The evening was calm, the scent of roses drifting faintly through the open balcony doors of the living room. The city lights glittered softly in the distance like stars that had fallen to the earth. Aria sat gracefully on the velvet couch, her posture elegant and her every movement delicate as she sipped a warm cup of milk. The room was quiet — peaceful — until a deep, familiar voice broke the silence.
"Tomorrow morning, we'll go and get our marriage certificate," Adrian said, his tone firm yet gentle, like velvet laced with steel.
Aria froze mid-sip. The words hit her like thunder. Marriage certificate? She choked on her milk and coughed lightly, her small hand pressing to her chest. Before she could even react, Adrian was already beside her. He gently rubbed her back, his large palm moving in slow circles as he handed her a glass of water.
"Slowly, sweetheart," he murmured, worry flashing in his usually cold eyes.
After a few seconds, Aria caught her breath. "U-Uncle, are you really serious?" she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and nervousness. "Are you really Mr. K?"
Adrian's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Yes," he replied lazily, his deep eyes locking onto hers. "But not everyone knows that."
He leaned closer, his fingers brushing hers lightly — his thumb tracing slow circles on her skin, playing with her delicate fingers as if they were the most precious jewels he'd ever touched.
Aria swallowed hard. "Then… you know the reason why my dad asked me to marry you?" she asked softly.
"I do," he said without hesitation. His tone carried both authority and affection. "Tomorrow, I'll invest five hundred million dollars as promised. And if that still isn't enough for you, I'll give more. I'll give you the world if you ask for it, Aria."
She looked at him, her heart beating faster. Before she could respond, his eyes darkened slightly, his voice dropping lower — his next words dripping with possession.
"But remember," he said slowly, almost in a whisper, "you're mine. Mine alone. I told you that the first day I saw you."
Aria's breath hitched. Her heart raced uncontrollably, thudding so loud she could almost hear it. She felt warmth creeping up her neck and cheeks. Why does my heart react this way whenever he looks at me like that? she wondered silently.
"Uncle…" she began softly, almost timidly. "I want to ask you for a favor."
"Anything you want," he said instantly, his eyes softening.
"I want my grandma's care center access to be transferred to me," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I don't want anyone using her to threaten me again. Please, Uncle."
Her eyes watered, her voice breaking as she spoke. A single tear rolled down her cheek — like a drop of crystal gliding down porcelain. It hit Adrian hard, piercing straight through the walls he'd built around his heart for years.
Without a word, Adrian pulled her into his arms. "Shh," he whispered, his deep voice vibrating against her hair. "Don't cry, sweetheart. Anything you want will be done exactly the way you want it. No one will ever hurt you again, not while I'm here."
For a long moment, Aria didn't move. She stayed in his embrace, feeling the warmth of his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, the comfort she had longed for since her mother's death. For the first time in years, she felt safe — truly safe.
From afar, a maid stood hidden behind the marble pillar, watching with burning jealousy. Her eyes narrowed and a wicked smile crept onto her lips. "Hmph," she muttered under her breath. "So this is why he treats her differently — because of her pretty face." She turned away angrily, unaware of the truth behind their bond.
Later that evening, when the night had deepened, Adrian was reluctant to let Aria leave. His eyes followed her every move as she stood to leave, her white dress swaying gently with her steps.
"Stay," he said simply. "It's late."
Aria smiled politely but shook her head. "No, Uncle. I'll head back home. You still have work to finish. I'll be fine."
Adrian frowned, clearly displeased. His gaze shifted to Eric, his assistant, who stood awkwardly near the door.
"Eric, can drive me home , so don't worry I will reach home save,Aria said
Eric, who had been quietly praying not to get caught in their little moment, quickly tried to escape. "Boss Lady," he said nervously, scratching his head. "My girlfriend has bad menstrual cramps tonight, and she's calling me. Can I… maybe… take my leave? Boss's work isn't much — he can drive you back himself."
Aria turned to stare at him blankly, caught between laughter and disbelief. Adrian, however, only chuckled. He gave Eric a thumbs-up and said in a low voice, "I'll increase your year-end bonus."
Eric's eyes widened, and a bright grin spread across his face. " He looked at Aria and thought , making Boss lady happy will make me a fortune, I will always help the Boss win is wife .
He darted out of the room before anyone could say more.
Aria sighed, shaking her head. "Your employees are quite something," she said softly, amused.
Adrian stood, taking his coat from the chair. "Come," he said, offering his hand. "I'll take you home myself."
She hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. His fingers were warm and strong, completely wrapping around hers. The drive to her apartment was quiet but comfortable. The air between them was thick with unspoken emotions.
When they arrived, Adrian stepped out first and opened her door like a gentleman. The moonlight cast a silver glow on his sharp features — the sight made Aria's heart skip a beat again.
"See you tomorrow," he said softly, his eyes locking with hers. "At the civil bureau."
For a second, Aria stood there, lost in his gaze. "Okay, Uncle," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Adrian leaned closer, his hand brushing her cheek. "And Aria…" he whispered, his breath warm against her skin.
"Yes?"
"I love you, my darling."
Her eyes widened, her lips parting in surprise — but before she could respond, he pressed a soft kiss against her forehead. His lips lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary, and then he pulled back, his eyes filled with something deep and unreadable.
Aria stood frozen as he turned and walked back to his car. Her heart was racing wildly in her chest, her fingers trembling slightly. She touched her forehead where his lips had been and whispered to herself,
"Why does my heart beat so fast whenever he's near me…?"
The sound of his car faded into the night, leaving only the faint glow of streetlights and the echo of her heartbeat.
And for the first time, Aria realized something she wasn't ready to admit — her heart no longer belonged to her alone.