THE RULES OF BEING HIS WIFE
1034 Words
Chapter Four — The Rules of Being His Wife
The intruder was gone by morning.
No one had been injured, but the security team found a small black envelope outside the study.
Adrian opened it himself.
Maya watched his expression carefully.
“What does it say?”
He folded the paper.
“Nothing important.”
“You're lying again.”
“Maya.”
“Don't do that.”
“Do what?”
“Treat me like I'm too fragile to know what's happening.”
Adrian stared at her.
Then he handed her the note.
There were only six words.
Your wife will pay for your sins.
Maya's heart sank.
“You're going to tell me everything.”
Adrian nodded.
“All right.”
They sat opposite each other in the study.
“My father was a powerful man,” Adrian began. “He owned several hospitals and businesses. But he also had enemies.”
“Who?”
“I don't know.”
“That's not an answer.”
“I know.”
He leaned back.
“My father died when I was eighteen.”
Maya remained quiet.
“I was told it was an accident. Years later, I discovered evidence suggesting someone had arranged it.”
“And my father?”
“He was investigating.”
Maya's breath caught.
“My father knew?”
“Yes.”
“Then why didn't he tell me?”
“Because he wanted to protect you.”
Maya looked down.
“Everyone keeps saying they're protecting me.”
Adrian's voice softened.
“Your father loved you.”
A tear slipped down Maya's cheek before she could stop it.
Adrian noticed.
He reached for a tissue and handed it to her.
Their fingers touched.
Neither moved away immediately.
Maya looked at him.
“Did you know me before I came to work at the hospital?”
Adrian's eyes became unreadable.
“Yes.”
Her heart skipped.
“How long?”
“Three years.”
Maya stared at him.
“What?”
“I saw you three years ago.”
“Where?”
“Outside a bookstore.”
She frowned.
“You remember that?”
“I remember everything about you.”
The words left her speechless.
Adrian looked away.
“You were arguing with a man who had taken your umbrella.”
Maya blinked.
“You were there?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn't you say anything?”
“Because I wasn't supposed to approach you.”
“Who told you that?”
“Your father.”
Maya stared at him.
“What did he tell you?”
Adrian hesitated.
“He told me that if anything ever happened to him, I was to protect you.”
Her heart softened despite herself.
“That's why you hired me?”
“No.”
“Then why?”
Adrian looked directly at her.
“Because I wanted you close.”
Maya's heart raced.
“That's not very professional.”
“I never said it was.”
She laughed softly.
For the first time, the tension between them felt lighter.
Adrian watched her smile.
“You should do that more.”
“What?”
“Smile.”
“Why?”
“Because the house feels different when you do.”
Maya looked away, embarrassed.
“You're surprisingly sweet sometimes.”
“Don't tell anyone.”
She smiled again.
Adrian's gaze lingered on her.
Then his expression suddenly became serious.
“There are rules.”
“Rules?”
“If you're going to stay here, yes.”
“Tell me.”
“Don't leave the property without security.”
“Fine.”
“Don't answer unknown calls.”
“Fine.”
“Don't enter my father's old study.”
Maya frowned.
“Why?”
“Because I said so.”
“That isn't an explanation.”
“It doesn't have to be.”
She folded her arms.
“I don't like your rules.”
Adrian almost smiled.
“I know.”
“And I'm not promising to follow all of them.”
“I know that too.”
Maya laughed.
But there was one rule she hadn't expected.
Adrian stood.
“And there's one more.”
“What?”
“Don't fall in love with me.”
The smile disappeared from Maya's face.
Adrian's expression was completely serious.
“Why?”
“Because I won't be able to give you the kind of life you deserve.”
Maya looked at him.
“And what kind of life is that?”
“One without secrets.”
He walked away.
But Maya couldn't stop thinking about his words.
That afternoon, Maya went to the hospital.
She was speaking to one of the young doctors when Adrian walked past.
He stopped.
His eyes moved from Maya to the doctor.
“Dr. Ethan.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Don't you have patients?”
Ethan smiled awkwardly.
“I was just helping Maya.”
“I can see that.”
Maya frowned.
“Adrian.”
He looked at her.
“What?”
“Are you jealous?”
His expression changed.
“No.”
Ethan quietly excused himself.
Maya smiled.
“You are.”
Adrian stepped closer.
“You're enjoying this.”
“Maybe.”
He lowered his voice.
“Be careful.”
“Why?”
“Because I don't like sharing what's mine.”
Maya's heart skipped.
“I'm not yours.”
Adrian stared at her.
“Not yet.”
Before Maya could answer, Victoria appeared at the end of the hallway.
Her face was unusually serious.
“Adrian.”
He turned..
“We need to talk.”
Victoria looked at Maya.
“Alone.”
Adrian shook his head.
“Whatever you have to say can be said in front of my wife.”
Victoria's eyes narrowed.
“Then she deserves to know that your grandfather has ordered you to divorce her.”
Maya's smile disappeared.
Adrian's face became cold.
“And if I refuse?”
Victoria looked directly at Maya.
“Then your grandfather will reveal the secret Adrian has spent years hiding.”
Maya looked at Adrian.
“What secret?”
Victoria smiled.
“Ask him what happened the night your father died.”
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