The tension in the dining hall was suffocating.
Selena felt every pair of eyes locked onto her, as if waiting for her to crack under pressure. Gregory Wolfe's challenge was clear—a prenup.
Adrian's jaw was clenched so tight she thought he might snap the crystal wine glass in his hand.
"It won't be necessary," he repeated, his voice even but dangerously low.
Gregory leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Every business deal has safeguards, Adrian. Surely you understand that."
Selena forced herself to breathe, knowing this moment could make or break their lie.
A prenup wasn't unusual for people like Adrian—billionaires who had empires to protect. But rejecting one? That was suspicious.
And Gregory Wolfe was not a man easily fooled.
Selena took a calculated risk, placing a gentle hand on Adrian's arm. "I told him I wouldn't sign one," she said softly, her voice carrying just the right amount of offense and vulnerability. "If we're committing to each other, why should there be a contract that assumes we'll fail?"
Gregory's sharp eyes flickered to her, studying.
She held his gaze, refusing to look away.
The moment stretched.
Then, Ethan chuckled, breaking the silence. "She's got a point. A prenup would mean you already expect to divorce." He smirked at Adrian. "That's not very romantic, brother."
Lillian let out a soft laugh. "How refreshing. A woman who actually believes in love."
Selena resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
Gregory didn't look convinced, but he didn't press further. Instead, he took a sip of his wine, the conversation shifting away from the test.
Selena exhaled silently, stealing a glance at Adrian. His face remained unreadable, but she could feel the tension in his body slowly ease.
Crisis avoided. For now.
---
After dinner, the family moved to the lounge area, a sophisticated space filled with luxury furniture, bookshelves, and a massive glass window overlooking the estate.
Selena stayed close to Adrian, knowing their performance wasn't over yet.
Ethan, still smirking, handed her a glass of wine. "So, Selena… what made you fall for my brother?"
Adrian shot him a warning look, but Ethan ignored it, his amusement only growing.
Selena tilted her head, pretending to think. "He's… difficult."
Ethan laughed, while Adrian sighed.
"But he's also loyal," she continued, her voice softer. "And underneath all that control and arrogance, he has a heart."
Adrian raised an eyebrow at her. Even he looked surprised by her words.
Ethan, however, just grinned. "That's interesting. Because I've known Adrian my whole life, and I'm still waiting to see that heart."
Selena smirked. "Maybe you're just not looking hard enough."
Ethan let out a low whistle. "She's quick, Adrian. I like her."
Selena felt Adrian shift beside her. "That makes one of us."
Lillian smiled, sipping her wine. "You two certainly have chemistry. But tell me, dear… what does your family think about all of this?"
Selena's stomach tightened.
Her family?
For a moment, her mind went blank. She had spent so much time preparing for Adrian's world that she had forgotten about her own backstory.
Adrian stepped in smoothly. "Selena doesn't have a large family. Her parents passed away when she was young."
Selena almost flinched, but she masked it with a small, sad smile.
Lillian placed a hand over her heart. "Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry."
Selena nodded. "It's okay. It was a long time ago."
Ethan's smirk faltered slightly, as if realizing the conversation had taken a serious turn.
Gregory, however, remained silent, still watching her like a man studying a chessboard.
Selena knew she had passed his first test, but she had no doubt—there would be more.
---
The moment they were back in the car, Selena let out a long breath, slumping slightly against the seat. "Well, that was exhausting."
Adrian didn't respond right away. He was staring out the window, deep in thought.
After a few moments, he finally spoke. "You handled yourself well."
Selena blinked, turning to him. "Was that… a compliment?"
Adrian sighed, rubbing his temple. "Don't get used to it."
She smirked. "I think I will."
A comfortable silence settled between them.
Then, Adrian turned to her, his eyes serious. "My father isn't done testing us. He doesn't believe anything without proof. If he suspects this engagement is fake…"
Selena nodded. "I know. We just have to be careful."
Adrian studied her for a moment. Then, without warning, he reached over and took her hand.
She froze. "What are you—"
He turned her palm upward, running his thumb over the soft skin. "Your hand was shaking back there."
Selena swallowed. "I was nervous."
"You didn't show it," Adrian murmured, his gaze locked on hers.
The air between them shifted, becoming something neither of them was ready to acknowledge.
Selena slowly pulled her hand back, looking away. "You're really good at this whole 'pretend to care' thing."
Adrian didn't answer right away. Then, he leaned back, closing his eyes. "Let's just get through this without destroying each other."
Selena didn't say it, but she had a feeling—
That might be easier said than done.