HALLOWED LOVE

CHAPTER 3: THE ANNOUNCEMENT

I always thought my parents’ home was my sanctuary. Growing up, its grand halls and pristine gardens had been my playground, a place where I felt safe. But today, as I walked into the drawing room with Adrian at my side, the air was thick with tension.

My mother, always the picture of elegance, greeted us with a warm smile. “Jasmine, Adrian, so good to see you both.”

Adrian nodded politely, his posture as rigid as ever. He looked every bit the powerful CEO, unreadable and intimidating. I wondered if he felt as out of place as I did.

“Shall we sit?” my father suggested, gesturing to the plush sofas.

As we settled, I clasped my hands tightly in my lap. This was it, the moment my parents would announce our engagement to the world.

“We’re thrilled to share some exciting news,” my mother began, her voice carrying the practiced charm of a socialite. “Jasmine and Adrian are engaged.”

The room erupted in polite applause from the small group of close family and friends present. Adrian’s parents, who had arrived moments before us, exchanged approving glances. His father, Richard Marco, looked particularly pleased, while his mother, Vivian, maintained her usual icy composure.

Adrian leaned toward me slightly, his voice low. “Smile. They’re watching.”

I forced a small smile, nodding politely at any one who glanced my way. " I'm smiling, " I muttered through clenched teeth turn to look at him to see if he was doing what he had accused me of.

Starring back at me, his lips twitched, almost forming a smirk.

After the announcement, the conversations shifted to wedding plans and family connections. I found myself standing near the windows, sipping a glass of sparkling water as Adrian’s mother approached me.

“Jasmine,” she said, her tone cool but polite. “I hope you understand the responsibility you’re taking on by marrying Adrian.”

I turned to face her, keeping my expression calm. “I understand what’s expected of me, Mrs. Marco.”

She arched a brow. “Do you? Adrian isn’t an easy man. He doesn’t trust easily, and he doesn’t forgive.”

“Forgiveness is an essential part of any relationship,” I replied evenly. “I’m willing to meet him halfway if he’s willing to do the same.”

Her gaze softened just slightly, as though my answer had caught her off guard. “We’ll see,” she murmured before walking away.

Later, Adrian found me by the fireplace, where I’d been attempting to avoid more probing questions from relatives.

“You handled my mother well,” he said, a hint of amusement in his tone.

“Is she always that...intense?” I asked, glancing at him.

“She’s not a fan of vulnerability,” he admitted.

I studied him for a moment, wondering if that trait was something he’d inherited. “You don’t seem particularly vulnerable yourself and how do you do it, how do you manage to look so... composed, while am here fighting an inner turmoil.”

He shrugged. “It’s not exactly encouraged in my family and I've been trained through my entire career not to show vulnerability and to keep my emotions in check.”

“Do you think that will work in a marriage?” I asked, surprising even myself with the boldness of the question.

Adrian’s gaze flickered, and for a moment, I thought he might actually answer. But then he shook his head slightly. “This isn’t about emotions, Jasmine. We’ve already agreed on that.”

I sighed, looking away. “Maybe not, but marriage is more than just a contract, Adrian. Even if this starts as a business arrangement, it doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.”

“Are you suggesting we pretend this is something it’s not?”

“I’m suggesting we try to make it work, for both our sakes. It wouldn't, hurt to try, would it.”

He didn’t respond immediately, and I wondered if I’d pushed too far. But then he nodded, almost imperceptibly. “We’ll see.”

I smiled and gave him a small nod. " Let's get back the gathering, shall we."

The evening ended with pleasantries and forced smiles. As Adrian and I walked to his car, the crisp night air felt like a relief after the stifling atmosphere inside.

“You don’t like these events, do you?” I asked, breaking the silence.

“They serve their purpose,” he said, unlocking the car.

“And what’s that?”

“Keeping up appearances,” he replied.

I slid into the passenger seat, glancing at him as he started the engine. “That’s a lonely way to live.”

He didn’t respond, but the silence between us felt heavier than before.

As we drove through the city, I found myself praying silently. I didn’t know what the future held with Adrian Marco, but I hoped, no, I believed that there was a purpose to all of this.

Even if he didn’t see it yet.