Chapter 14
Third POV:
Adrian froze, unable to believe what Evelyn had just said.
She didn’t love him anymore?
In their past life, she had loved him so deeply she was willing to stay alone for the rest of her life. And now, just because of a minor misstep–how could she possibly not love him anymore?
He opened his mouth to say something–anything–but Blake stepped in front of him, blocking the way. That usual cocky smirk played on his lips, as if nothing in the world could rattle him.
“Didn’t you hear her?” Blake drawled. “Evelyn is my wife now. You’d better show some respect.”
Adrian’s fists clenched, but he couldn’t do anything. He had never been able to beat Blake–not back in school when they competed over everything, and not now, standing on the stage of this city’s most watched wedding.
Especially not with all the guests watching. Even his own father was there, staring coldly from the sidelines. There would be no forgiveness if he caused a scene.
In the end, he could only step back–for now–and finish the ceremony with Lillian.
The lights sparkled. Guests swirled like champagne bubbles through the grand ballroom. Lillian walked beside Adrian, draped in an ivory wedding gown, smiling for the crowd as they entered the banquet hall.
But Adrian felt empty inside, like something vital had slipped right through his fingers.
That figure at the piano–elegant, poised, her fingers dancing across the keys as she played “Liebesträume“-now had a face.
It was Evelyn.
The moment the ceremony ended, his first thought was to leave. He had to find her.
He stood up–but Lillian grabbed his arm, tears brimming in her eyes.
“Adrian…” she said, her voice trembling like she’d break apart any second. “Today is our wedding. If you leave now, I’ll be humiliated in front of everyone. Just… just help me get through this one night, okay?”
Her eyes were red, her face delicate and pitiful. Adrian felt a wave of revulsion–but then he remembered her from their past life: soft, obedient, docile beneath him like a frightened little rabbit.
He didn’t say anything. But he didn’t pull away either.
That was enough for Lillian. She knew then that some part of Adrian still belonged to her.
She leaned in boldly and pressed her lips to his, a shy moan slipping out between them.
“Adrian, sweetheart… just stay with me tonight. Go see Evelyn tomorrow if you have to–but please, don’t leave me tonight.”
Lillian had always known how to stir Adrian’s desire. His Adam’s apple bobbed. Even if he’d been furious at her deception, in this soft–lit atmosphere, with her body pressed against his–he couldn’t resist.
He let out a low growl and pushed her down onto the bed, voice tight with frustration.
“Just tonight. Tomorrow, I’m going to talk to Evelyn. Whatever comes of it–you’ll have to live with it.”
A glimmer of triumph flickered in Lillian’s eyes. She nodded eagerly. Reaching up on her tiptoes, she kissed him again, whispering, “Okay.. anything
you say.”
She guided his hand beneath her clothes, and when he tugged her slip down, baring her soft skin, his thoughts were gone–swallowed up in heat.
Their shadows twisted and flickered on the walls. Lillian’s moans echoed long into the night.
12:20
Faked His Death. Married His Enemy. Now He’s Begging
9.6%
Chapter 14
By dawn, Adrian finally stopped.
Lillian lay curled in his arms, chest heaving, lips still trembling with the aftershocks.
She rested her head against his chest, voice syrupy and low.
“Darling, isn’t this enough? Maybe I lied about the piano, but if you really like it, I’ll learn for you. Isn’t it me you want–not just the girl at the piano?”
Her sweet, cloying voice made Adrian stiffen, Whatever was left of his desire vanished in an
Without a word, he sat up, reached for his shirt, and started dressing.
instant.
“The woman I love would never lie to me like you did,” he said coldly. “I told you–just for tonight. I’m going to see Evelyn. You’ll have to accept whatever she decides.”
He walked out without looking back.
Lillian sat alone in bed, eyes darkening with fury.
