Chapter 64 ~ A night with a stranger

Chapter 64 ~ A night with a stranger
ELLA

My eyes fluttered open, and I tried to get up but ended up right back in bed. My body felt like I had been hit by a truck. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest as I tried to move. 

Adrian's impromptu training session had left me physically drained, and the soreness was a constant reminder of the challenges I was facing.

And to think only his presence used to drain me. I don't even remember how I’d fallen asleep after rejecting Blondie’s food. 

What if she had tried to kill me?

Okay, that's a stretch… because Adrian would have killed her too. That much she knew and I did too. But this warm feeling in my heart didn’t mean that I forgave what he’d done.

You couldn’t just marry someone like this.

Hell, I didn’t even know if I wanted to get married. Why couldn’t he just keep me as a pet instead?

Were my grandparents aware?

I couldn’t trust them either. Too many secrets surrounded me, and it was driving me insane. It felt like no one was who they said they were.

The door creaked open, pulling me out of my battle, and Sofia entered with a stack of clothes. 

I shot her a wary look, not exactly thrilled to see her after our less-than-friendly encounter the previous day. She placed the clothes on a chair without a word and turned to leave.

I felt like a bitch for being an ass especially since she had offered me… well, not exactly offered, since Adrian had commanded it but still.

“Good morning,” I forced a smile. She turned to look at me.

“Good morning, Ella. I hope you’re feeling better,” she responded.

“Yes, I am. Thank you,” I lied, not wanting to let anyone know about my misery for fear of being killed at my weakest point.

She nodded before adding, “Adrian thought you might need a change of clothes,” her tone devoid of any emotion.

I hesitated for a moment, grappling with my pride, but practicality won over. “Thanks,” I muttered.

“You’re welcome. Breakfast will be ready in an hour. Please come down on time.” She emphasized “on time” like every typical Italian.

“Sure,” was all my brain could come up with as I watched her shut the door behind her.

Every movement felt like a symphony of protest from my tired muscles as I reluctantly stirred from the bed. I winced with each step as I made my way to the bathroom.

I shed the clothes from the previous day with a sense of relief. The hot water cascaded over my body, easing the tension in my muscles. 

Closing my eyes, I let the sensation wash away the fatigue.

Walking back to the bedroom, I put on the clothes Sofia had brought and made my way downstairs.

I disliked her but at least I had enough manners to respect people’s rules in their home.

Except Adrian’s.

I gingerly descended the grand staircase, my muscles still protesting with every step. 

The scent of breakfast wafted through the air, drawing me toward the lavish dining area.

As I entered, Sofia was arranging plates, her movements calculated and precise. 

She wore a simple black dress with her hair pinned in place. 

The apron was tied securely around her, and I couldn’t help but envy how organized she looked. While I looked like I had slept in the desert whenever I was in the kitchen.

Did Adrian still sleep with her?

How could he not? She was all sorts of perfection and a full Italian woman.

My heart crunched painfully at the thought of him being intimate with another woman.

I took a seat, the ornate chair feeling both luxurious and out of place. The silence hung heavy in the air, so I cleared my throat, attempting to break the stifling quiet.

"So, um, how long have you been working for Adrian?" I ventured, my attempt at conversation feeling forced.

Sofia paused, her gaze briefly meeting mine.

"Long enough," she replied cryptically, leaving me with more questions than answers.

"How long is long enough?" I asked.

"Years," she responded flatly, and it took all my strength not to curse her out.

I mean what happened to sisters supporting sisters?

"Oh," was all I could think of as my fork twirled awkwardly in my fingers. "I guess this is a different lifestyle from what I’m used to."

Sofia offered a tight-lipped smile, her response guarded. "You’ll adjust."

As if.

But I decided to be a civilized grown woman rather than a child, so I just smiled back.

Adrian suddenly walked in. He looked so handsome and freshly showered.

His cologne hit my nose from a distance, and all I could think of was burying my face in his arms.

He locked eyes with me as he walked toward the table, and my heart beat at an abnormal rate.

Without a word, he bent down and kissed me on the lips. 

I was left momentarily stunned. The taste of his presence lingered even after he pulled away. He tasted like coffee and tobacco a deadly mixture bound to kill you.

"We’re going back home," he said, his voice carrying a mix of authority and command.

"Home?" I echoed, confusion evident on my face.

Adrian nodded, his hand resting on the back of the chair. "There’s an engagement announcement tonight. We can’t miss it."

"But I thought we were..." I began, my words faltering.

Adrian placed a finger on my lips, silencing me.

"We are, but the world doesn’t know it yet. So we need to let them know."

"Is it safe?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.

"There’s no such thing as safety anymore," he responded flatly.

I frowned at this, but I didn’t fight him.

"For now, just trust me," he said, and I laughed inwardly.

Trust?

I was supposed to trust a man who had ruined me. A man who was about to kill my old people.

One who had declared our marriage like they declare a bid. One I had vowed to never to fall for.

But it seemed my soul no longer belonged to me.

He held out his hand, and I took it.

I let him drag me to hell with him.