The CEO's Reluctant Bride

The apartment was too quiet. Too still.

Ava stood in the kitchen, pretending to focus on the coffee brewing, though her mind was a swirling mess of tension and exhaustion. Every movement in the room seemed louder, every inhale heavier. Adrian had insisted—no, demanded—she stay at his place, citing "security concerns" with that same maddening arrogance she'd come to expect. And now? Here she was, trapped in his world, caught between her pride and the nagging voice that whispered you need his help.

She glanced at the clock—barely 7 AM—and sighed. A long day ahead.

Behind her, footsteps echoed softly against the polished floor. She didn't need to turn to know who it was; his presence filled the room long before his voice did.

"You're up early," Adrian's deep voice rumbled, rough from sleep.

"I could say the same," she murmured, pouring herself a cup. She hesitated. "Coffee?"

He arched a brow but accepted, the brush of his fingers against hers sending an inexplicable jolt up her arm. Great, she thought, just what I need—my brain short-circuiting around him.

They settled at the small island, the silence thick with unspoken words. It wasn't awkward—no, it was worse. Charged. Like the air before a storm.

"You don't have to look so miserable," Adrian drawled, taking a sip of his coffee. "It's not a prison."

Ava shot him a look. "Feels like it."

"Safety measures, Ava. Not my fault you attract trouble."

She bristled. "You dragged me into this."

His gaze darkened, but instead of arguing, he leaned back, studying her. "You signed the contract. No one forced you."

No one forced you. The words twisted in her chest. Technically true—but desperation wasn't much of a choice, was it? Her family... the debts... Her fingers tightened around the mug.

"You made it pretty hard to refuse," she muttered under her breath.

He didn't respond right away. Instead, he set his mug down, eyes lingering on her face. "I offered a solution. You took it."

Because I didn't have another option. The thought clawed at her, but she swallowed it. No use dredging that up now.

Shifting the tension, she stood. "I should get ready for work."

"Take the day off."

Ava froze. "Excuse me?"

"You're a target until I say otherwise. The office isn't safe."

"I have deadlines, Adrian. Work. I'm not going to sit here twiddling my thumbs because you decided to play bodyguard."

His jaw tightened. "It's not up for debate."

"Everything is a debate with you," she shot back. "This—us—was supposed to be on paper. You don't get to control my life."

Something flickered in his gaze—frustration... and something deeper. "I didn't ask for this either, Ava."

Silence stretched between them, thick with words neither dared speak.

Finally, she huffed. "Fine. One day. But I'm not your prisoner."

He smirked—no, not quite a smirk. Softer. Almost amused. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Later that afternoon, boredom gnawed at her resolve. She wandered into the living room, eyes catching on a framed photo tucked beside a stack of books. It was old—faded edges, a younger Adrian smiling beside a man with similar features. Family? Before she could think better of it, her fingers brushed the frame.

"Nosy habit you've got," his voice came from the doorway.

Heat rushed to her cheeks. "It was just... there."

He didn't reprimand her, just stepped closer, gaze distant. "That was my brother."

Was. Her chest tightened at the implication. "I didn't—"

"It's fine." A beat. "He's gone."

The vulnerability in those two words stole her breath. Adrian—always composed, always in control—was letting her see this. And for some reason, it mattered. Too much.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

He shrugged but didn't pull away when she placed a hesitant hand on his arm. Why does this feel like standing on the edge of a cliff?

And then—buzz. Her phone vibrated on the counter. A message. Unknown number.

"You should've stayed away. Now you're in too deep."

Her blood ran cold. Adrian's gaze sharpened as she showed him the screen.

His expression darkened. "Stay close to me."

And strangely she didn't protest.