Adrian carried Lucy out of the company without saying another word.
She didn't protest.
Didn't even try.
Her arms were already wrapped around him.
Tightly.
By the time they got into the car, her head had dropped against his chest.
"Lucy," he called softly.
No response.
"She's asleep already…" he muttered.
When they got home, he stepped out and carried her inside.
The guards greeted him, but he didn't stop.
Straight to his room.
He pushed the door open and walked in.
"Put me down…" Lucy murmured weakly.
Adrian glanced down at her.
"You're barely awake."
"I am…"
He reached the bed and tried to lay her down gently.
But her hands tightened around his shirt.
He paused.
"Lucy."
"No…" she whispered, eyes still closed.
He tried again.
Still
She didn't let go.
Adrian stared at her for a second.
Then let out a quiet breath.
"…You're really not letting go."
So instead
He climbed onto the bed with her.
Lucy naturally settled on top of him, her head resting against his chest.
Her breathing slowed.
Soft.
Peaceful.
Adrian didn't move.
His hand hovered for a second…
Then rested lightly on her back.
"…Sleep," he murmured.
And slowly
Even his closed his eyes.
Sunlight filled the room softly.
Lucy stirred.
Her eyes opened slowly.
She blinked.
Looked around.
This wasn't her room.
She sat up quickly.
"Where…?"
A voice came from the side.
"Good morning, my love."
Lucy turned sharply.
Adrian sat comfortably, a cup of coffee in his hand.
Watching her.
She froze.
"…Your what?"
"My love," he repeated calmly.
Lucy blinked again.
"Me?" she asked.
"Your love?"
He took a sip of his coffee.
"Is there anyone else in this room?" he replied.
Lucy's face flushed instantly.
She looked away.
"…No."
"Then I'm talking to you."
Her heart skipped.
She didn't know what to say.
"Get dressed," he added calmly.
She looked back at him.
"Where are we going?"
"To the mall."
Lucy stared at him.
"…The mall?"
"Yes."
She frowned slightly.
Still confused.
"…Am I dreaming?" she muttered.
Adrian smirked faintly.
"You'll know soon enough."
Lucy hesitated, then said softly,
"…Okay… but can I wear your shirt and shorts?"
He looked at her.
Paused.
Then nodded.
"Of course, my love."
She blinked again.
"Anything that belongs to me belongs to you."
Lucy's heart skipped again.
Before she could react—
He stood up, walked over to her…
And placed a light kiss on her forehead.
"I'll be outside," he said.
Then walked out.
Lucy sat there.
Frozen.
"…What just happened?" she whispered.
The mall was busy.
People everywhere.
Lucy walked beside Adrian, still trying to act normal.
"You really didn't have to bring me here," she said.
He didn't look at her.
"I wanted to."
That was it.
They entered the first store.
Lucy picked a simple dress.
Adrian looked at it.
"Take it," he said.
"I only need one," she replied.
He looked at her.
"You're not here for one."
She opened her mouth
Closed it again.
Minutes later
He had already paid for several outfits.
"Adrian, this is too much," she said.
"No, it's not."
"It is."
He stopped walking.
Turned to her.
"Lucy," he said calmly,
"I said it's not."
She sighed softly.
At another shop, she tried to carry one of the bags.
He took it from her immediately.
"I can carry it," she said.
"I know."
"Then why"
"I don't want you to."
She looked at him.
Didn't argue again.
Later, they sat at a small café inside the mall.
Lucy stared at the ice cream in front of her.
"For me?" she asked.
"For you."
She smiled slightly.
She took a bite.
"It's nice…"
Adrian watched her quietly.
Then leaned forward slightly.
"You missed a spot," he said.
Before she could react
He wiped the corner of her lips gently.
Lucy froze.
"…I can do that myself," she said softly.
"I know."
He scooped some ice cream.
And held it toward her.
Lucy blinked.
"Adrian…"
"Eat."
She hesitated.
Then leaned forward and took it.
Her cheeks turned slightly red.
People around them were staring.
But Adrian didn't care.
After they finished, he stood up.
Collected all the bags.
Lucy looked at him.
"You're carrying everything?"
"Yes."
"At least give me one."
"No."
She sighed.
"You're doing too much."
He glanced at her.
"You'll get used to it."
At the car, he opened the door for her.
Lucy paused.
"…Why are you doing all this?" she asked quietly.
He looked at her for a moment.
"Because I want to," he said.
Simple.
Lucy got into the car slowly.
Her heart felt different.
Not heavy like before.
Not scared like before.
Just…
Confused.
And something else.
Something she didn't want to name yet.
But it was there.
And it was growing.