Chapter 22: The Night of Fear and Protection
The house was suddenly plunged into darkness.
Lina gasped softly.
Her heart pounded loudly in her chest.
"Adrian…"
"I'm here."
His voice was calm, but firm.
He immediately moved closer, pulling her gently toward him.
She instinctively grabbed his shirt.
Another loud sound echoed.
Glass shattered downstairs.
Lina trembled.
Someone had broken in.
Adrian's eyes turned cold.
"Stay behind me."
She nodded, her fingers gripping his sleeve tightly.
He slowly moved forward, guiding her carefully.
The darkness made everything more frightening.
The sound of footsteps echoed faintly.
Lina's breathing became uneven.
Adrian noticed.
He gently squeezed her hand.
"It's okay."
But his eyes remained sharp.
Dangerous.
They slowly moved toward the living room.
Suddenly—
A shadow moved near the window.
Lina flinched.
Adrian immediately pulled her behind him.
"Who's there?"
Silence.
Then—
The sound of running footsteps.
Someone was inside.
Adrian's expression hardened.
He reached for his phone.
Just then—
The lights flickered back on.
The sudden brightness made Lina blink.
They looked around.
The living room window was broken.
Glass scattered across the floor.
But no one was there.
Lina's hands trembled.
"They… left?"
Adrian frowned.
He walked toward the window.
He looked outside.
A black car sped away.
His eyes darkened.
"They weren't here to steal."
Lina felt uneasy.
"Then… why?"
Adrian turned to her.
"They came for you."
Her heart dropped.
Just then—
Mrs. Blake rushed downstairs.
"What happened?"
"The window broke," Lina said softly.
Mrs. Blake looked worried.
"Are you both okay?"
"Yes."
Adrian picked up his phone.
He dialed immediately.
"Increase security."
"Yes, sir."
"I want guards here tonight."
"Understood."
He ended the call.
Lina looked at him.
"You think they'll come again?"
Adrian stepped closer.
"They won't get the chance."
His voice sounded calm.
But his eyes were cold.
Protective.
—
Later that night…
Security guards arrived.
The house felt safer.
But Lina still felt uneasy.
She sat quietly in the living room.
Adrian sat beside her.
"You're still scared."
She nodded slightly.
"A little."
He gently held her hand.
"I'm here."
Her heart warmed.
She leaned slightly toward him.
Without realizing.
Adrian didn't move away.
Instead—
He gently pulled her closer.
She rested against him.
Her fear slowly faded.
—
Upstairs…
Sophia stood near her window.
She watched the guards arrive.
Her expression darkened.
So Adrian increased security.
That made things harder.
But not impossible.
Her lips curved slowly.
"Then I'll change my plan."
She whispered softly.
Because she wasn't giving up.
—
Late night…
Lina prepared to sleep.
But she felt nervous again.
She hesitated outside Adrian's room.
Then knocked softly.
"Come in."
She opened the door.
"I… can I stay here again?"
Adrian didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
She lay beside him quietly.
The room felt calm.
Safe.
Adrian gently pulled her closer.
Her heartbeat slowed.
She relaxed.
But suddenly—
A loud thunder echoed outside.
Lina flinched slightly.
Adrian tightened his grip.
"It's okay."
She nodded.
Her hand rested lightly on his chest.
She slowly fell asleep.
Adrian stayed awake.
Watching her quietly.
His fingers gently brushed her hair.
His chest tightened.
Someone tried to take her.
Someone broke into his house.
The thought made his eyes cold.
He whispered quietly—
"I won't let anyone hurt you."
His grip tightened slightly.
Because now—
Protecting Lina wasn't just responsibility.
It was instinct.
It was desire.
It was fear.
Fear of losing her.
—
Early morning…
Lina stirred slightly.
She moved closer unconsciously.
Her hand gripped his shirt.
Adrian looked down at her.
His expression softened.
He didn't realize—
He was smiling faintly.
Because having her close—
Made him feel calm.
Made him feel complete.
But outside—
A car stopped near the house.
Inside—
Sophia stepped out.
Her eyes were cold.
Determined.
She whispered quietly—
"If fear won't separate you…"
Her lips curved slightly.
"Then I'll use the truth."
Because Sophia had decided—
She would reveal something shocking.
Something that would break Lina completely.
And once that happened—
Adrian would return to her again.