“You really think he married you for love?” The words hang in the air like smoke that refuses to clear.
I don’t look at Adrian. Not yet.
Victor stands near the entrance as if this is still his house, as if he did not just lose control in court this morning. His coat is still on. Calm. Polite. Deadly. Adrian’s body shifts slightly in front of mine. Not obvious. Just enough to block.
“That’s enough,” Adrian says.
Victor smiles faintly. “Is it?”
I step sideways so I can see both of them. “Answer him.” Adrian turns to me. “Seraphina.” “Did you?” My voice doesn’t rise. That makes it worse. Victor watched carefully. He is not here to shout. He is here to divide.
Adrian’s jaw tightens. “I married you for a reason.”
“Not what I asked.”
Silence stretches. I can feel security hovering behind
