Chapter 37 - Seraphina

I came home earlier than usual, unable to focus on work. The day had dragged on endlessly, and all I could think about was Adrian. It was strange how much I missed him, considering we had been together just that morning. But something about the quiet moments we shared had me yearning to be close to him again.

The house was quiet when I entered, the soft hum of music playing in the background. I set my bag down and glanced around. "Adrian?" I called out, my voice echoing slightly in the vast space.

No answer.

Smiling to myself, I figured he was in his study, probably lost in his work as always. I walked quietly to the study and peeked in. Sure enough, there he was, sitting at his desk, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his tie hanging loosely around his neck. His brows were furrowed in concentration as he typed away on his laptop.

I leaned against the doorframe, taking in the sight of him. God, how could a man look so effortlessly handsome while working?

Clearing my throat dramatically, I broke the silence. Adrian looked up, his eyes softening as soon as they landed on me.

"Seraphina," he said, a smile tugging at his lips. "What are you doing home so early?"

I stepped inside, walking toward him slowly. "I missed you," I said simply, shrugging as if it wasn't a big deal, though my heart raced at my confession.

His smile widened, and he leaned back in his chair, his arms resting on the armrests. "Missed me, huh? I must be quite the distraction if you're skipping work for me."

I stopped in front of him, placing my hands on the desk and leaning forward slightly. "You have no idea," I said playfully.

He chuckled and reached out to grab my wrist, pulling me onto his lap in one swift motion. I let out a small gasp, but his arms wrapped securely around my waist, holding me in place.

"You missed me that much?" he murmured, his voice dropping an octave.

I laughed softly, placing my hands on his chest. "Don't let it go to your head," I teased.

He tilted his head, his gaze locking onto mine. "Too late."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. "So, Mr. Castellanos, are you going to make it worth my while to come home early?"

He smirked, his hands tightening around my waist. "Oh, I plan to."

I pretended to think for a moment, tapping my finger against my lips. "Well, you could start by putting your work away and spending some time with me."

"Done," he said immediately, reaching over to shut his laptop without breaking eye contact.

"And then what?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent a thrill through me.

"Then... maybe you could take me out for dinner. Or we could stay in and watch a movie," I suggested.

"Or," he said, his lips brushing against my ear, "we could stay right here."

I didn't have time to respond before his lips captured mine, soft and insistent. My fingers curled into his shirt as I melted into the kiss, my mind blanking at the way he held me like I was the only thing that mattered.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us breathless, he rested his forehead against mine, his lips brushing against my cheek.

"You're impossible," I whispered, a soft laugh escaping me.

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And you love me for it."

I didn't even try to deny it.

Adrian smirked, his hands gently running along my back as he leaned closer. "You know," he began, his voice low and teasing, "I think it's time the whole world—and especially my office—knows that I'm taken."

I raised an eyebrow, tilting my head. "Oh? And what do you have in mind, Mr. Castellanos?"

He chuckled, his fingers lightly brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I want you to come to my office tomorrow. Spend the day with me. Let everyone see just how lucky I am."

I laughed softly, shaking my head. "You want me to parade around your office just so you can show off?"

He shrugged, completely unbothered by my tone. "Exactly. They've all been nagging me to 'settle down' or questioning why I've been so... distracted lately." His eyes darkened as they locked onto mine. "They should know it's because of you."

I blushed under his intense gaze but tried to play it cool. "And what if I embarrass you? What if I trip or spill coffee in front of your employees?"

Adrian smirked, pulling me even closer. "Then they'll know you're perfect for me because I'll probably trip with you or spill the coffee myself."

I couldn't help but laugh, resting my forehead against his. "You're ridiculous."

"And you love me for it," he quipped, echoing the words I'd said earlier.

I rolled my eyes, but a soft smile tugged at my lips. "Fine, I'll come. But don't blame me if your employees get jealous."

His grin widened as he kissed me again, slower this time, savoring every moment. "Let them be jealous," he murmured against my lips. "You're mine, Seraphina, and I'm not hiding it anymore."

The possessive tone in his voice sent a thrill through me, and I nodded, my arms wrapping around his neck. "Yours," I whispered.

"Forever," he replied, sealing the promise with another kiss.

The next day, I stood outside Adrian's towering office building, dressed in a sleek, fitted black dress he insisted I wear. He had called me multiple times that morning to remind me to come, his excitement barely contained.

When I entered, the receptionist glanced up, her practiced smile faltering slightly as she took me in. Recognition flickered across her face, and her eyes widened. "Oh my God... are you Seraphina?"

I smiled politely. "Yes, I'm here to see Mr. Castellanos."

Her brows furrowed in confusion. "Do you have an appointment?"

Before I could answer, Adrian's deep voice rang out from behind her. "She doesn't need one."

Heads turned as he strode out of the elevator, his usual stoic demeanor replaced by a rare, soft smile meant only for me. The receptionist looked like she'd just seen a ghost.

Adrian approached me, placing a possessive hand on my waist. "You're early," he said, his tone warm, but his eyes glimmered with pride.

I smirked. "Missed you."

The receptionist's jaw practically hit the desk. Adrian Castellanos, the cold, no-nonsense CEO, was acting like a love-struck teenager.

"Come on," he said, leading me toward the elevators. As we passed the office floor, I could feel dozens of eyes on us. Whispers followed in our wake, but this time, they weren't just about him.

"Is that Seraphina?"

"No way. She's married to him?"

"She's one of the biggest names in her field!"

"When did that happen?"

"He married her? And didn't tell anyone?"

Adrian ignored them all, his hand never leaving my waist as we stepped into the elevator. Once the doors closed, I raised an eyebrow at him. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

He shrugged, looking far too pleased with himself. "Let them talk. They've been speculating about my personal life for years. It's about time they see the truth."

When we reached his office, his assistant, Lila, nearly dropped her coffee. "Mr. Castellanos, I didn't realize you had a guest—oh my God, Seraphina?"

"My wife," Adrian corrected smoothly, emphasizing the word. "Cancel my meetings for the morning. I'll be busy."

Lila blinked, her professional facade cracking. "Your... wife?"

"Yes, Lila. Wife. As in married. As in the woman I love and will spend the rest of my life with," he said, his tone deadpan but with a hint of amusement.

I bit back a laugh as Lila nodded mechanically, clearly too stunned to process anything else.

Inside his office, Adrian pulled me close and kissed my forehead. "Now, let's make this a day to remember."

Throughout the morning, he introduced me to his team, showing a side of himself they'd never seen before—playful, relaxed, even cracking jokes.

At one point, one of his senior employees, Mr. Graham, couldn't help but comment. "I have to say, Mrs. Castellanos, we've never seen him like this. He's usually... well, terrifying."

I laughed, glancing at Adrian, who looked utterly unbothered. "He's still terrifying. He just hides it better with me around."

Adrian smirked, wrapping an arm around me. "She's the reason I'm tolerable now."

By lunchtime, the entire office was buzzing with gossip—not just about Adrian's marriage but about how he had landed Seraphina Castellanos. Adrian, however, seemed completely unfazed, his attention entirely on me.

As we sat in his private dining area, I teased, "You know, you've completely ruined your reputation today."

He grinned, leaning in to kiss me softly. "I don't care. Let them know I'm yours. That's all that matters."

And just like that, Adrian Castellanos, the intimidating CEO, became the husband who was unapologetically in love with his equally successful wife—for everyone to see.

When we arrived home later that evening, I could hear the faint sounds of weights clinking from the gym downstairs. Adrian was in his element, working on his fitness as usual. I smiled to myself, knowing it would be the perfect opportunity to tease him a little.

I walked down the stairs, my heels clicking softly on the marble floors, and leaned against the gym door, watching him as he was in the middle of a set, sweat glistening on his toned body. His abs were defined, each movement highlighting his strength and focus.

"Adrian," I called out, smirking as he looked up from his workout. His eyes softened the moment he saw me, but he didn't stop his sets.

"Well, well," I purred, crossing my arms over my chest, "look who's working out. Trying to make everyone else look bad?"

He chuckled, a hint of playfulness in his eyes. "Just keeping myself in shape. Someone has to, right?"

I walked closer, my heels clicking louder as I approached him, my eyes fixed on his abs. "Mmm, I see," I said, admiring his sculpted muscles. "Well, I'm certainly impressed. But..." I trailed my finger across my lips as I moved even closer. "I think you're in great shape already, but I have to say, I could really get used to this view."

Adrian's lips quirked up into a half-smile, clearly enjoying my attention. "You like what you see?" he asked, giving me a once-over, his gaze lingering on my waist and hips.

"Oh, I absolutely do," I replied, lowering my gaze to his abs. "I mean, how could I not? But, you know..." I smiled mischievously. "You're not the only one in shape around here."

Adrian raised an eyebrow as he wiped the sweat off his forehead. "Oh? I'm interested to hear more."

I stepped closer, my finger tracing lightly down his chest, then over his abs, admiring how each muscle seemed to ripple under my touch. "I think you might need some competition, don't you?" I teased, smiling up at him. "You have a pretty impressive six-pack, but have you seen me? I've got curves in all the right places. This," I said, lightly running my hands over my own waist and hips, "deserves equal attention."

He let out a low chuckle and pulled me closer, his hands resting on my waist as he looked down at me. "Is that so? You know, I've always thought you had the perfect figure. But hey, if we're talking about competition... you're the one with the small waist, the perfect curves, and the most attention-grabbing body."

I couldn't resist the playful challenge in his eyes. "Well, maybe we should make it a little competition then. Who can stay in the best shape?" I teased, winking at him. "But just so you know, I plan to win this one."

He laughed softly, the sound like music to my ears, before leaning in to kiss me lightly. "Oh, I have no doubt you'll win every time, darling," he murmured, his lips lingering against mine. "But I'm still going to make sure I keep up with you."

I pulled back slightly, gazing up at him, my heart racing. "You better," I whispered, my hand tracing the edge of his jawline. "Because if you don't, I might have to leave you in the dust."

He smiled mischievously, his hands tightening around my waist as he pulled me closer. "I don't plan on letting you get away anytime soon. In fact," he said, his voice low and husky, "I think I'm more than capable of keeping up with you."

Before I could respond, he kissed me again, deeper this time, and I knew that the competition between us was going to be anything but boring.

It had been weeks since everything started falling into place. Adrian and I were settling into a rhythm, both personally and professionally, and it felt like life was finally on track. Our relationship was stronger than ever, Iris was doing well, and the business was flourishing. For the first time in a long while, I could actually breathe easy.

That is, until the doorbell rang one evening, and everything shifted.

I was in the kitchen, prepping dinner, when I heard Adrian's voice in the hallway. His tone was unusually stiff, a slight edge to it. My heart sank instinctively. I wiped my hands on a towel and stepped out into the living room, only to freeze in my tracks when I saw who was standing at the door.

Adrian's uncle.

The air seemed to thicken in an instant, and the moment he crossed the threshold, the room felt colder, heavier. The memory of that fateful day—seven years ago—rushed back to me in a flood of images I tried so hard to bury.

Adrian's uncle wasn't alone. Behind him, Aunt Cyril followed, her warm smile softening the tension ever so slightly. She greeted me with a kind, almost maternal expression, carrying a grace that contrasted starkly with her husband's imposing presence. Cyril was always so... sweet. Too sweet.

I had seen her around before, her delicate hand on Adrian's shoulder or a kind word offered during strained family moments. She had a way of making the unbearable seem manageable. But something about her goodness unsettled me. I couldn't pinpoint why—maybe it was her connection to Adrian's uncle, a man who had only ever brought destruction into my life. Or maybe it was the way she always seemed so perfectly unbothered, even in the most chaotic of situations.

Was it real? Or was it a mask?

I shook my head, willing the thought away. Whatever her motives, Aunt Cyril had never once given me a reason to distrust her, no matter how much my mind wanted to find one.

As I walked into the room, my eyes flicked between Cyril's warm expression and Adrian's uncle's cold, calculating gaze. The tension between Adrian and his uncle was palpable, their unspoken history hanging in the air like a storm about to break.

Cyril's voice was soft as she stepped forward, her hand resting lightly on her husband's arm. "You promised to keep things civil," she said gently, her words directed more at her husband than anyone else.

Her husband didn't respond, but his gaze lingered on me, a smirk curling at his lips. "So, it's you. The woman who nearly destroyed everything."

I froze, my heart pounding. The audacity of him.

Adrian's voice was a low growl as he stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of me. "Don't you dare bring that up again," he warned, his eyes hardening. "She's my wife now, and you'll show her the respect she deserves."

For a moment, I saw his uncle's smile falter, but it was quick to recover, replaced by an even colder sneer. "Respect? You've let your emotions cloud your judgment, Adrian. You've let a woman distract you from your responsibilities." His gaze flickered to me again, and I could feel the weight of the past pressing down.

Cyril's soft voice broke in again, almost hesitant. "Let's not dwell on the past," she said, her gaze darting between Adrian and her husband. "We've all been through enough already."

Her words were well-meaning, but they only made my unease grow. Why did she feel the need to defend him?

I shook off the thought, focusing instead on Adrian, whose fists were clenched, rage simmering just beneath the surface. Before he could lash out, I stepped forward, my voice calm and steady, despite the storm in my chest.

"You think that by holding the past over us, you'll control us?" I asked, meeting his gaze head-on. "You think that by reminding us of the worst day of our lives, you can tear us apart? You're wrong."

For a moment, his uncle didn't respond. The surprise in his eyes flickered before he quickly masked it with indifference. "I didn't think you had it in you," he muttered, but there was no triumph in his voice, only a grudging respect.

"I've seen worse," I replied, my voice unwavering. "And I've survived it. We've both survived it." I reached for Adrian's hand, squeezing it gently, grounding him. We were in this together, and no matter what, we'd face it together.

Adrian's uncle studied us for a long moment, his gaze narrowing as if trying to assess our resolve. Finally, he scoffed, shaking his head in mock disdain. "You've made your choice, Adrian. But don't think you've heard the last of me." His voice was icy as he turned and left, Cyril trailing behind him.

Before leaving, Cyril turned back briefly, her eyes meeting mine. There was something there—sympathy? Concern?—that made me question my earlier thoughts. Maybe she really was just kind, caught in the middle of all this chaos. Or maybe I was just too wary to trust anyone.

The silence that followed felt heavy, but it wasn't oppressive. It was the kind of silence that marked a battle fought and won, even if the war was far from over.

I looked up at Adrian, his face still tense but softer than before. "You okay?" I asked, my voice gentle, knowing that it wasn't just the situation with his uncle that weighed on him.

He didn't answer right away, pulling me into his arms instead. His lips brushed against my forehead in a rare moment of vulnerability. "I will be," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I just... I never wanted you to be dragged into all of this. It's not your fight."

I held him tighter, my heart swelling with a love that could withstand anything. "It's our fight now. We're in this together, Adrian. Always."

And for the first time in a long while, I believed it. Whatever came next, we would face it as a team, stronger than ever.

Together.