Chapter 8

• Chapter 8: Compulsory Closeness
• Elena POV
• Adrian's estate was revealed when the vehicle moved up the winding path and the enormous gates creaked open. At the summit of a hill, the house—or rather, the expansive mansion—formed a dramatic silhouette against the winter sky with its austere contemporary style.
• Lily's eyes were wide as she pushed her face against the window. "Whoa, Mommy! Is this a castle?
• "Not quite," I said, holding on to the steering wheel.
• I had no choice but to accept Adrian's invitation—or rather, his ultimatum. I ran the danger of coming soon as irrational in light of his developing custody case if I didn't cooperate. He had maintained that it was just a weekend and an opportunity to spend time with Lily. However, I was aware that I shouldn't take Adrian Blackwood at face value.
• What is Mr. Blackwood's reason for wanting us to stay? When he phoned, I had asked him.
• "For Lily's sake," he had said coolly. "She is entitled to see her father's home."
• I couldn't get rid of the notion that this was a power struggle masquerading as an invitation as I parked the vehicle and looked up at the home.
• As we got out of the vehicle, Adrian came out the front door, his towering form radiating the easy assurance that always made me uneasy.
• He murmured, "Welcome," his eyes moving over me and then settling on Lily.
• Salutations, Mr. Blackwood! Lily waved as she phoned.
• He smiled and crouched a little as Lily ran toward him, correcting him, "Just Adrian." "Lily, I'm happy you came. I want to show you something.
• Her eyes glowed. "What is it?"
• He winked and held out his hand, saying, "You'll see."
• My heart twisted as I saw her accept it without question. It was too easy for Lily to trust.
• Adrian gave me a quick glance before guiding us into the home. "This way," he muttered.
• The inside was sleek, contemporary, and frighteningly flawless, much like the outside. The large windows and high ceilings created an opulent but unwelcoming atmosphere, akin to a museum where it was prohibited to touch anything.
• But Lily didn't appear to mind. She ran over to where a huge teddy bear was waiting in a sitting area.
• Adrian responded, "That's for you," in a kind voice.
• "Really?" She gave the bear a firm embrace and shrieked. "I'm grateful, Mr.—I mean, Adrian!"
• I crossed my arms and watched the conversation with a combination of uneasiness and an inexplicable feeling. Adrian treated her well, better than I had anticipated. And I was afraid of it.
• Adrian showed us about the estate once he had settled in. He showed Lily the garden, which was now covered in snow, and the library, where a stack of kid-friendly books had conveniently emerged.
• As we watched Lily create snow angels, he said softly, "She's happy."
• "She's not aware of the stakes," I shot back, my voice harsh.
• Adrian glanced in my direction. "And you think I'll harm her."
• I crossed my arms and looked at him. Adrian, you've always been all about control. I apologize if I seem doubtful.
• His jaw tensed, but he remained silent.
• We sat in the dining room that night, the big table glowing warmly from the elaborate chandelier. Ignorant of the tension between Adrian and myself, Lily chattered on.
• As the dishes were cleaned, she happily requested, "Can we have dessert?"
• Adrian grinned. "Obviously. For you, I had a chocolate cake prepared by the chef.
• Lily let out a gasp. "You have a chef?"
• Adrian laughed and answered, "Yes, I do." "Perhaps I should introduce you."
• I couldn't help but observe how effortlessly Adrian interacted with Lily as she laughed. He wasn't the aloof, cunning individual I had recalled. He was gentler.
• "Adrian, do you ever cook?" With a sharper-than-intended tone, I asked.
• He arched an eyebrow. Not too frequently. However, I can prepare a good omelet.
• I remarked dryly, "Impressive," and he grinned back.
• Lily leaned forward, blissfully oblivious to the undercurrents. "Mom's pancakes are the finest! You ought to give them a try.
• Adrian's eyes met mine as he replied, "I'd like that."
• I hastily averted my gaze as the moment seemed to drag on longer than it should have.
• Later that evening, I put Lily to bed in the guest room Adrian had set up for her, furnished with a variety of plush animals and pink bedding.
• Then she inquired drowsily, "Do you like Adrian?"
• It was a surprise question. "Why are you asking?"
• She said, her eyes already closing, "He's nice."
• My chest constricted as I planted a kiss on her forehead. "Go to bed, my love."
• Adrian was waiting for me as I walked into the hallway after turning off the light.
• With a serious tone, he said, "We need to talk."
• "Now?" I asked in a quiet voice.
• I followed him to the study when he nodded.
• With its dark wood paneling and shelves stocked with volumes I doubt Adrian had ever read, the study was just as intimidating as the rest of the home. He pointed to the recliner across from him and poured himself a drink.
• Reluctantly, I crossed my arms and sat. "What is it?"
• Before he spoke, he sipped his drink. "You've resisted my involvement in Lily's life. I'm curious as to why.
• I looked at him in disbelief. "Are you serious? Of all people, you ought to know why I'm wary.
• He scowled. "I've changed since we first met, Elena."
• "Perhaps not," I said. "But I don't trust you because of that."
• His eyes become stony. "You fear I'll harm her? that she is unimportant to me?
• "Care isn't the issue, Adrian," I responded, raising my voice. "Stability is key. Lily doesn't need your whole universe, including the press, boardrooms, and attorneys. She needs a straightforward, safe existence.
• "And you don't think I can give that?" His tone was dangerously calm as he questioned.
• I said, "I believe your life is in disarray."
• He remained silent for a minute, his face inscrutable. Then his eyes met mine as he leaned closer.
• His voice was low yet powerful as he said, "Lily is my daughter, Elena." Additionally, I'll be a part of her life. Regardless of your feelings about it.
• The strained stillness was broken before I could reply by the sound of glass shattering.
• Both of us sprang to our feet and ran in the direction of the sound.
• We discovered Lily standing in the living room, her face white, among the debris of a broken vase.
• She stuttered, tears running down her cheeks, "I-I'm sorry." "I didn't intend to!"
• Adrian squatted down instantly, speaking softly. "Don't worry, Lily. Are you in pain?
• She sniffed and shook her head.
• "It's only a vase," he said, wiping a tear from her eye. "Don't stress over it."
• As if it were the most normal thing in the world, Adrian calmed her as he picked her up and took her to the sofa, leaving me speechless.
• I was surprised to see a different side of Adrian at that moment—a guy who was not just resolute but also capable of genuine affection.
• And I was scared.
• I kept feeling as I wiped up the shattered glass that everything was changing and that Adrian's presence was causing the barriers I had put up around my life to crumble.
• However, when I looked at him with Lily, I couldn't help but think: What if Adrian wasn't the adversary I had painted him as?
• And what if the worst thing I could do was to trust him?