Stella's POV
I quickened my pace, my expression one of pure disbelief as I approached him. It was indeed Adam, looking impossibly handsome in a perfectly tailored suit, but something was dramatically different.
"Adam, you... you're not in your wheelchair?" I managed to say, staring at him standing tall and perfectly steady on his own two feet.
*Oh my God. He's actually standing there. In public. Without the wheelchair. What the hell is going on?*
A rare, genuine smile softened his usually stern features. "Welcome home, Mrs. Lancaster." He extended the luxurious bouquet to me, then opened his arms. "Surprised?"
My heart stuttered in my chest, a whirlwind of emotions—surprise, joy, confusion—leaving me momentarily speechless as I looked up at my husband, who was probably standing before me without pretense for the first time since we'd met.
Damn, I really missed this control freak. What's gotten into me?
As I finally pulled back, I looked up to find him staring at me with an intensity that made my knees weak.
"What else do I need to do?" I asked, still processing this unexpected welcome.
"Such as?" he replied, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint.
In response, I tiptoed and lightly kissed his lips, surprising even myself with my boldness.
As I prepared to step back, Adam's hand grabbed the back of my neck, his grip firm and gentle, anchoring me in place. He returned the unexpected intensity with a strong kiss, gently nibbling on my lower lip before releasing me, leaving me breathless.
"Stella," he murmured, his voice low and rough, "Milan seems to have made you bolder. Kissing me in public?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks as I realized the curious glances from passing travelers. I retorted, "What's going on? Why are you here?"
"Isn't this what you wanted?" he asked, tilting his head slightly, a knowing look in his eyes.
"I didn't ask for anything," I said, confused.
"Then who argued with me about going to the airport to pick up Grace and bringing flowers?" he raised an eyebrow suggestively, a smug smile playing on his lips.
"That wasn't-" I started, then stopped, feeling the heat creeping up my neck. "Whatever."
Adam's lips curved into a victorious smile as he picked up my carry-on, his other hand placed possessively on my waist, his touch burning through my clothes like fire.
"You look tired," he said, his gaze unexpectedly concerned as it swept over my face. "Long flight?"
"A long week," I corrected, stifling a yawn. "But it was worth it. Despite Grace's best efforts to mess things up, the show was a success."
As we walked, I couldn't help but glance at him from time to time, still adjusting to the sight of Adam confidently striding through the airport.
"How did you know what time I was arriving?" I continued to inquire, genuinely curious.
"Frank told me," he casually replied.
I nearly tripped over my own feet. "You're in contact with Frank now? Did you threaten him?"
Adam's expression turned into a mock offense. "Stella, can't you have a little faith in your husband?"
Frank voluntarily talking to Adam? Unbelievable.
Before I could further interrogate him, Adam's phone rang. After checking the screen, he apologized and took a few steps away to answer the call.
I watched him for a moment, noticing how different he looked in this environment - standing tall, attracting all eyes without even trying. Several passing ladies turned back for a second look, their gazes lingering on his imposing figure.
Can't blame them. He really was ridiculously handsome. And technically, he was mine.
The thought brought an unexpected possessiveness, surprising even myself.
"Mrs. Lancaster," Taylor's voice pulled my attention away from Adam. He appeared by my side, opening the car door for me. "Congratulations on the successful Light fashion show!"
"Thank you, Taylor," I replied, surprised. "News travels fast, huh?"
A hint of mischief flashed across Taylor's usually composed face. "Not entirely. Mr. Lancaster specifically instructed me to keep an eye on the Light fashion show. When he found out you were performing on the piano, we were in a board meeting. He paused the entire meeting to watch the live broadcast."
My jaw nearly dropped. "You... watched me perform during a board meeting?"
"Indeed," Taylor confirmed, with a slight smile. "Several board members even commented on your excellent piano skills."
Oh my God. Adam made his board members watch me play the piano? Is he out of his mind?
Imagining the scene - Adam forcing a room full of powerful executives to sit and watch a live fashion show just to see me perform - brought a flush to my cheeks.
"That... is so unprofessional," I managed to say, though a strange warmth spread in my chest, thinking of Adam dropping everything to watch me.
"Mr. Lancaster is quite insistent," Taylor added. "He called it 'necessary market research'."
I snorted, picturing Adam deadpanning that obvious lie.
Adam returned from the call, just in time to catch the tail end of our conversation. His gaze narrowed dangerously, flicking between Taylor and me.
"Get in the car?" he gestured, pointing to the open door.
As I slid into the back seat, I wondered what aspects of my work in Milan Adam had been monitoring. The idea of him watching me, even from across the ocean, was both intimidating and strangely sensual.
When we arrived at Lancaster Manor, a courier from Light had already delivered a multitude of gifts they sent along with me - several garment bags containing high-end custom clothing, as well as accessories and exclusive items not available to the general public.
I began unpacking them in the living room, carefully laying out each item on the couch for inspection.
"What are all these?" Adam asked, surveying the growing pile of gifts.
"Gifts from Light," I explained, picking up an exquisite evening gown. "They're very grateful for my help with the exhibition."
Adam circled the items, scrutinizing each one with his calculating gaze. When he spotted a limited edition handbag, he paused. "This one isn't going into your closet?"
I looked up from the unfolding scarf. "No, I plan to give it to Sam as a welcome home gift tomorrow."
Adam's expression almost imperceptibly changed, but I noticed a slight narrowing of his eyes. "Stella, no gift for me?"
The question caught me off guard. I looked up to find him staring at me with an exaggerated look of disappointment, so out of character that I almost laughed.
"I... uh, Eric doesn't have one either," I stammered, immediately realizing how weak that reason sounded. "Only Sam does."
"You're comparing me to Eric?" Adam's voice took on that dangerous edge that always sent shivers down my spine.
Damn. I really should have brought him something. Basic wife knowledge, and I failed.
I quickly scanned the gifts, my eyes landing on a beautiful white shirt. I picked it up and handed it to him.
"This is for you," I said, trying to sound convincing. "It's from Light's men's collection."
Adam took the shirt, inspecting it with a skeptical look. "Really?"
"Yes," I lied, though the raised eyebrow told me he didn't believe it for a second. "Try it on."
To my surprise, Adam nodded and headed towards the bedroom. I followed behind, relieved that my hasty attempt to appease him seemed to be working.
Once in the bedroom, Adam unexpectedly locked the door with a decisive click. He began deliberately unbuttoning his tie, his gaze never leaving me.
"Adam, what are you doing?" I asked, my voice unexpectedly breathless as his intense gaze bore into me.
"Try on my gift," he replied calmly, his fingers moving to the buttons of the shirt.
"You can change in the bathroom," I suggested, as he removed his jacket, suddenly feeling my mouth go dry.
"Help me," he softly commanded, standing straight, waiting for my response.
Was he serious? Was this some game he wanted to play?
As I hesitated, his expression unexpectedly softened. "Stella, just help me," he said, his voice lower, almost tinged with vulnerability. "I want your touch."