The next morning, Adrian placed a folder on the kitchen table.
I looked at it.
“What is that?”
“Your new security arrangements.”
I opened it.
There were schedules.
Drivers.
Security contacts.
Emergency numbers.
I looked up.
“You’ve assigned someone to follow me.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“It’s temporary.”
“No.”
He leaned against the counter.
“Someone accessed my security system last night.”
“I understand.”
“They were looking for something connected to you.”
“I understand that too.”
“Then you understand why I’m doing this.”
“I understand why you’re worried.”
I closed the folder.
“But I won’t live like a prisoner.”
His eyes narrowed.
“I never said you were one.”
“You don’t have to.”
Silence.
Then he walked toward me.
“What do you want?”
“You have it.”
“Then prove it.”
He stopped.
“How?”
“I want to work.”
“You can.”
“Not from your mansion.”
“Where?”
“I have a jewelry business.”
“I know.”
“I want to rebuild it.”
He studied me.
“For how long?”
“Until I succeed.”
“Fine.”
I blinked.
“That’s it?”
“That’s it.”
“No restrictions?”
“One.”
I waited.
“Security.”
I sighed.
“Fine.”
He held out his hand.
I looked at it.
Then shook it.
His fingers closed around mine.
Neither of us moved. Visit g.com for the full chapter.
For one strange second, the argument disappeared.
His thumb brushed lightly across my knuckles.
I pulled my hand away.
“We have rules.”
“I remember.”
“Good.”
He smiled.
“Very good.”
That afternoon, I returned to my old jewelry studio.
Dust covered the windows.
Half-finished designs sat untouched on the tables.
I stood in the middle of the room.
This had once been my dream.
Before the bankruptcy.
Before Daniel.
Before the wedding.
Before Adrian.
I opened my notebook.
Then I started drawing.
For the first time in months, I felt like myself again.
My phone vibrated.
A message from Adrian.
Dinner tonight.
Don’t be late.
I smiled before I could stop myself.
Then another message appeared.
And bring your bracelet.
My smile disappeared.
I stared at the screen.
Why did he want the bracelet at dinner?
And why did I suddenly feel like I shouldn’t bring it?