Chapter 15: The First Sign of Possession
Lina felt her heartbeat quicken after Adrian's words.
Stay with me today.
It wasn't the first time he asked her to stay.
But today… it felt different.
There was something in his voice.
Something softer.
Something… possessive.
She nodded gently.
"Okay."
Adrian released her wrist slowly, but his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer.
For some reason, watching her walk away made him feel uneasy.
He didn't understand why.
But he suddenly didn't want her far from him.
—
Late morning…
Lina brought tea to Adrian's study.
He was sitting at the desk, looking at some documents.
"You're working already?" she asked softly.
Adrian nodded.
"I need to check some company files."
Lina placed the tea on the desk.
"You should rest more."
Adrian glanced at her.
"I will."
But he didn't stop reading.
Lina stood quietly beside him.
After a few minutes, she turned to leave.
But before she could step away—
Adrian suddenly spoke.
"Where are you going?"
Lina blinked.
"I thought… you were busy."
Adrian paused.
Then he said calmly—
"Stay."
Her heart skipped again.
She nodded softly.
"Okay."
She sat on the couch nearby.
The room fell silent.
Only the sound of papers turning filled the air.
But the silence felt comfortable.
Warm.
After some time, Adrian suddenly spoke again.
"You always stayed with me like this?"
Lina smiled faintly.
"Yes."
"Why?"
Lina looked at him gently.
"Because you worked too much."
Adrian paused.
"And you didn't get bored?"
Lina shook her head.
"No."
Adrian looked at her.
She was sitting quietly, reading a book.
Peaceful.
Calm.
For some reason—
Seeing her there made him feel relaxed.
As if something missing inside him slowly settled.
—
Noon arrived.
Lina stood up.
"I'll prepare lunch."
Adrian nodded.
But when she walked toward the door—
He suddenly felt uncomfortable again.
The room felt empty.
He frowned slightly.
Why…
Did her absence bother him?
He didn't understand.
—
Downstairs…
Lina was cooking.
Mrs. Blake returned home.
"You're cooking again?"
Lina smiled softly.
"Yes."
Mrs. Blake glanced upstairs.
"Where's Adrian?"
"In the study."
Mrs. Blake smiled knowingly.
"You're staying with him?"
Lina nodded slightly.
Mrs. Blake's eyes softened.
"He used to like that."
Lina's heart warmed slightly.
—
Upstairs…
Adrian tried to focus.
But his thoughts drifted again.
Lina.
Her smile.
Her voice.
The way she quietly stayed beside him.
Suddenly—
He stood up.
Without thinking, he walked downstairs.
He stopped at the kitchen.
Lina stood there, cooking.
Sunlight fell softly on her face.
She looked peaceful.
Warm.
Adrian leaned against the doorway silently.
He watched her quietly.
Lina suddenly turned.
She froze slightly.
"You're here."
Adrian nodded.
"I came to see."
Lina smiled gently.
"Lunch will be ready soon."
Adrian stayed there.
Watching her.
For some reason…
He didn't want to leave.
—
After lunch…
They sat together in the living room.
Mrs. Blake excused herself.
"I'll rest upstairs."
Lina nodded.
Soon, only Lina and Adrian remained.
The atmosphere felt quiet.
Comfortable.
Lina picked up a magazine.
Adrian sat beside her.
Close.
Very close.
Suddenly—
Her phone rang.
Lina picked it up.
"Ethan?"
Adrian's expression changed instantly.
Lina stood up slightly.
"Yes…"
She walked toward the window.
Adrian watched her.
His chest tightened again.
He didn't like it.
Not at all.
Lina spoke softly—
"Yes… I'm home…"
She listened quietly.
Then she smiled faintly.
"Maybe another day."
Adrian relaxed slightly.
She ended the call.
When she turned—
She noticed Adrian watching her.
"Everything okay?"
Adrian asked.
"Yes."
"Did he ask you out?"
Lina blinked.
"Yes… but I refused."
Adrian nodded slowly.
He felt relieved.
But he didn't say it.
Lina sat back beside him.
Then suddenly—
Adrian spoke.
"You shouldn't go out with him."
Lina looked surprised.
"Why?"
Adrian hesitated.
Then said quietly—
"I don't like it."
Her heart skipped.
She smiled softly.
"Okay."
Adrian looked at her.
"You're agreeing again?"
Lina nodded.
"Yes."
Adrian felt something warm inside his chest.
He didn't understand why…
But he liked her answer.
—
Evening approached.
They sat quietly watching TV.
Lina yawned softly.
"You're tired?"
Adrian asked.
"A little."
"Sleep."
Lina shook her head.
"I'm okay."
But her eyes slowly closed.
Her head tilted.
And suddenly—
She leaned onto Adrian's shoulder.
She froze.
"Sorry—"
But Adrian stopped her.
"It's okay."
Lina hesitated.
Then slowly relaxed.
Her head rested on his shoulder.
Adrian stayed still.
But his heart beat faster.
He didn't push her away.
Instead…
He adjusted slightly.
Making her more comfortable.
Lina slowly fell asleep.
Adrian watched her quietly.
Her face looked peaceful.
Soft.
Beautiful.
Without realizing—
He gently moved a strand of hair from her face.
His touch was gentle.
Careful.
Like he had done countless times before.
Downstairs hallway—
Sophia stood quietly.
She had returned to pick up something she "forgot."
But what she saw—
Made her expression darken.
Lina sleeping on Adrian's shoulder.
Adrian watching her gently.
Her fingers tightened.
Her eyes filled with jealousy.
She turned away quietly.
Because she knew—
Adrian Blake…
Was slowly falling in love again.
And she needed to stop it—
Before it was too late.