CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
Elsa hissed before storming out.
Violet took her lips in, wondering if she did too much. She just hated when someone calls her a 'slut'.
"Are you okay?" She heard Adrian's voice behind her, and she smiled.
"I'm fine, are you done talking with grandfather?"
"Yes" He nodded.
Elder Jerry looked at the duo, his hands on his walking stick, studying them.
His mind flashed back to what he and Adrian had discussed
EARLIER,
ELDEE JERRY'S ROOM,
"How could you suddenly bring a lady home, and announce that you've married her? Tell me, is that how things are done?" Elder Jerry barked, tapping his walking stick on the floor; his wrinkles crinkling with disapproval.
"I didn't want any excessive drama. Just something quiet, so we did a court marriage.
I'm sorry I didn't let you know before going on with the marriage. I just couldn't wait to have her all to myself" The last sentence almost made him chuckle. "I'm so good at acting" He said inwardly, without a visible change of expression.
Elder Jerry sighed. Bringing his voice lower, he asked, "What made her different? You've never been comfortable about the idea of women, or getting closer to them. So, you getting married all of a sudden is—surprising" He said, sincerely.
He paused, before speaking up again.
"Though I'm happy. Fiona would be, too" He said, and Adrian's eyelid flickered at the mention of his mother's name.
"I don't know what pushed you to get married quickly, however, I respect your decision. You are old enough to make decisions yourself. I trust you" Elder Jerry smiled.
END OF FLASHBACK,
"Becca," Elder Jerry beckoned to a maid nearby, who rushed forward immediately.
"Set the table. My grandson and my daughter in law, needs to have some meal" He said, and Violet smiled, at the mention of 'daughter in law'
Everyone were present at the dining table. Elsa, Steph and Ciara, sat at the left side of Elder Jerry who was in the center.
While Luke, Violet, and Adrian, sat on the right hand side.
Deja had something to do, so she left already.
They ate silently, before Elder Jerry broke the ice.
"Won't you tell us about yourself, daughter in law? What family are you from?" He asked, looking at Violet, and swallowed, before speaking.
"I'm Violet Wilson. And, I don't have a family currently. I'm an orphan" She answered. "Ohh, sorry about that" Elder Jerry said, and she nodded.""
"You mentioned your surname as Wilson" Luke suddenly asked. He hasn't said a word for a while.
Violet already knew the question coming in next. "Any relation to The Wilsons? The popular Wilson family?"
"Not at all" Violet answered, her fist clutched on the hem of her clothes.
Luke didn't say anything after that, he looked at Adrian for a while. Their eyes met, and Luke tried to read him.
Though he was his father, he sometimes wonders what goes on in his son's mind.
How did he suddenly find a girl to get married to? What's he planning?
He just couldn't figure out his thoughts.
Adrian shocked everyone, when he cut a chunk of the food, and turned to Violet who opened her mouth, as he fed her lovingly.
Elder Jerry chuckled, while Elsa rolled her eyes.
Then Elsa suddenly spoke up, "Mind telling us how you met Adrian? From your introduction...you don't seem to be someone of a worthy background" She shrugged.
"Elsa!" Elder Jerry called, his voice laced with an hint of warning.
"I'm his stepmother—" she paused,her gaze on Adrian. "Whether he likes it or not."
"Where I met her or vice versa, is none of your business, Elsa" Adrian said. He always call her name. What else would he call her. Mom? Never in his life.
Steph's gaze lingered on Violet, and when their eyes met, he winked at her. Violet arched her brows, irked by his gesture.
"I'm just trying to give you a bit of protection. It won't be so nice, getting married to a gold-digger. Your father must have had a fair share of experience" She rolled her eyes, and Luke glanced at Elsa, while Adrian's fold tightened on his fork.
"You are going out of your lane, Elsa. You know me. You won't be able to handle what's coming for you, trust me"
Elsa was about to give a reply, when Elder Jerry interrupted.
"Watch your mouth, Elsa! Have you forgotten I'm on seat. I won't condone such ruckus " Elder Jerry chastised.
Ciara and Steph exchanged glances. They hardly interfere when any drama is going on between Adrian and Elsa.
Things never go down well between those two.
The rest of the meal was completed in silence, and Violet could feel the thickened tension in the air.
She caught Steph staring at her for the umpteenth time, and she sighed. "What's his deal" She asked inwardly.
The silence was again, broken by Elder Jerry. "Welcome to the family, Violet. Sorry about the whole scenario."
"Ohh, not at all, sir"
"I hope you cope well" He said, and left the dining area.
*
GARDEN,
"I've done your wish. Stay clear away from me, and my company" Adrian said, his voice low and menacing.
He knew how cunning his father can be. He doesn't say much, but his head is full of a lot of schemes.
Luke shrugged, sipping a cup of tea. "Fine"
Adrian sneered, before leaving.
As soon as Adrian left, Luke made a call.
"Do a background check on Violet Wilson. I need every detail about her"
*
"I don't understand what dad is thinking. Why did he ask Adrian to get married all of a sudden. Why is he treating him like the first child?" Steph fumed, and Ciara sighed.
"Why are you getting so worked up. We all know dad hates Adrian. Besides, getting married doesn't mean he attaches any importance to Adrian.
Adrian is just a pushover, that's all. Dad always have something up his sleeve."
"I don't just feel comfortable with this marriage of a thing. Adrian is the first one to become a self made billionaire among us. He's the first one to get married too. Didn't you see the glint in Elder Jerry's eyes? I just feel uneasy"
"Do you feel uneasy about Adrian's marriage? Or do you feel uneasy about the fact that his wife is your exact spec. I caught your eyes on her, a number of times" She said, giving him a knowing smile, and Steph chuckled.
"She's sure my spec. So curvy. That ass—"
"Shut the fuck up." Ciara rolled her eyes, leaving Steph to his fantasies.
"Adrian always seem to get the best stuff"He muttered
*
ADRIAN'S MANSION
"That's your room" Adrian said, pointing to a white door, opposite his, and Violet batted her lids.
"We are staying in separate rooms?" She asked, before she could stop herself.
"What were you thinking?" He scoffed. "Your stuff are in your room" He said, entering his, and shutting the door on her face.
Violet flinched, as he shut the door. She remembered the way he fed her, when they went to see his family, and she scoffed.
Violet pushed open the door to her room, and a soft gasp escaped her lips. The room was beautiful, with lilac and white walls that seemed to glow in the soft light.
The king-size bed was inviting, with plush pillows and a soft, white duvet. Violet felt a sense of wonder as she stepped into the room, her eyes drinking in the beauty of her new space. How did he know her favourite colours.
She made her way to the bathroom, her eyes widening as she took in the sleek, modern design.
The bathtub was large and inviting, with bubbles already filling the water. Violet couldn't resist the temptation, and she quickly stripped off her clothes, sinking into the warm water with a sigh of pleasure.
As she lay there, surrounded by the soothing bubbles, Violet felt her muscles relax, and her mind begin to unwind. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the water seep into her bones.
Just as she was starting to drift off, Violet heard the door to her room open. She sat up with a start, water splashing over the sides of the tub.
She grabbed a towel and quickly wrapped it around her body, just as Adrian appeared in the doorway.
Adrian's eyes widened in surprise as he took in Violet's state of undress. For a moment, he forgot to breathe, his gaze fixed on the towel that barely covered her body.
He felt a sudden jolt of desire, his mind racing with thoughts of what it would be like to unwrap that towel and reveal the beauty beneath.
Violet, sensing his gaze, felt her face heat up with embarrassment. "Aarghhh... Can't you knock?" she shouted, trying to cover herself up further.
Adrian's eyes snapped back to hers, and he felt a flush rise to his cheeks. He hadn't meant to stare, but he couldn't help himself.
He took a slow step forward, his movements deliberate, as if giving Violet time to react.
"I...I didn't mean to intrude," he said, his voice low and husky. He felt like he was drowning in the depths of her eyes, and he couldn't look away.
Violet's heart was racing, her mind reeling with thoughts of what Adrian might do next. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and yet, a spark of excitement ignited within her.
The room seemed to shrink, the walls closing in on them as Adrian's presence dominated the space. Violet's breath caught in her throat as he reached out, his hand brushing against her cheek, sending shivers down her spine.
"Come to think of it," he said, his voice low and husky, "the contract never said we couldn't consummate our marriage." His words hung in the air like a challenge, and Violet's heart skipped a beat.
She tried to speak, but her voice was barely above a whisper. "What—what are you talking about?" Her eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape, but Adrian's body blocked her path.
He took another slow step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "We've not had our wedding night," he said, his voice dripping with seduction. Violet's face reddened, and she felt a flutter in her chest.
"But it's a contract marriage," she protested, trying to sound calm despite the turmoil brewing inside her. "You...you didn't specify that there would be a need for consummation." Her voice sounded low and squeaked.
Adrian's smile was slow and deliberate, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, I changed my mind," he said, his face leaning closer, his breath whispering against her skin. Violet's eyes went shut, her heart racing with anticipation.