A Warning
1300 Words
The next morning, Elena woke up early.
For a few seconds, she forgot where she was.
Then she remembered.
The mansion.
The contract.
Adrian.
She sat up slowly.
Her new life still felt unreal.
A knock came at the door.
“Come in.”
The door opened.
A maid stood outside.
“Miss Carter, Mr. Blackwood wants to see you downstairs.”
Elena frowned.
“Now?”
“Yes.”
She quickly got dressed and went downstairs.
Adrian was standing near the dining table.
He was already dressed for work.
When he saw her, he looked at his watch.
“You're awake.”
“You asked for me.”
“Yes.”
Elena sat down.
“Is something wrong?”
Adrian placed a folder on the table.
“Your first public appearance as my wife is tonight.”
Elena opened the folder.
There was an invitation inside.
“A business party?”
“Yes.”
She looked at him.
“Why didn't you tell me yesterday?”
“Because I didn't know until last night.”
Elena sighed.
“So I have to pretend to be your loving wife again.”
Adrian stared at her.
“Exactly.”
She closed the folder.
“What if someone asks about our relationship?”
“Tell them the truth.”
Elena raised an eyebrow.
“The truth?”
“That we are married.”
“That isn't what I meant.”
Adrian remained silent.
Elena looked at him.
“You know what I mean.”
His expression softened slightly.
“We met. We fell in love. We decided to marry.”
Elena almost laughed.
“That sounds completely believable.”
“It doesn't need to sound believable.”
He stepped closer.
“They need to believe it.”
Elena looked at him.
“And how exactly do we do that?”
Adrian held out his hand.
She stared at it.
“What?”
“Practice.”
“Practice what?”
“Being a couple.”
Elena's eyes widened.
“You're serious?”
“Yes.”
She slowly placed her hand in his.
His fingers wrapped around hers.
Her heart began beating faster.
Adrian noticed.
“Relax.”
“I am relaxed.”
“You're nervous.”
“I'm not.”
He looked at her.
“You are.”
Elena looked away.
“Fine. Maybe a little.”
Adrian released her hand.
“Tonight, stay close to me.”
“I can do that.”
“Don't argue with me in front of people.”
“I wasn't planning to.”
“And if someone flirts with me?”
Elena looked at him.
“What should I do?”
“Act jealous.”
She stared at him.
“Jealous?”
“Yes.”
“That sounds ridiculous.”
“It will make the marriage look real.”
Elena sighed.
“Fine.”
Adrian turned away.
Then he stopped.
“One more thing.”
“What?”
“Victoria will be there.”
Elena's expression changed.
“Your sister?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“She rarely misses these events.”
Elena remembered their conversation from the night before.
Victoria had already questioned her.
“What should I do if she asks about the contract?”
Adrian looked directly at her.
“Don't tell her.”
“I won't.”
“Good.”
He walked toward the door.
Elena watched him.
“Adrian?”
He stopped.
“Are you hiding something from me?”
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he looked back at her.
“Everyone has secrets, Elena.”
And he walked away.
Elena stood there silently.
His answer only made her more suspicious.
She looked down at the contract on the table.
She had entered this marriage to save her family.
But the more time she spent with Adrian, the more she realized one thing.
He was hiding something from her.
Elena couldn't stop thinking about Adrian's words.
Everyone has secrets.
What kind of secret could a man like Adrian Blackwood be hiding?
She pushed the thought away.
It wasn't her business.
At least, that was what the contract said.
She spent the rest of the morning unpacking her things. There wasn't much to unpack. Most of her belongings were still at her family's house.
Her phone rang.
It was her mother.
“Hello, Mom.”
“How are you?”
“I'm fine.”
“Are you sure?”
Elena smiled.
“Yes. I'm okay.”
Her mother was quiet for a moment.
“Is he treating you well?”
Elena glanced toward the door.
“Yes.”
“Are you comfortable there?”
“Not really.”
Her mother laughed softly.
“I knew you would say that.”
Elena smiled.
“I'll get used to it.”
“You don't have to pretend with me.”
Elena's smile faded.
“What do you mean?”
“I know you're scared.”
Elena looked down.
“A little.”
“Come home if you need to.”
“I can't.”
“Why?”
Elena remembered the contract.
“Because I made a promise.”
Her mother sighed.
“Just be careful.”
“I will.”
After the call ended, Elena sat quietly on the bed.
She had promised her mother she would be careful.
She intended to keep that promise.
That evening, Elena stood in front of the mirror.
Her dress was simple but elegant.
She adjusted her hair and took a deep breath.
A knock came at the door.
“Come in.”
Adrian entered.
His eyes moved toward her.
For a moment, he said nothing.
“You're ready.”
Elena nodded.
“Yes.”
He walked closer.
“You look beautiful.”
Elena froze.
It was the first compliment he had given her.
“Thank you.”
Adrian offered his arm.
“We should leave.”
She placed her hand on his arm.
As they walked downstairs, Elena noticed how naturally they looked together.
Almost like a real couple.
She quickly looked away.
It's only an act.
Outside, a car waited for them.
Adrian opened the door for her.
“After you.”
“Thank you.”
She got inside.
A few minutes later, they were on their way.
Elena looked out the window.
“Adrian?”
“Yes?”
“Do you really think your family believes we're in love?”
He glanced at her.
“They don't have a choice.”
“That doesn't sound reassuring.”
“It wasn't meant to.”
Elena sighed.
“You're impossible.”
A small smile appeared on his face.
“You're learning.”
She looked at him.
For the first time, she saw a different side of him.
He wasn't always cold.
Sometimes, he could actually be playful.
Before she could say anything, the car stopped.
They had arrived.
Adrian stepped out and offered his hand.
Elena took it.
The moment they entered the building, cameras flashed.
She immediately became nervous.
“Don't look at them,” Adrian whispered.
“Everyone is staring.”
“Let them.”
He placed his hand around her waist.
Elena's heart skipped.
“Adrian.”
“Smile.”
She forced a smile.
They walked into the crowded hall together.
People turned to look at them.
Whispers filled the room.
“That must be Adrian Blackwood's new wife.”
“She is beautiful.”
“I heard they married suddenly.”
Elena heard the whispers.
She held Adrian's arm tighter.
Then a familiar voice came from behind them.
“Enjoying your first night as Mrs. Blackwood?”
Elena turned.
Victoria stood there.
Her smile was polite.
But her eyes were suspicious.
Elena felt a strange chill run through her. Something told her that Victoria knew more than she's saying.
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