Emilia stepped out of the car and onto the winding driveway of the Moriarty estate. The mansion loomed before her, its turrets and spires reaching toward the moon like skeletal fingers.
As she approached the entrance, the massive wooden doors swung open by themselves, as if beckoned by an unseen force.
Emilia's heart skipped a beat. Something about this place felt otherworldly.
She stepped inside, her heels echoing off the marble floor.
A figure emerged from the shadows.
Adrian Moriarty.
Tall, dark, and impossibly handsome.
His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, and Emilia felt like she was drowning in their depths.
"Welcome, Emilia," Adrian said, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down her spine.
He glided toward her, his movements eerily fluid.
As he drew closer, Emilia caught the scent of sandalwood and something else... something primal.
Adrian's eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, and Emilia felt herself drawn to him like a moth to flame.
"You're breathtaking," Adrian whispered, his breath caressing her skin.
Emilia's heart pounded in her chest. No one had ever made her feel this way before.
As Adrian took her hand, Emilia felt a jolt of electricity run through her veins.
She knew she was in danger, but she couldn't help herself.
She was captivated
"Let's dance," Adrian whispered, his breath caressing her ear.
Emilia nodded, her heart pounding in her chest even though surprised course through her veins.
As they glided across the dance floor, Emilia felt like she was floating on air.
Adrian's hand was hot against hers, his touch sending shivers down her spine.
The music swirled around them, a mesmerizing waltz that seemed to match the beating of Emilia's heart.
As they danced, Emilia felt Adrian's eyes on hers, burning with an intensity that made her breath catch.
She couldn't look away.
Couldn't resist the pull of his gaze.
The music reached its climax, and Adrian spun her around, his eyes burning with an inner fire.
Emilia felt like she was drowning in their depths.
The music stopped, and Adrian released her, his eyes never leaving hers.
"I think it's time for refreshments," he said, his voice low and husky.
Emilia nodded, still feeling dazed.
As they made their way to the refreshments, Emilia couldn't shake off the feeling that Adrian was hiding something.
What secrets was he keeping?
And what did Lucas mean by his word?
Emilia scanned the room, it was a small gathering with some few friends .
She didn't know why Adrian would want to meet her at his estate as a gathering.
What was he insinuating at?
Emilia saw two seats kept a distance and Adrian led her to it , the two settling down in it .
A servant came with their refreshments .
As they sipped their champagne, Emilia couldn't help but notice the way Adrian's eyes seemed to scan the room.
"Looking for someone?" Emilia asked, her voice playful.
Adrian's gaze snapped back to hers.
"No," he said, his smile quick. "Just making sure everything is in order."
Just then, a vision in red appeared at Adrian's side.
"Adrian," she purred.
Emilia's heart skipped a beat.
Weren't they supposed to be alone and besides , Who was this woman?
Camilla.
Adrian's ex.
The rumors swirled in Emilia's mind.
Tumultuous relationship.
Passionate.
Violent.
Camilla's eyes locked onto Emilia, her gaze cold.
"Emilia," Camilla said, her voice dripping with malice. "I've heard so much about you."
Emilia felt a shiver run down her spine.
There was something about Camilla that didn't add up.
Something hidden beneath her polished exterior.
"You're even more beautiful than I expected," Camilla said, her voice laced with venom.
Emilia's eyes narrowed.
What was Camilla playing at?
As they chatted, Emilia couldn't shake off the feeling that Camilla was probing her.
Searching for weaknesses.
But why?
What did Camilla want from her?
Adrian's eyes flickered between Emilia and Camilla, his expression unreadable.
Was he still in love with Camilla?
Or was there something more sinister at play?
Emilia watched as Camilla's eyes locked onto Adrian, their tension palpable.
"Adrian, I need to speak with you," Emilia said, her voice firm.
Adrian's eyes narrowed but still nodded and they both step out walking into a room with a man in glasses seated there.
"What is it?" Adrian asked.
Emilia took a deep breath ignoring the man's presence.
"I know about you and Camilla," Emilia said.
Adrian's expression remained neutral.
"What about us?" Adrian asked.
Emilia's eyes locked onto his.
"You're still in love with her," Emilia said.
Adrian's gaze flickered.
"Don't worry about Camilla," Adrian said. "She's not relevant to our arrangement."
Emilia's eyes narrowed.
"What arrangement?" Emilia asked.
Adrian smiled.
"A contract marriage," Adrian said. "We'll maintain a facade of happiness for the public. But behind closed doors, we'll keep our distance."
Emilia felt a pang of unease.
"What's the catch?" Emilia asked.
Adrian's eyes locked onto hers.
"Don't fall in love with me," Adrian said.
Emilia raised an eyebrow.
"That's the last thing on my mind," Emilia said.
Adrian nodded summoning his lawyer who was among those invited .
Did he have the contract planned all along?
Emilia thought looking at the lawyer who pushed his glasses back uncomfortable with the intensity of Emilia's gaze
Emilia's eyes locked onto Adrian's.
"And what's in it for me?" Emilia asked.
Adrian smiled.
"Your family will receive the support and protection of the Moriarty name," Adrian said. "Their business dealings will flourish with our influence, and their social standing will rise significantly."
Emilia's heart skipped a beat.
That was exactly what her parents wanted.
"But what about me?" Emilia asked.
Adrian's gaze locked onto hers.
"You'll receive a generous allowance and access to our family's resources," Adrian said. "You'll also have the opportunity to pursue your own interests and passions, free from financial worry."
Emilia felt a surge of excitement.
This was the life she'd always dreamed of.
But due to her family's pressure she had to succumb to their wishes .
She was naturally into fashion but had to study business finance t help their family campany even though her elder brother Matteo was there.
"And protection?" Emilia asked bringing herself from her thoughts.
Adrian's expression turned serious.
"You'll be under my family's protection," Adrian said. "No one will dare harm you or your family while you bear the Moriarty name."
Emilia nodded, satisfied.
This contract marriage would solve all her family's problems.
And hers.
"I accept," Emilia said.
Adrian's smile was cold.
"Excellent," Adrian said. "Let's seal our arrangement."
Emilia nodded waiting for a pen but was shocked to see Adrian biting his thumb to draw blood to sign the contract
Left with no other choice Emilia pierced her thumb with her nails sealing her future as the moonlight shone upon it .
The eerie silence a witness to their contractal marriage sealing their fate.