Chapter 2 – The Game Begins
Elena's pulse thudded against her ribs. The low glow from the study's desk lamp cast sharp edges across Adrian's face, catching the silver in his eyes. He didn't look surprised to find her there; he looked as if he had been waiting.
She tried to keep her breathing steady. "I couldn't sleep. I wanted to see where you work."
"Curiosity," he murmured, stepping inside, closing the door behind him. "That can be a dangerous habit in this house."
He crossed the room, each step deliberate. The quiet click of his shoes against the marble felt louder than thunder.
Elena's hand drifted to a row of books to steady herself. "You lock your study for a reason?"
"Because everything in here costs more than most people's lives," he said smoothly, pouring himself another measure of whiskey. "And because I prefer my privacy."
She forced a smile. "I thought privacy ended with marriage."
He glanced over his shoulder, a faint smirk tugging at his mouth. "Not in mine."
The silence stretched. She felt it—his scrutiny, his calm power, the faint scent of his cologne wrapping around her like smoke. Every instinct screamed to retreat, but she stood her ground.
Adrian finally moved past her toward his desk. A sleek tablet rested on its surface beside a stack of files. He placed his glass down and turned one of the folders toward her.
"Since you're here," he said, "you might as well start learning about your new life. These are the contracts you'll sign tomorrow—charity appearances, investment dinners, press interviews. My assistant will walk you through them."
Elena took the folder, pretending to study the neat columns of text. Beneath the business language, she noticed a code at the bottom of the page: File K-73.
Her heartbeat stumbled. That was the label from the message she'd received.
She shut the folder carefully. "You really plan everything, don't you?"
"I learned long ago that control keeps things from falling apart."
"And people?" she asked.
He met her gaze directly. "Especially people."
He turned back to his desk, and that was her cue to leave. She murmured a polite goodnight, walked out, and only when the door clicked shut behind her did she let herself breathe again.
---
The corridor stretched before her, gilded and silent. Moonlight through the tall windows painted her shadow long and thin. She clutched the folder to her chest and hurried toward the bedroom.
Inside, she locked the door and sat on the edge of the bed. Her hands trembled as she flipped through the pages again until she found the small mark she'd noticed earlier. She peeled back the lining of the folder and found a hidden flash drive taped inside.
Her breath caught. This is it. The file he's protecting.
She plugged it into her laptop, the screen bathing her face in blue light. A folder appeared: Project Nemesis.
Dozens of encrypted documents filled the screen. She opened one and froze. It was a list of transactions—names, amounts, offshore accounts. At the top of the page: Brooks Industries Acquisition.
Her father's company.
Tears pricked her eyes, but she blinked them away. Finally, proof.
A sound outside the door made her spin around. The handle turned slightly before stopping.
"Elena?" Adrian's voice came through, deep and calm. "You're awake?"
She snapped the laptop shut. "Yes. I couldn't sleep," she called back, forcing a yawn into her tone.
A pause, then his voice again, softer. "Try to rest. Tomorrow will be long."
His footsteps receded down the hall.
Elena exhaled shakily, her pulse still hammering. She slid the flash drive beneath the false bottom of her jewelry box and crawled into bed, staring up at the ceiling.
Phase Two, she thought. Expose him. Ruin him.
But sleep refused to come. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw his expression in the study—controlled, unreadable, yet somehow aware.
---
Morning came bright and sharp. The mansion staff moved efficiently through the halls, preparing breakfast. Elena dressed carefully in a pale gray dress and descended the grand staircase.
Adrian was already at the table, reading a newspaper. He looked up when she entered, his gaze skimming over her like a touch.
"Good morning, Mrs. Kane."
"Good morning," she replied evenly, taking her seat across from him.
He folded the paper, setting it aside. "We're expected at a charity gala tonight. You'll find a gown in your dressing room. My assistant will handle the rest."
She stirred her coffee. "You plan every minute of my life now?"
"It keeps things simple."
"For you, maybe," she muttered.
His lips curved faintly. "For both of us, if you're smart."
The quiet dominance in his voice stirred something she didn't want to name. She looked away quickly.
---
That evening, the gala glittered beneath chandeliers and soft music. Cameras flashed as they entered arm in arm, the perfect couple. Adrian's hand rested at the small of her back—possessive, controlled.
She played her role flawlessly, smiling when expected, laughing at the right moments, all while scanning the crowd for the contact who would help her decode the stolen files.
Halfway through the evening, she spotted him—a thin man in glasses, standing near the balcony doors. He gave a small nod. She excused herself from Adrian's side and moved toward him.
"Mrs. Kane," the man murmured, "you have what we need?"
"Yes," she whispered. "But it's encrypted. I need someone to—"
"Elena."
The sound of her name, spoken in that deep, steady voice, froze her blood. Adrian stood a few steps behind her, expression unreadable. The crowd's chatter dimmed in her ears.
"I was wondering where my wife disappeared to," he said smoothly. "Care to introduce me to your friend?"
Her heart hammered so loudly she was certain he could hear it.
The man in glasses bowed quickly and retreated into the crowd, leaving her alone under Adrian's gaze.
"I was just getting some air," she said.
He studied her for a long moment, then offered his arm. "Then let's get some together."
---
Outside on the balcony, the city stretched below them in a sea of lights. The night air was cool against her skin. Adrian leaned on the railing beside her, silent for several seconds.
"When I found you in my study last night," he said finally, "I almost believed your excuse."
Her breath caught. "Almost?"
He turned his head slightly, eyes glinting. "You're hiding something, Elena. I can feel it."
She forced a small laugh. "You think too much."
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. The touch was gentle, almost tender, and it unsettled her more than anger ever could.
"Maybe," he said softly. "But I always find the truth."
For a moment, neither spoke. The city lights flickered below, and the faint hum of music drifted through the open doors.
Then he stepped closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Whatever game you're playing, just remember—you married the wrong man to lie to."
Before she could respond, he turned and walked back inside, leaving her staring after him, her heart trembling in her chest.
---
She gripped the railing, nails biting into her palms. He knew something. Maybe not everything, but enough to make the next step dangerous.
Still, backing down wasn't an option.
If he suspects me, then I'll make him fall first.
The night wind tangled through her hair as she straightened, her expression hardening with resolve. Beneath the glitter of the city, the war between them had only just begun.
---
End of Chapter 2