Until It Was Her

Avoidance

Adrian woke up far too early and immediately realized two things. First … his wife was practically lying on top of him again. Second… he was in serious trouble.

Elena slept peacefully against his chest, completely unaware of the chaos She was causing. One of her legs rested between his, her body warm and soft beneath the blankets while his arms remained securely around her waist like it belonged there naturally.

And God… the lingerie, another delicate piece. Another sleepless night waiting to happen. This time there was no robe covering her at all, only soft pale fabric hugged her curves in ways that made self-control feel nearly impossible. Adrian stared at the celling in suffering. She was going to be the death of him.

Because waking up with her pressed against him like this while half-asleep and warm and comfortable…. Jesus christ. Every plan he made about distance and control disappeared instantly. His grip tightened unconsciously against her waist before he forced himself to stop. No, absolutely not.

Carefully, Adrian moved away from her without waking her and escaped straight into the bathroom. Another cold shower, at this rate, pneumonia was becoming a real possibility. Twenty minutes later he still felt restless, so he went to the gym.

Then after leaving the gym. He refreshed up quietly so as not to wake up Elena. And left for work absurdly early instead of waiting around the house where Elena existed looking beautiful and dangerous… Coward.

-

Elena woke up much later to an empty bed and cool sheets. She blinked sleepily before sitting up slowly. Adrian was gone already. Again. For some reason, disappointment settled quietly in her chest. She pushed the feeling away immediately. This was an arranged marriage, not some emotional love story. Still… she missed him this morning. The realization annoyed her.

After showering, Elena moved through her usual routine calmly: exercise, skincare, coffee… well attempted coffee. She headed downstairs expecting to find Adrian somewhere in the mansion, maybe in his study or already working from home.

Instead, the older housekeeper smiled gently. “Mr. Vale already left, Mrs. Vale.”

Elena paused slightly. “That early?” Mary nodded. “Before sunrise.” Weird.

Elena tried ignoring the strange disappointment again. “It’s fine,” she said softly.

I'll just head to work too.”

The driver insisted on taking her, but Elena declined politely and drove herself instead. She needed space to think because deep down, she understood something… Adrian probably wasn't coming to the dinner tonight and honestly? She couldn't blame him. Meeting her family wasn't exactly enjoyable especially her father and brothers. The thought exhausted her.

By the time Elena reached her boutique, she pushed everything involving Adrian to the back of her mind. She had another store opening soon. New inventory arriving and contracts waiting. Work was easier than feelings. Much easier.

-

Meanwhile, Adrian sat in his home office pretending to focus on paperwork while failing miserably because somehow, every few minutes, his thoughts drifted back to Elena. Sleeping against him, wearing his clothes, looking disappointed last night when he hesitated about dinner.

He rubbed a tired hand across his face. This was getting ridiculous. A knock sounded against the office door before Damian walked in carrying several files.

“You look terrible,” Damian announced immediately.

“Good morning to you too.”

Damian dropped the paperwork onto the desk casually. “Investor contracts. Also ,are you going to dinner with Elena tonight?” Adrian looked up immediately. “How do you know about dinner?”

Damian blinked. “Elena told me.”

Of course she did.

“I invited her to have dinner with me and Lilly. Wanted to introduce lily to her tonight,”

Adrian frowned slightly. Lily. Damian's longtime girlfriend.

“I haven’t decided yet,” Adrian admitted. Damian stared at him like he'd lost his mind.

“Adrian.”

“What?”

“You know how her father and brothers are.” Adrian stayed quiet.

Because yes… he remembered. Even from the little Elena shared, it was obvious she often stood alone in that family. And suddenly the thought of her walking into that dinner alone bothered him more than expected.

“She pretend she doesn't care,” Damian said quietly. “But she will.” That hit harder than Adrian wanted because Elena really would smile through disappointment instead of asking for more. And somehow that made him want to give everything. Dangerous thought.

Adrian leaned back in his chair slowly before exhaling. “Fine.”

Damian smirked instantly. “So you're going.”

“I said fine. Don't make it emotional.”

Too late for that. Way too late.