Chapter 8: Compulsory Closeness
Elena POV
Adrian's estate was revealed when the vehicle moved up the winding path and the enormous gates creaked open. At the summit of a hill, the house-or rather, the expansive mansion-formed a dramatic silhouette against the winter sky with its austere contemporary style.
Lily's eyes were wide as she pushed her face against the window. "Whoa, Mommy! Is this a castle?
"Not quite," I said, holding on to the steering wheel.
I had no choice but to accept Adrian's invitation-or rather, his ultimatum. I ran the danger of coming soon as irrational in light of his developing custody case if I didn't cooperate. He had maintained that it was just a weekend and an opportunity to spend time with Lily. However, I was aware that I shouldn't take Adrian Blackwood a
