marriage consequences

Episode 14: "Control Shaken"

Adrian's POV

The Elena I saw in my office was far different from the woman I had imagined. She wasn’t fragile. She wasn’t weak. She was beautiful, with smooth white skin and a quiet strength that made her sit upright, brave yet sad.

I stared at the documents in front of her. What was she thinking? Did she have a lover before? Was she living happily? All these questions ran through my head as I studied her. She fidgeted with the pen in her right hand and the papers in her left. Maybe she wanted to make her decision carefully, to avoid mistakes. She looked so innocent, yet determined. I couldn’t look away.

“The rules of this marriage are in that document,” I said, forcing my voice to stay cold. “Read them carefully. Fail to follow even one, and there will be consequences.”

I hadn’t even spent a day with her, and already I felt something softening inside me. Never. It won’t happen. I am Adrian Hartwell. I am strong, bold, unshaken. This is business. Nothing more.

Then she stood. “I am pressed. Can I use the restroom?” Elena asked softly.

I froze. No woman had ever shared this space before. Should I call staff, or let her use mine? My heart skipped. Control… felt uncertain.