Adrian's hand was warm and steady around Lina's.
He wasn't gripping too tightly.
He wasn't pulling her.
He was simply… guiding.
They walked together out of the park, and each step felt like she was crossing an invisible border — leaving the life she knew and stepping into something entirely new, frightening, and inexplicable.
The driver opened the door, and this time Lina got in without hesitating. Adrian sat beside her, posture as impeccable as ever, but something in his expression had changed.
An unusual focus.
As if something important was about to happen.
— Where are we going? — she asked, trying to sound calm.
— To settle the first details — he answered.
— Details…?
— Your new marriage contract.
Lina nearly choked.
— S-since when do marriages have contracts?!
Adrian looked at her as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
— Since always, in my world.
She opened her mouth, indignant, but no words came out. Because part of her knew it made sense — he was a CEO surrounded by lawyers, companies, social expectations, rivals, and potential scandals.
— And… what exactly will be in this contract? — she asked, keeping her voice steady.
— What's necessary to protect you — Adrian replied. — And to protect myself as well. Don't worry, there will be nothing abusive. You have my word.
Lina tightened her fingers.
— Your… word?
He turned to her, meeting her eyes directly.
— I take my word very seriously.
For some reason, she believed him.
The car stopped in front of an elegant building downtown. It wasn't the skyscraper where Adrian's company was located — this was smaller, discreet, but refined.
— This is my personal lawyer's office — Adrian said. — It's where we handle… private matters.
Lina's eyes widened.
— Private? Like… improvised marriages with strangers?
A flicker of humor crossed his eyes.
— Something like that.
They went up in an elevator so quiet she was sure he could hear every anxious beat of her heart. On the 14th floor, the doors opened to a calm reception area with light wood furniture and the smell of expensive coffee.
A woman in a flawless suit stood up immediately.
— Mr. Luce — she greeted with a slight bow. — We've been expecting you.
Lina frowned.
"We've been expecting you"?
How fast was he?!
The lawyer appeared soon after — a middle-aged man, serious, with thin glasses and an expression almost as controlled as Adrian's.
— Mr. Luce. Miss Lina. — He nodded politely. — We can begin.
Lina almost tripped.
— W-wait! You've already prepared everything?!
— Naturally — Adrian said. — I anticipated that you would accept.
She gaped.
— You were that sure?!
— Yes.
He said it like a law of physics — as if he had always known she would say yes.
Lina blushed, both irritated and impressed.
They sat in a private room. The lawyer placed an elegant folder on the table, opening it to show several sheets with small print and formal seals.
— This is the preliminary contract — the lawyer explained. — It includes:
1. Absolute confidentiality regarding the relationship, unless jointly agreed otherwise.
2. Financial support to ensure the lady's well-being… if necessary.
3. Guaranteed professional independence for Miss Lina.
4. No forced physical contact, given Mr. Adrian's medical condition.
5. Legal protection and personal security provided by Luce Corporation.
6. Minimum duration of the agreement: one year, with the possibility of extensions upon mutual consent.
Lina stared.
— A… year?
Adrian crossed his arms.
— A legitimate marriage can't last less than that without drawing too much attention. It's the minimum time to keep the media away.
Lina bit her lip.
— And… after a year? What happens?
Adrian looked at her.
— After a year, we'll see. Nothing obligates you to stay if you don't want to.
Her heart raced.
— And you? — she asked softly. — What do you do… if you don't want to?
He didn't look away.
— I don't make impulsive decisions. Ever.
She wasn't sure if that was a promise… or a warning.
— You can read everything carefully — the lawyer said. — You may mark any changes you wish. Nothing will be finalized without your full approval.
Lina breathed deeply.
This… was real.
Terrifying, but real.
Adrian, noticing her tension, leaned slightly forward.
— Lina. — His voice was firm, but softer than usual. — This contract is not to bind you to me. It's to make sure you're safe and comfortable. Everything here exists to ensure you aren't harmed.
She looked at him.
For the first time… she felt there was something behind that cold mask.
Something that seemed… worried.
Almost protective.
— It's… a lot — she admitted. — I just… want to be sure I'm not stepping into something that will swallow me whole.
Adrian tilted his head.
— I would never let that happen.
And for the first time since they met, she believed him fully.
— Alright — she said, still trembling. — I'll read it. And I'll… try to make this work.
Adrian raised a brow.
— Try?
She held his gaze with newfound determination.
— Yes. Try. Because marriage isn't a company, Adrian. It doesn't run only on logic and contracts.
He was silent for a few long seconds.
Then, surprisingly…
— Understood — he replied simply.
It was the first time he had ever admitted something like that.
The first real crack in his perfect armor.
And Lina felt something warm grow in her chest.
A small hope.
Dangerous.
But… real.