A LOVE Worth Ruin

Chapter Four

Evelyn's Pov

My eyes flew open at the same time a scent warfed into my nostrils. I saw myself looking at a tanned chest and I knew whose chest that was.

Slowly, I lifted my head to look into those stormy grey eyes that were looking down at me with a trace of disappointment in them.

“Were you eavesdropping?” He asked, his voice sending literal chills to my body. I shook my head, before I realized that I was still sprawled on him.

He pushed me aside, then stood straight. My eyes went into the room, taking note of the minimalistic designs of the room. Then it fell on the woman I met earlier.

She gave me another mocking smile as she looked at me.

“I guess your wife missed you too much,” she said to Adrian, then came and stood beside him, smiling at me.

Once again, I felt that wave of embarrassment. It was obvious I just insulted myself by getting caught eavesdropping.

“What are you doing here? Done entertaining the guests?” Adrian spoke again. I swallowed and shook my head.

“I didn't know my way down.” I managed to speak, my voice coming out in squeaks.

“Oh! she speaks,” Cassandra spoke.

Adrian looked at her, effectively shutting her up with a glare.

“Do not ever wander about this house on your own. Do you understand, Evelyn?” He asked, my name dropping from his tongue like molten flame and falling on my skin, making me flinch in response.

He was about to speak again, when Butler Smith came once again.

“I'm sorry for the interruption, sir, but your brother is here.”

The response was immediate. Adrian looked away from me and started down the hall.

“Lock my room, Smith.” He ordered as he took long strides away from us. Butler Smith cleared his throat and locked the room. He gestured for me to come with him.

“Ohh wait, I must speak to the new bride, please,” Cassandra's voice stopped me in my tracks.

Butler Smith let out another cough before he smiled…forcefully if I might add.

“Of course, Miss Vale.” He gave me a look of apology before he stepped away, leaving me standing there with this strange woman and her sharp glances.

“Well, well, well.” She began, taking two steps closer till she was just inches away from me.

“Hello.” I said, then mentally berate myself.

Hello??

She looked amused by my response and she shook her head.

“I never expected Adrian to actually go on with this absurd arrangement.” Ahe muttered, more to herself, like she was thinking out loud.

Then she lifted her head again.

“You have no idea what you just got yourself into, new bride. Although, I must say, you're quite the looker, but Adrian has seen prettier girls. You're not a threat.” She walked around me, sizing me up with every cycle she completes.

“I have no idea what you're talking about,” I finally found my voice, fighting the lump in my throat before speaking any word.

She grinned, showing her pearly straight teeth.

“I'm certain you really don't. Which is what will make this easy for me. You may be wedded to Adrian on paper, but he is still mine."

"He has and he always will be. You know nothing, you have no idea the things I have done for him, or what he's done for me. Do not think you've won!” Her smile was gone now, and her green eyes shot daggers at me as she spoke.

“Mrs Kane, you're needed,” Butler Smith's voice called me, standing a few paces from me.

“Excuse me, I have to..go.” I said to Cassandra, before turning around. I shot a look across to the Butler, hoping my gratitude was visible in the look.

As I took steps away from the strange woman, I consciously let out an exhale. The butler chuckled.

“She was not supposed to be here. I'm sorry she made you uncomfortable.”

“It's okay.” I murmured, then looked down the stairs. Adrian was talking to a man with dark hair as well. It seemed to be a serious conversation, but the man was laughing while Adrian had a deep frown on his face.

“Is that his brother?” I asked. The Butler nodded but shook his head right after.

“Mrs Kane I'd advise you to stay away from Marcus. He's nothing but trouble, that one.”

I kept my eyes on both of them and soon, the man looked up, and his eyes met mine. I frowned as he seemed to not shift his gaze from mine.

He smiled slowly at me then said something to Adrian, still maintaining eye contact.

Adrian slowly turned around and looked directly at me.

I saw the man Marcus wave slowly at me before Adrian started up the stairs.

“Mr Smith? Did I do something wrong?” I asked in alarm as Adrian made his way to me.

“I'm not aware, Mrs Kane..just say nothing. Let him talk.” Butler Smith said to me and then smiled broadly when Nicholas reached us.

“Where is Cassandra?” Adrian growled. If he looked unapproachable before, now he was looking even colder as his eyes went between me and Smith.

“Ohh she's somewhere around, Sir. Your room is locked, as you requested,” the Butler promptly said. Adrian simply nodded then his eyes fell on me.

“You are my wife now. That means you have to listen and act accordingly. It also means whatever was supposed to be yours, is now mine,” he continued, looking down at the man I saw him talking to moments ago.

“The first rule I'm going to tell you. Do not ever be in proximity with Marcus. Do you understand?”

My eyes went to the man downstairs who was still smiling at me.

“I..” I stuttered, n

ot sure of how to respond to that.

“Do you understand, Evelyn Kane?”

That made me pause and I looked directly into his eyes.

“I do.”