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?