The following day began quietly. Alina had woken up early, her mind replaying Adrian’s words from the night before. Despite the whirlwind of emotions, she couldn’t deny that Adrian’s presence brought her a sense of security she hadn’t felt in years.
But security wasn’t the only thing on her mind. There was something else about Adrian—something magnetic, intense, and inexplicably comforting.
As she made her way downstairs, she found him already seated in the living room, dressed impeccably in a charcoal-gray suit. His presence filled the room, and Alina hesitated at the doorway, suddenly self-conscious in her simple sundress.
“Morning,” she greeted softly.
Adrian glanced up, a small smile playing on his lips. “Morning. You’re just in time.”
“For what?” she asked, stepping closer.
He h
