CHAPTER 7 — THE TRUTH HE HID
510 Words
Adrian arrived at Elena's apartment that evening.
He brought flowers.
She opened the door.
For a moment, neither spoke.
He smiled.
“I brought these for you.”
Elena looked at the flowers.
“They're beautiful.”
“You don't sound happy.”
“I've had a long day.”
He immediately became concerned.
“What happened?”
She stepped aside.
“Come in.”
Adrian entered.
Elena placed the flowers on the table.
Then she turned toward him.
“Who is Victoria Harrington?”
Adrian froze.
He knew immediately.
His father.
“What did you hear?”
“So there is something.”
“Elena…”
“Answer me.”
He sighed.
“Victoria is someone my father wants me to marry.”
Her heart broke a little.
“But you said she meant nothing.”
“She doesn't.”
“Then why didn't you tell me?”
“Because I didn't want you to worry.”
“You don't get to decide what I should worry about.”
“I was trying to protect you.”
“From what?”
“My family.”
Elena laughed bitterly.
“That isn't protection.”
Adrian stepped closer.
“My father wants this marriage because of business.”
“And you?”
“I don't want it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“How can I believe you?”
“Because I'm standing here.”
She looked at him.
“I need more than words.”
Adrian reached for her hand.
She pulled away.
That hurt more than he expected.
“Elena.”
“I care about you.”
“I know.”
“No. You don't.”
She looked at him with tears in her eyes.
“I care about you enough that this scares me.”
Adrian's expression softened.
“I know.”
“I don't belong in your world.”
“You belong wherever you want to be.”
“That sounds romantic.”
“It is the truth.”
She looked away.
“My family will make this difficult.”
“I don't care.”
“You should.”
“I don't.”
He moved closer.
“I've spent my entire life doing what my family expected. For once, I'm going to choose something for myself.”
“And what are you choosing?”
He looked directly into her eyes.
“You.”
Her breath caught.
Adrian reached for her face.
She didn't move away.
“I should have told you,” he whispered.
“Yes.”
“I'm sorry.”
She closed her eyes.
“I don't want secrets between us.”
“There won't be.”
“You promise?”
“I promise.”
She finally looked at him.
“Then stay.”
He pulled her into his arms.
She rested against him.
For the first time that night, she felt safe.
But neither of them noticed the black car parked across the street.
Inside it, Richard Blake watched the apartment building.
His expression was cold.
“This isn't over.”
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