n't sleep

ian's face-calm, composed, unreadable. She

Lena. This is about su

ent guardian. It was heavy, not just physically, but with everything it represented-freedom

steady now, her decision made. She had lived in fear for too long-fear of her illness,

ract into her purse and

-

r smiled as soon as she stepped in

uit crisp, hair perfectly styled. As always, he looked like he stepped straight out of a fashion magaz

come to a deci

se, pulled out the contract, and la

urprised. He picked up the papers, flipped through t

nfident," she said wi

smoothly. "It's why I have more m

eluctant smile that crept onto

g and adjusting his cuf

-

thing prepared in advance. The judge didn't ask too many questions-clear

owers. No music.

nd Adrian, tall and composed in an expensive grey suit. They exchange

nd and wife, Lena felt like she was

w Mrs. Len

ow whether to

-

loor of a skyscraper, it had floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline, marble floor

in separate spaces. I'll have my assistant handle your medical arrangem

't feel real. How had her life gone from struggling to affor

opping outside a sleek

dy filled with clothes in her size, and a bathroom bigger than

d all this..

said simply. "I was co

d. "You really ar

ned just a little. "I'm n

ietly. "You're my

n't be easy. There will be rules. Public app

stand,"

itated. "They're going

d. "I have no

"Just remember-this is business.

told herself she didn't care. She wasn't loo

e said. "No

-

w days passe

tal. The doctors were kind, professional, and reassuring. Her condition-an ova

er chest. For the first time in years, t

penthouse was not as easy

didn't know how to behave around them. She had always done eve

n a different suit, always smelling like expensive cologne. They wo

one

ading a book from Adrian's massive library, when he wa

you were stil

ldn't

lass of whiskey. Then, after a moment's hesita

, surprised

silence, sip

et it?" he a

at him. "T

nod

r a long momen

ile. "No. It's exac

rp features. In that moment, he looked less like a bil

do to you?" Le

Then she took my trust, my name, and my secrets... and sold

tightened.

ind my back for a year. Used me. Played

was instinctive. She didn't know why she did

er hand, but d

y," she w

up to hers, inten

warning, he

na.

eath c

ough for her to feel the heat between them-but

hould

rt racing. "Rig

om the touch, and her heart k