Chapter 3

Just a few days.

The second I find a new place, I'm out.

I stood at the villa's entrance with my suitcase, giving myself a pep talk.

I swiped the card. The gate opened.

And I froze.

Three stories. Vaulted ceilings. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private garden.

The décor was all cold black, white, and gray—but everything screamed money.

I'd never set foot in a place like this in my life.

I crept upstairs and picked the smallest bedroom—still huge, bigger than my entire rental.

I opened the closet and froze again.

A row of dresses. Silk nightgowns. All brand new, tags still on.

I checked the size on one.

Same as mine.

These were for Felicity.

Something sour twisted in my chest.

A cold guy like Adrian, preparing all this for his fiancée.

...What's it to me anyway.

I put the gown back and dug out my faded floral pajamas from my suitcase instead. Changed into them and flopped onto the massive bed.

So soft.

I was drifting off when a beeping sound came from downstairs.

I snapped awake.

The garage sensor.

I ran barefoot into the hallway and saw the security monitor in the living room—a black Range Rover pulling in.

The door opened.

Adrian stepped out.

He said he barely stayed here???

My mind went blank. I wanted to run, but where? This was his territory.

Footsteps. Already at the door.

I took a deep breath.

I had to keep playing the part.

The lights.

I rushed to kill every light in the house, plunging it into darkness. Then I steadied my voice.

The door opened.

"Adrian." I softened my voice, mimicking Felicity's breathy tone. "I wanted to surprise you. Don't you like it?"

In the dark, his footsteps paused.

"Surprise?" A hint of amusement in his voice. "I'm definitely surprised."

He walked toward me.

My heart was going to explode, but I forced myself to stay calm—even stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him from behind.

"Don't... don't turn on the lights." I buried my face against his back. "I like it dark."

He said nothing.

I felt him turn. One hand caught my chin.

"This eager?"

The next second, he swept me off my feet.

I clung to his neck, breathing in that familiar mint scent, terrified and frantic inside.

He took a few steps, then stopped.

"You changed your pajamas tonight?"

I went rigid.

The floral pajamas.

I was wearing my own ratty floral pajamas. Not the silk ones he'd prepared.

"I—I just threw something on." My voice trembled. "You don't like it?"

Silence in the darkness. Two seconds.

Then a low laugh.

"Actually... it's kind of cute."

Before I could exhale, I was tossed onto the soft bed.

He braced himself over me, voice rough:

"But I'd like it better if you wore nothing."

...

That night, he was rougher than ever.

Like he wanted to devour me whole.

By the time dawn crept in, he was finally asleep. I was so spent I could barely lift a finger.

But I had to disappear before he woke up.

I dragged my aching body out of bed—and spotted a sticky note on the nightstand.

I didn't put that there.

Did he write it?

I leaned in to read:

"Had to leave early for work. Won't be back for a couple days. Make yourself at home."

When did he write this?

How did I not notice?

Relief washed over me. And something else I couldn't name.

Whatever.

I started getting ready for work, then checked my phone. A message from Felicity.

【Mira, I've decided. I'm ending the engagement with Adrian!】

【I found my true love! He's my destiny!】

【I'll tell Adrian when I'm back in the country!】

I stared at the screen, not sure what to feel.

Ending the engagement.

So... do I keep pretending?

Something hollow settled in my chest.

Probably just about the money. Without this gig, my sister's treatment bills would be a problem again.

Before I could sort through my thoughts, another message came in.

The company group chat.

【Reminder: Mandatory health screening today. Please arrive on time.】

Health screening.

And then I remembered something.

My period was late this month.