Lucy woke up slowly.
Warmth.
That was the first thing she felt.
Her brows pulled together slightly as she shifted.
Then she realized—
She wasn't alone.
Her eyes opened immediately.
Adrian.
Her head was resting on his chest.
His arm wrapped around her waist.
Her breath caught.
"…Oh."
Memories from last night rushed back.
The kiss.
His words.
The way he held her.
Her cheeks warmed instantly.
Carefully, she tried to move.
Slowly lifting her head.
Trying not to wake him.
But the moment she shifted—
His arm tightened.
"Where are you going?" his voice came, low and calm.
Lucy froze.
"…I didn't mean to wake you," she said softly.
Adrian opened his eyes.
"You didn't," he replied.
She avoided his gaze.
"I was just… going to my room."
A small pause.
"You're already in your room," he said.
Lucy blinked.
Then remembered his words.
"Our room."
Her heartbeat picked up again.
"I still have my own room," she said quietly.
Adrian watched her.
"And yet, you're here."
Lucy didn't know what to say.
So she tried to get up again.
This time, he didn't stop her immediately.
But when she sat up—
He reached out and held her wrist gently.
Lucy looked at him.
"Stay," he said.
Not loud.
Not forceful.
But it didn't sound like a suggestion either.
Lucy hesitated.
"…I should freshen up," she replied.
Adrian held her gaze for a second.
Then let go.
"Go," he said.
Lucy stood up quickly and walked toward the door.
But just before she stepped out—
She paused.
Her fingers touched her lips lightly.
Then she shook her head slightly and left.
Downstairs—
The staff greeted her respectfully.
"Good morning, ma'am."
Lucy smiled softly.
"Good morning."
She moved toward the kitchen.
"I can help—" she started.
But one of the staff quickly stepped forward.
"No, ma'am. Please sit."
Lucy frowned slightly.
"I can do simple things," she said.
"Sir gave strict orders," the woman replied.
Lucy sighed.
"Of course he did…"
She turned to leave—
And accidentally bumped into a tray.
A cup fell.
And spilled on the floor.
A female staff nearby clicked her tongue.
"Careful," she said, slightly annoyed.
"You should watch where you're going."
Lucy blinked.
"I'm sorry," she said.
But the girl wasn't done.
"You're making our work harder," she added under her breath.
Before Lucy could respond—
A voice came from behind.
"Say that again."
The air changed instantly.
Lucy turned.
Adrian.
Standing there.
Watching.
The staff froze.
"I… I didn't mean—" the girl stammered.
Adrian walked closer.
Slow.
Calm.
"Repeat what you said," he said.
No one moved.
Lucy stepped forward quickly.
"It's fine," she said.
"It was just a mistake."
Adrian didn't look at her.
"I'm talking to her," he said.
The girl's hands trembled.
"I was just saying she should be careful, sir."
Adrian's gaze hardened slightly.
"She doesn't need your correction."
Silence.
"If I hear you speak to her like that again," he continued,
"you won't be working here."
The girl nodded quickly.
"Yes, sir."
Adrian finally looked at Lucy.
"Come," he said.
Lucy followed him upstairs.
Inside the room, she turned to him.
"You didn't have to do that," she said.
"I did," he replied.
"It was nothing," she insisted.
"It wasn't nothing," he said calmly.
Lucy sighed.
"You can't control everything," she said.
Adrian looked at her.
"I can control what concerns you."
That made her pause.
Lucy shook her head slightly.
"That's exactly what I'm talking about," she said.
"You don't let me do anything."
Adrian didn't interrupt.
"I want to work," she added.
A small silence.
"No," he said.
Lucy frowned.
"You didn't even think about it."
"I don't need to."
Her expression changed.
"I'm not asking for permission," she said quietly.
Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly.
"And what are you doing?"
Lucy held his gaze.
"I want to feel normal," she said.
"I want to do something with my life."
A pause.
"You have everything you need here," he replied.
"That's not the point," she said.
Silence stretched between them.
Then Adrian spoke.
"What do you want to do?" he asked.
Lucy blinked.
"…Work."
"Where?"
She hesitated.
"Anywhere… even with you."
Adrian watched her carefully.
"You won't like my world," he said.
"Then let me decide that," she replied.
Another silence.
Heavy.
Adrian stepped closer.
"You're asking for something you don't understand."
Lucy didn't move.
"Then help me understand," she said softly.
Their eyes locked.
For a long moment—
Neither of them spoke.
Then Adrian exhaled quietly.
"I'll think about it," he said.
Lucy didn't smile.
But something in her eyes softened.
"Thank you," she said.
And for the first time—
It didn't feel like she was completely under his control anymore.