Nancy had barely slept.
Every time she closed her eyes, she felt Adrian's lips on hers, the press of his body, the way he looked at her afterward like she wasn't just a contract… but something more.
And it terrified her.
---
Later That Day – Blackwood Headquarters
Nancy had agreed—reluctantly—to accompany Adrian to his office. Part of the "dutiful wife" act for the board. She hated how they stared at her like she was a pet project or a phase.
But Adrian… he was different today. Still guarded, still cold—but softer around the edges. He held her hand without being prompted. He leaned in when she spoke.
Like the kiss meant something.
She wasn't sure if she wanted to believe that or not.
And then the elevator doors opened.
And Lily walked in.
Tall. Confident. Effortlessly perfect.
Nancy's heart dropped.
Adrian went completely still.
Lily's gaze landed on Nancy first—then slowly slid to Adrian. She smiled. "Well. This is awkward."
Nancy tightened her grip on Adrian's hand. "Not really. Just unexpected."
Adrian cleared his throat. "Lily. Why are you here?"
"I came to talk," she said simply. "Face to face. Like we should have months ago."
Nancy started to step away, but Adrian stopped her. "No. Stay."
Lily raised a brow. "That's new. You used to send people away just to talk to me."
Nancy felt the sting but kept her face neutral. "Maybe you were easier to handle when no one else saw who you really were."
Lily smirked. "You've got a sharp tongue, Mrs. Blackwood. Careful—it might get you cut."
Nancy stepped forward, her voice low and calm. "I've already been cut, Lily. Life did that long before you walked back in with your shiny red dress and tired old stories."
Adrian finally stepped between them, his tone tight. "Enough."
Lily's face fell slightly. "I just want to talk to you, Adrian. Alone."
Nancy looked at him. "Do you want that?"
Adrian hesitated.
That hesitation was a knife to the chest.
But then he spoke—quiet, firm. "No. Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of my wife."
Nancy blinked. Wife. Not just for show this time.
Lily looked stunned, but composed herself quickly. "Fine. I just… I regret leaving. I miss you. We had something real, Adrian. Don't let it go because of pride."
Adrian looked at her for a long moment, then shook his head. "You left. And it broke something in me. But Nancy… she didn't break anything. She's the only one who stayed."
Lily's lips parted like she wanted to argue—but there was nothing left to say.
She turned and walked out of the office.
Nancy stood frozen, heart racing.
Adrian turned to her slowly. "I didn't choose her. I'm choosing you, Nancy."
Her eyes searched his. "And when the contract ends? What happens then?"
He didn't answer. Not yet.
But in that silence, something was born—fragile, flickering.
Hope.