Forced Marriage.

like the space had been designed more for intimidation than for living. The soft hum of the city below seeped through the glass walls, b

re was all sharp lines and muted colors, sleek and modern, with no personal touches to make it feel like a home. There were no photos

e floors. The hallway was lined with recessed lighting, casting a soft, sterile glow that illuminated a series

inated the space, dressed in crisp white linens. There was a vanity against one wall, and a large window that offered a sweeping view of t

Adrian were still at the reception. The thought made her stomach turn. They had barely exchanged a dozen words since leav

all day. Her body sagged with exhaustion, and she caught sight of herself in the vanity mirror-a pale face, dark circles under her eyes,

he stiffened. It wasn't Adrian's style to

led, her voice bar

sp uniform. "Mrs. Blackwood," she said with a polite smile. "I'm Helen, the h

ke a costume she was being forced to wear. "Thank you, Helen

ervant. "If you need anything, don'

ctional nature of the rest of the evening. Lily found herself wan

to the window, staring out at the sea of lights that stretched far into the horizon. Somewhere out the

s. Adrian didn't wait for her to invite him in; he stepped

said, his tone leaving

herself as if that could shield her

, she couldn't deny the effect he had on her. There was a magnetism to him,

iage is, don't you?" he asked,

e with a rare spark of defiance. "It's a business arrangement. You needed

be so blunt. He took a step closer, towering over her. "Good. I

pite herself. "For you? So you can continue your life

face. "Yes, Lily. For me. Because that's what this is. You're he

udden, unexpected burn of tears. "And what about you?" she whispered. "What do you need, Adrian? To keep up appear

he intensity in his eyes made her breath hitch. "Control isn't a bad thing, Lily," he s

inful and strangely grounding. "You say that li

humorless curve of h

grasp. "You think I don't have anything at stake

in, his voice sharp. "You did

for a company, for a deal. You didn't want me, A

close she could feel his breath on her skin. "You're right," he murmured, his voice a low

spond, but the look in his eyes stopped her. There was something there-something she couldn't quite place

ay from her. "Get some rest," he said over his shoulder, h

one, leaving her standing th