Chapter 266

Stella's POV

The moment we stepped into the apartment, I couldn't hold back my laughter any longer. The stylish, modern space was luxurious by any standard—floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, designer furniture, state-of-the-art appliances—but compared to Lancaster Manor, it was practically cozy.

"What's so funny?" Adam asked, closing the door behind him.

"Nothing," I managed between laughs, "just thinking about how this must be the smallest place you've ever lived in. Must be quite an adjustment for you."

Adam approached slowly, his expression playfully threatening as he gently pinched my cheek. "Are you mocking me, Mrs. Lancaster?"

"I would never," I responded with exaggerated innocence, "I'm just impressed by your adaptability. From mansion to apartment—that's quite a downsize."

In an instant, Adam's hands found my waist, effortlessly lifting me onto the entryway console table. He positioned himself between my legs, effectively trapping me against the wall.

"With you here," he said, his voice dropping to that dangerous low register that never failed to send shivers down my spine, "I'd be comfortable anywhere."

This simple statement, devoid of his usual calculation or performance, caught me off guard. I remembered our first days at the university guesthouse—how out of place he had looked in such modest surroundings, yet he had never complained once.

I placed my hands lightly on his chest, fingers feeling the solid muscle beneath his shirt, intending to push him away and continue exploring the rest of the apartment. But before I could speak, Adam's eyes darkened as he lowered his head to capture my lips.

The kiss started gently, a soft exploratory touch, his lips warm and soft with a hint of coffee. But quickly, it turned demanding, his hand sliding to the back of my neck, long fingers threading through my hair, tightening slightly to pull me closer until our bodies were nearly flush against each other.

My heart rate accelerated sharply, familiar heat rising in my lower abdomen, spreading like flames. His other hand steadied my waist, fingertips applying just the right pressure through my thin dress, igniting every nerve beneath my skin.

Unconsciously, I rose on my tiptoes, my hands moving from his chest to his shoulders, fingers digging in as I tried to steady myself but only succeeded in sinking deeper into the pull. His breathing became heavier, hot against my cheek with a hint of mint, intermingling with my own gasps.

God, I was supposed to push him away. But my body betrayed me with embarrassing predictability, responding to his touch as my legs weakened slightly, as if begging him to go further.

Adam's lips curved upward, as if sensing my struggle, he gently bit my lower lip, drawing out a low moan that made me shiver.

Just as I was about to abandon the tour and surrender completely to this heat between us, he slowly ended the kiss, his hands steadying my waist as he set me back on the ground. His eyes remained locked on mine, a hint of amusement dancing in them.

"Let's see the rest," he suggested, though his darkened eyes betrayed his reluctance.

I blinked at him, momentarily disoriented by the sudden shift. "You're stopping?"

A knowing smile played across his lips. "You just had lunch. I'm being considerate."

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the lingering warmth in my cheeks. "How thoughtful of you, Mr. Lancaster."

Honestly, I'm surprised he didn't just carry me straight to the bedroom. Maybe he really is developing some self-control.

The apartment was spotless, obviously prepared with care. Each room showcased Adam's thoughtfulness—from the fresh linens changed to my preferences, to the refrigerator stocked with all my favorite foods.

What impressed me most was how the space was completely arranged for two people. The kitchen had exactly two of everything—matching mugs, plates, glasses, and silverware. The bathroom contained two toothbrushes, two sets of towels, two bathrobes. Even the slippers by the bed were a matching pair.

This wasn't a place decorated by an interior designer with generic luxury items. This was a home created specifically for us—for me and Adam—with every detail considered for our life together.

I glanced at Adam, who pretended not to notice my emotional reaction as he casually pointed out the layout of the master bedroom. His deliberate nonchalance only emphasized how much thought he had put into this surprise.

The apartment had two bedrooms—a spacious master suite and a slightly smaller second bedroom that had been converted into a home office. Inside the office, two large desks were placed side by side, each equipped with everything we might need for work.

"This one is yours," Adam indicated the desk positioned to catch the best natural light, "I thought you might prefer preparing your lectures here."

My fingers traced the smooth desktop, touched by his consideration. He's really trying to build a normal married life with me, isn't he?

The afternoon passed comfortably with work, me preparing lecture notes at my new desk while Adam handled business documents at his. The familiar sound of his fingers tapping on the keyboard, his occasional sighs when encountering something frustrating, the slight rustle of papers being organized—all created a reassuring backdrop for my own work.

I found myself stealing glances at him more frequently than I cared to admit, observing the slight furrow of his brow when he concentrated, the way he occasionally rubbed the back of his neck when reading something particularly thought-provoking.

"Stella," Adam's voice interrupted my thoughts, "you've been staring at me for nearly thirty minutes. Is there something on my face?"

I blinked, suddenly realizing I had completely abandoned my lecture notes in favor of studying my husband. Heat crept up my neck as I scrambled for a response.

"I—I was just thinking about something."

"About what?" he asked with a knowing smile playing at his lips, "If you're inviting me to take a break, you could simply say so."

"Don't be so presumptuous," I countered, though my burning ears betrayed me, "I was actually thinking about the university's Top Ten Singers competition tonight. We should go see it."

Adam's expression immediately transformed into barely disguised disinterest. "A student singing contest?"

"It'll be fun!" I insisted, walking over to his chair, "Come on, when was the last time you did something purely for entertainment? This is what normal couples do—attend events together, support the university community..."

When he remained unmoved, I decided to employ a strategy I rarely used. I perched on the edge of his desk, deliberately leaning closer, and purposefully pouted. "Please? For me?"

Adam's gaze darkened slightly as he studied my expression. "You're playing that card now? Interesting strategy."

I pressed my advantage, gently placing my hand on his arm. "Pretty please? I'll make it worth your while afterward."

"Ask me again," he commanded softly, his fingers capturing my wrist.

My pride stung at his demand. I pulled my hand away and stood up straight. "Forget it. I'll just go by myself. Maybe I'll run into some students—or that studious sophomore who's always asking for extra tutoring." I deliberately emphasized the word "sophomore," watching for Adam's reaction.