The next morning felt unbearably quiet.
Not peaceful.
Tense.
Like the mansion itself remembered what almost happened the night before.
Elena stood by the bedroom window in a silk robe, staring at the pale morning sky while her thoughts replayed every second of that moment downstairs.
Adrian’s hands on her waist.
The way he looked at her.
The dangerous silence between them.
Her heart still reacted to the memory instantly.
And that terrified her.
Because this wasn’t supposed to happen.
Their marriage was a contract.
Controlled.
Practical.
Safe.
Feelings complicated everything.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
“Miss Elena?” Mrs. Darlene’s voice called gently. “Breakfast is ready.”
Elena inhaled slowly.
“Okay.”
By the time she entered the dining room, Adrian was alrea
