor and continued to say, “
“Do you know how hard it’s been,” he said quietly, “standing across the room from you tonight and pretending I don’t feel this. Every time I try to move on and not want you, it's like the universe draws us closer each time?”
I swallowed my saliva, yet nothing changed in his position. That touch of his forehead, so quick yet deep — it pressed just a second on me. My skin knew how hard he was trying not to move. Every breath from him held back more than sound.
With my heartbeat racing. Yet nothing changed in his position. That touch of his forehead, so quick yet deep — it pressed just a second on me. My skin knew how hard he was trying not to move. Every breath from him held back more than sound.
I said his name — soft, like a breath, “Adam.”
He came too near. The edge of the dresser pressed against me.
He looked at me with desire and want in his eyes.
His hand settled beside my waist, fingers resting without pressure.
“That night,” he murmured, “I haven’t breathed right since.”
“This is wrong,” I whispered.
“I know, but I am tired of hiding from the fact that I want you,” he replied without delay.
Nothing changed in his position. That touch of his forehead, so quick yet deep — it pressed just a second on me. My skin knew how hard he was trying not to move.
“Say the word,” he said softly. “And I’ll step back.”
I didn't say anything, but simply stared back at him.
Not a single touch, yet tension sparked through me.
My head shifted on its own, just slightly, as he breathed on my neck.
His hand tightened on my waist, then loosened again. It was as if he was second-guessing everything, and I wasn’t going to push him to do anything.
I wanted it to be something he wanted all on his own.
Heavy on his breath, my name came out slowly,” Elena.”
He pulled me closer and learned to kiss me.
Just then,
Leo said, “ Elena,” he said with shock on his face.
He stood at the entrance of the closet.
Adam stepped back instantly,
Breathing quickly, I stood up upright.
“I,” Leo started, then stopped. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
A hush settled in - dense, impossible to ignore.
Adam cleared his throat. “You didn’t.”
Adam walked out, leaving Leo and me in the room.
But the damage was already done.
It felt like nothing had happened.
And yet—Everything had.
- Writer
