The ride back to the penthouse was silent… but not an empty silence.
It was dense, filled with something that made Lina's skin prickle.
Every time she looked out the window, she saw his reflection in the glass — serious, focused on the road, but with his jaw clenched in a way she had never seen before.
He was… restrained.
Like someone holding onto something far too tightly.
And Lina didn't know if it was because of her…
Or because of what he was thinking.
When they arrived at the building, the elevator was empty — thanks to Adrian's private access — and, as soon as the doors closed, Lina noticed the immediate shift.
The air grew warmer.
His presence became heavier.
And the small distance between them felt even smaller.
Adrian let a few seconds of silence pass before speaking:
— You were too quiet in the car.
— I was… thinking, Lina replied, too shy to lift her face.
— About what?
The question came low, deep, almost a whisper against her neck even though he hadn't touched her.
She took a breath.
— About all of this.
— "This"… meaning us? he asked.
Lina nodded.
Adrian stepped closer.
He didn't touch her.
But he stood close enough for her to feel his warmth behind her.
— Is there a problem? he asked, voice neutral, controlled.
And that's when she realized:
Adrian didn't fear many things.
But he feared… losing her.
— N-no, she replied too quickly. None.
The elevator stopped at the penthouse floor.
Before the doors opened, he said:
— Lina.
She turned to him — slowly.
And then she saw it.
The look.
That look he seemed to save only for her since the moment they met.
Heat.
Desire.
And something dangerous…
As if she were the only thing capable of disarming him.
— Don't be afraid of me, he said.
— I'm not, Lina whispered.
He raised an eyebrow.
— Then why are you shaking?
She looked down at her hands… and yes, they were trembling.
— I… I don't know.
— I do, Adrian said, leaning in just enough for her to feel his breath against her lips.
But not enough to touch her.
Never without permission.
Never with her.
— You feel — he continued — exactly what I feel.
Lina forgot how to breathe.
Adrian stepped back.
And the doors opened.
Inside the penthouse, Lina noticed something different.
The lights were dimmer.
The room felt warmer.
And Adrian's scent seemed even stronger — maybe because everything about him filled that space.
She set her bag on the sofa.
— Want some water? Adrian asked.
— Yes.
He brought her a glass.
She drank, trying — and failing — to calm her heartbeat.
— Lina, he called.
She looked up.
Adrian looked… determined.
As if he had made a decision during dinner — and now he was going to act on it.
— I need to show you something.
Lina frowned.
— What?
He gestured for her to follow.
It was her first time entering that room.
A large, elegant space with bookshelves, a huge desk, and tall windows overlooking the glowing city.
And on the desk… a folder.
Thick.
Black.
Sealed.
Adrian picked it up and set it in front of her.
— This, he said, is everything about our marriage contract.
Lina's eyes widened.
— Now? Why are you… bringing this now?
— Because I want something to be very clear, he said, looking at her.
He opened the folder.
And Lina noticed something that made her breath hitch.
Several items were crossed out.
Others removed entirely.
And new ones added by hand.
— I revised everything, Adrian said.
— You… changed the contract?
— Yes. He ran a hand over the papers. I removed the cold parts. The obligations. The stupid restrictions. I don't want you… as a deal.
— Adrian…
He lifted his eyes.
— I want you as my wife for real.
Her heart slammed inside her chest.
He went on:
— No absurd conditions.
— No terms that pressure you.
— No limits meant to scare you.
Lina took a breath, but it didn't fully enter.
— You did this… for me?
— I do everything for you, he answered instantly.
Her world tilted.
But he wasn't done.
He pulled out a single sheet of paper — with only a few handwritten lines.
— I wrote a new agreement, Adrian said. One that actually makes sense for us.
He handed it to her.
Lina read.
And nearly broke.
1. Adrian is responsible for protecting Lina in all circumstances.
2. Adrian will not make important decisions about her without consulting her.
3. Lina may pursue her acting career without interference.
4. The marriage will remain secret until both agree to reveal it.
5. The relationship will be built on respect and… trust.
Lina stared at the page, breathless.
— This… this isn't a marriage contract, she whispered.
— It's a commitment, Adrian said.
He stepped closer.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
— My commitment to you.
Her throat tightened.
— Adrian…
He stopped right in front of her.
And for the first time — without warning, without hesitation, without fear —
he cupped her face with both hands.
No pain.
No allergy.
No reaction at all.
Just his touch.
Warm.
Firm.
Wanted.
— I want you, Lina, he said, looking straight into her eyes.
Not as an obligation. Not as a solution. Not as an exception.
His voice dropped.
— I want you because you're you.
Her heart exploded.
And then he whispered:
— Say you'll stay.
With me.
For real.
Lina felt tears fill her eyes.
But this time… they were good tears.
— I'll stay, she said, not looking away.
His expression changed.
A deep relief.
A warmth she'd never seen.
And something else…
Something he tried to hide, but failed:
He was in love.
Maybe without realizing it.
Maybe without admitting it.
But he was.
Completely.