The silence between Adrian and Elena was palpable, tightly stretched, and charged. The music of the quartet receded behind the beat of her heart. She kept her head high, staring right at him, refusing to be intimidated by him or his gaze.
Under different circumstances, Elena's insolence would have come at a price, but Adrian knew anger wasn't viable. Cocking his head to the side in quiet indulgence, "Very well," he told her. "Enjoy your evening."
He strode away before she could speak, his fragrance of rain and cedar hanging in the air long after he disappeared in the throng.
Elena breathed out, her heart pounding. She didn't know if she was more shocked or more furious. Possibly both. The audacity of that man, walking into her home uninvited, speaking with such careless condescension.
She went back to the painting, trying to make sense of what just happened. Her mother had never mentioned being acquainted with the Hale family. Or perhaps she just wasn't that interested in noticing her mother's acquaintances.
Outside, Adrian stepped out into the night air, his driver waiting with an umbrella at the car door. He lingered on the steps, glancing back through the glass doors at the woman who'd just dismissed him.
She had her mother's intensity. Passionate and unbending. She was different from what he remembered.
His jaw locked into place as memories long forgotten surfaced: a boy waiting in this same gallery, the soft laughter of his mother before she disappeared from his life forever. It had been on an impulsive whim that he had come here tonight, and now he could not help but believe that destiny had driven him here for a reason.
"She won't make it past three months," he growled to himself, seeing the worn marble floors. It was apparent that the gallery was bleeding money.
His assistant, standing outside the vehicle, afraid that he might have missed an instruction, whispered gently, "Sir?"
"Nothing," Adrian said, getting into the vehicle.
But as the vehicle weaved through the saturated lights of London's streets, his mind still wandered back to Elena Ward. To her defiance. To the desperation she'd fought so hard to hide.
He pulled out his phone and sent his assistant a message, not willing to have a conversation with him at the moment: *Full financial statement on The Ward Gallery. I want it by tomorrow morning.*
The next morning, Elena sat at her cluttered desk, going over last night's numbers, deliberately avoiding looking at the foreclosure notice on the desk from the bank.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Lucas: *Babe, I know you are busy at the gallery, but I have great news! I've got a six-week gig in LA. Fashion campaign. Big money. We should hit town tonight.*
Elena's fingers drifted above the keys, happiness surging through them. Lucas was a computer engineering graduate, balancing job hunting with freelance photography. Just like her, he, too, had his own financial struggles, but that had never stopped him from being supportive and helpful. She knew he deserved all the happiness in the world, and this offer could potentially bring him more International clients.
Happiness was soon replaced by worry. The thought of being alone without his encouragement, presence, and positivity felt overwhelming.
*That's amazing! So proud of you. I can't wait to see you tonight,* she wrote, adding a heart emoji.
The gallery bell clanged. Elena ignored it, assuming it was one of her cleaning staff members walking in or out of the building.
But as she buried her head to continue working, her eyes caught a glimpse of Adrian Hale, throwing her office door open, immaculate in a navy suit, holding a slim black folder.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded, jumping to her feet.
"That is one hell of a good morning, I must say," he replied softly, stepping in and closing the door. "Anyways, I'm here to make the offer you didn't give me the chance to last night," he added, helping himself to a chair.
"I told you last night, nothing's on the market."
"I have no interest in buying a painting." He set the folder on her desk. "It has to do with keeping your gallery open."
Her heart stuttered. "Excuse me?"
His response was to slide the folder towards her. Elena reached for it, thinking the propositions for investment she sent out had caught his company's attention. Guilt and anger over her lack of patience are already consuming her. Her eyes scanned the contents: Legal jargon, amount in cash that made her head spin, but then a sentence that made her choke on her own spittle: Private Engagement Contract- Duration: one month.
She stared up. "What is this?"
"I need a fiancée and I'm willing to pay you for your time."
"Why not just recruit a professional actress for this? Why me? Do you know me?"
"If there's one thing I hate, it would be a back-and-forth conversation," he sighed reluctantly. "But since we are going to be business partners, I think it's fair you have your questions answered." He added, adjusting his suit as he sat up on the chair.
"As you might know, my grandfather is retiring, leaving the chairmanship of Hale Global Holdings vacant. To be appointed, I need a stable image, one that only an engagement can offer at the moment."
She glared at him, half dazed, half indignant. "And why on earth would I ever even consider something like that?"
"Because," he explained gently, "I saw your proposal begging for me to invest in this gallery. And I'm offering you, quite literally, triple the money you asked for, all in exchange for a month of wearing a fancy ring and taking some pictures."
"I have a boyfriend that I love and care deeply for." She heard herself say.
"And I'm not asking for your love and care either. A fancy diamond on your finger, a few pictures here and there, dinners and events, for just 30 days." His voice was firm, "And after which you'd never see my face again."
************Back to Present**********
Adrian had already left Elena's office, but his words hung like a burning fuse. His offer sounded much like an answered prayer, but thinking about Lucas, she couldn't bring herself to accept it.
Deciding that her honor and respect for Lucas were more important, she threw the folder left behind by Adrian into the trash can, refocusing her attention on her work.
No sooner had she settled back in than her phone interrupted the moment. A text from Sarah: *Marcus's school called. He fought with another kid. They need to speak with a parent. Will you go?*
Elena's stomach dropped. *I'll be there in an hour,* she typed back.
The bank's call followed. "Ms. Ward, regarding your delinquent loan…"
"I am expecting some money," Elena interrupted, the dishonesty tasting like ash on her tongue, "within the week."
"Without a considerable payment made by Friday, we will proceed with foreclosure." The call dropped.
Friday. Three days.
A knock, followed by Lucas carefully walking in, two coffee cups held by him, his smile big and inviting.
"Morning, lovely." He held one out to her. "Thought you'd appreciate this."
"Lifesaver," she smiled, reaching for the cup and taking a sip. "So…"
"I got my first international client, Lena!!" His eyes glittered as she walked across the table to sit on his lap.
"And I am so excited for you, baby," She planted a kiss on his lips, "but I'm going to miss you."
"Why don't you come with me? Even if it's just for a week. Let's de-stress and relax."
"I can't. The gallery." She whispered.
"Don't you think it's time you close this chapter of your life? It's been eight months already." His tone softened.
Elena rested her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around him, "This was my mom's dream."
"I know. But you've also given eight months of your life to this." He tightened his grip around her in a comforting manner, "You've got your dad, your siblings, the house, and even yourself to worry about. How much longer can you keep doing this?"
"However long it takes."
Lucas sighed. "Six weeks, Lena. Once I'm back, we are selling off the gallery and rebuilding ourselves. You know I love you."
"Yes, I know."
"Don't forget about tonight. I want to meet up with some friends now."
"Okay, take care of yourself, my darling." He kissed her one more time, helping her stand to her feet before leaving the office.
Maybe Lucas was right after all. Her siblings and father should come first before a building.
She did not know when she pulled out Adrian's folder and started re-reading the contract.