is eyes snapped open, an angry glare cutting through the darkness. The thumping beat of music that's loud enough to make someone go insane filled the air. He sat up, his jaw clenched as he tried to convince himself it was a passing car. But no, the relentless rhythm continued, pounding against his sanity.
Growling under his breath, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, grabbed the nearest shirt, and threw it on, The music grew louder, and the lyrics unmistakably taunting as if designed to provoke him.
He flung open the front door, the cold night air doing nothing to cool his rage. His eyes landed on the culprit Mary Calloway, standing in the middle of the lawn, her speaker blaring a pop anthem. She was dancing, her dark hair flying as she twirled around, completely unbothered.
"Stop the music!"
She stopped the mid-spin, turning to face him. "Oh, Mr. Blackwood, did I wake you?"
"What the hell are you doing woman?" he growled, marching toward her.
"Enjoying some music." she replied shrugging. "It's a beautiful night, don't you think?"
"At two in the morning? Outside my window?"
"Well I figured since you don't seem bothered to disturb my mornings, I'd return the favor." She said, crossing her arms with a triumphant smirk.
His glare darkened. "Turn it off."
"Hmm." she tapped her chin mockingly. "I don't think so."
His jaw worked, the muscles twitching as he struggled to contain his temper. "You're insane." he spat angrily.
"And you're a control freak." she shot back, stepping closer.
For a moment, they stood inches apart, the tension between them crackling like the energy in the air before a storm. The music continue to blare, but neither of them seemed to hear it anymore.
"You're playing a dangerous game." Adrian said finally, his voice tight, his eyes locked on hers.
"Good," she replied, a defiant spark in her gaze. "I like games."
With a frustrated growl, he reached for the speaker, but Mary snatched it away, holding it behind her back. "You'll have to try harder than that."
He stared at her, his chest heaving and a brief moment, the corner of his mouth twitched.
Without another word, he turned on his heel and stalked back toward the house, slamming the door behind him. Mary watched him go, a victorious grin spreading across her face as she turned the volume up.
This war was far from over, and she was more than ready to for the next battle.
The sun poured into the room like an unwelcome intruder, warming the marble floors of Adrian Blackwood's bedroom. He groaned, pulling a pillow over his face, but the persistent sound of footsteps approached. Before he could react, someone stood at the door, leaving him squinting at the tall, slim figure.
"Good morning boss," Harry said, grinning. He was dressed in a navy suit as if he were already halfway to their first meeting. "It's 7 a.m."
Adrian groaned, dragging a hand over his face. "You're fired, Harry."
"I'm sorry sir."
"I pay you to schedule meetings at the office, not to invade my bedroom."
"No, sir. You pay me to make sure you're not late to meetings." Harry replied, slowly. "Besides, someone had to wake you up. I knocked on your door countless times, but you were still asleep."
"I'm going to kill her."
Harry smirked, leaning against the bedpost. "She retaliated?"
He shot him a murderous glare. "I can't believe I let her move in, what was I thinking?"
"You know, for someone who hates Mary, you spend a lot of time thinking about her. Maybe there's a chance you admire her stubborn personality? That's the only explanation."
"Excuse me?"
Harry's smile faded. "I mean, I get it. She's beautiful, she's got that whole reckless, free-spirited thing going on, and she's the only person on earth who doesn't seem to obey orders."
Adrian scoffed, his perfection a perfect blend of arrogance and irritation. "Shut up."
"Yes sir." Harry's smile widened. "You complain about her everyday, you notice everything she does and despite all your threats, she's still alive and retaliating."
"I need a distraction."
He grabbed a phone, scrolling through his messages before tapping out a text. "Speaking of which, I think it's time I invite Samantha over."
"Oh, she's..."
"Samantha knows the arrangement. She's smart, gorgeous, and quiet." He sent the text and set his phone down. "Unlike my current living situation."
Harry smiled. "As you wish, sir. I'll bring her over."
"Good."
Because at the moment, nothing was helping him sleep. And he had a feeling the witch was just getting started.
Mary tightened the knot of her hoodie, and made her way toward the kitchen. The faint hum of the city beyond the windows blended with the low buzz of the fridge. It was a bright Saturday, her one peaceful morning to cook a proper breakfast. No interruptions. No surprises.
Or so she thought.
A knock sounded
Thinking a knock this early should be worth it, she trudged over and swung the door open.
Then, she froze.
Standing before her, poised and unbothered was a woman.
Tall, elegant. The kind of beauty that didn't need effort. Her jacket was expensive and tailored- draped effortlessly over her shoulders.
Mary blinked, gripping the door. "Who-"
"I'm here for Adrian," the woman said smoothly, her voice calm and cultured. She didn't ask if he was home.
Mary's stomach clenched. "Right."
The woman's gaze flickered over Mary's hoodie, messy bun, and bare feet.
"Come in."
The woman nodded once, as if that was expected. Then, with a polite but final smile, she stepped inside.
Mary watched, dumbfounded, as she slipped off her jacket, draping it neatly over the chair and sat.
"Morning, sweet pie."
Adrian said as he walked past Mary, his attention fixed on the woman.
"I didn't expect you this early." he said, his voice smooth as he sat beside his guest, draping an arm lazily over the back of the couch.
The woman smiled, tilting her head slightly. "I thought I'd surprise you."
He smirked, brushing a stray hair from her shoulder. "Consider me surprised."
Mary's jaw tightened. What do they think they're doing?
"Mary..." She stiffened. "What is it, Mr. Blackwood?"
He waved a lazy hand. "Make her comfortable."
"What?"
The woman, to her credit, didn't gloat. She smiled politely, waiting.
Fine. She'd played the part. For now.