The coupled arrived in their new bedroom, and Ford left them as he did not want to disturb them. Astell had removed his white coat and placed it on the sofa. While Adriana sat on the couch and took this time to rest her feet.
The heels she wore were new and uncomfortable. Adriana removed her heels and laid her bare foot on the ground. She closed her eyes but then felt a cold hand touch her foot. She flinched and opened her eyes to see Astell looking at the small wound at the back of her heel.
"You could have told me to bring you a new pair of shoes."
"It doesn't matter," Adriana pulled her foot back, but Astell held onto it. He opened the medicine box on the table and placed ointment on her wound.
"I hope the lady remembers we're married," Astell looked up to her and gazed into her eyes.
The lighting in the room was dark. Only a few magic crystals were lit up. But this made his eyes look brighter than ever. Those aquamarine-colored eyes captivated Adriana.
"I do."
"Great," smiled Astell, who placed a hand on her head, which made Adriana freeze. "Can I have a request?"
"And that is?" Adriana moved her telling Astell to get his hand off. Though she did not hate it.
"Please call me by my name," Astell stares at her with a serious expression. "I've thought about it. I've never heard you call my name."
Right. Adriana not once said his name. But there was a reason why. She did not know if it was alright to say his name. And it made her question herself. This was the only time she felt shy in front of others. Again she lowered her guard.
"I'm not the only one," Adriana argued back, not wanting to be the first one. "Neither have you called my name," Adriana looked away from him to hear him laugh at her. She glanced at him, and he apologized to her.
"Sorry. I didn't think the lady would care about these things," Astell sat beside Adriana, who felt embarrassed. "Adriana, even if our marriage is just an agreement. I just want to let you know. I am serious about this relationship."
Adriana avoided his eyes, not knowing what to say. But if she doesn't say anything, it'll only look as if she was running away from this.
"I may not be the one you're looking for, but I will do my best," Adriana paused for a second and continued, "Also, Astell has anyone told you your eyes are beautiful?" Adriana crossed her legs, and the next thing she knew, she was smiling.
Astell looked flustered while Adriana watched his ears slowly turn red. That was close. Adriana almost gave him the upper hand. Even if she was in a safer environment. Her personality will not change.
Though for Astell, he did not understand why he was flustered with her sudden compliments. Since he was younger, he was always complicated by others. This much shouldn't have affected him, but it did.
"Yes, specifically, my mother loves the color of my eyes," Astell cleared his throat. "Speaking of mother. My parents wish to meet you soon."
"I don't mind. They're your parents. It would be rude if I don't greet them," said Adriana, while Astell looked at the door upon hearing a knock.
"Enter," ordered Astell, who saw Felix who bowed his head before closing the door.
"I apologize for intruding at this time. Your Grace, there seems to be a problem in the main mansion," reported Felix, who accidentally looked at Adriana, who didn't seem to mind.
"Further explain."
"We received a gift from Issac Belladonna. But the gift made a commotion amongst the servant and maids. His Grace Ruhiel is extremely angered about it," Felix looked away from Adriana and scolded himself for looking at her.
Astell looked at Adriana, who did not look happy at all. She guessed it wasn't a gift but a warning towards the Skydane family. She knew it was coming but didn't think it would be this early.
"I apologize for this matter," Adriana stood up and slipped her foot back into her heels. "It's best to solve this case as early as now."
Adriana did not want to admit it, but she was exhausted. She wanted to get a good sleep for the night, but that wasn't going to come true. All because of Issac Belladonna. Adriana just wished Issac was never born.
"Adriana, calm down," Astell held her clenched fist. "Felix, we'll solve this matter tomorrow. Send word to place the gift somewhere others can't see. Also, increase the security around the area," Felix bowed his head and left the room.
Adriana was still caught up in her own world, thinking about how to destroy Issac. But it'll destroy the whole point of destroying the Belladonna family. She took a deep breath and calmed herself. There isn't any point raging over something this small. He could have done worse.
"Do you mind telling me about your relationship with Issac?" Astell asked Adriana, who stared at him for a while and nodded.
"If it's not obvious enough. He loves me too much. But his love became some sort of possession. He thinks I'm his toy. Which is why he is willing to do anything to get rid of those interested in me," Adriana trembled, feeling a chain being tied around her neck.
Every now and then, Adriana would dream of the past. But it was the same dream all over again. If Issac wanted Adriana, then why did he kill her? If she died, there wouldn't be any blood for him to drink.
Things were starting to become unclear. Was it because the future had changed? Or was she taking too long for things to begin? She did not know anymore.
"Adriana," Astell pulled her into his arms, seeing Adriana's face turn pale. He gently stroked her head, "It's alright. I'm here. I'll help you as much as possible. You're not going to solve this alone. I'm here."