Chapter 2

Adrian left for some business partners. Her eyes flashed around the opulent ballroom, Nobody appeared to be out of place. Talk was flowing, laughter was resonating, and Adrian was standing a few steps away, charming a group of investors with ease. Isabella's fingers clenched around the glass's fragile stem. Her spine tingled with a profound sensation of uneasiness. She was no longer the only focus of this. She blew out gently, trying to keep a straight face. Neither tonight nor here would there be a scene. However, she would no longer hold back once they were home. Adrian would finally have to confront the reality tonight. The drive home felt oppressive. With one arm casually slung along the seat, Adrian sat next to her in the rear of their elegant black limousine. With his other hand, he browsed through his phone and responded to messages, most likely related to work or anything significant. As she gazed out the tinted glass, Isabella watched the city lights flicker by. Her thoughts were racing. There was no denying the evidence. Adrian's personal account was always used to pay for the receipts from upscale hotels that were under Celeste's name. The texts were full of whispered promises and late-night meetings. He had created a second existence there, in the apartment lease. The DNA results are the most damning evidence of all. Furthermore, Isabella was completely unaware of their existence. Her throat constricted. She turned to face him, the guy to whom she had dedicated her life. She had given everything she had to the guy she had defended, loved, and fought for. Feeling her gaze, he looked up and gave her a slight smile. "You’re quiet." Isabella's heart was screaming, but she forced herself to smile back. "Just tired." Adrian's eyes grew softer. His thumb lightly brushed her wedding band as he grabbed for her hand. "Tonight was wonderful. You were flawless. The harsh laugh that threatened to burst out of her throat was swallowed. Did he also tell Celeste that? The vehicle arrived at their estate's lengthy driveway. The mansion's tall windows glowed warmly as it loomed in the darkness. The ideal house for the ideal pair. However, it would be reduced to a battlefield tonight. Isabella turned abruptly as soon as they entered, her voice breaking the stillness. "Sit down." Adrian's eyebrows went up. "What?" "Sit. Down." He paused at something in her tone. He lowered himself slowly onto the spotless white couch in the living room after unbuttoming his jacket. Tension crackled in the air between them. Isabella remained seated. Her fists were gripped at her sides as she stood in front of him, her heart thumping in her chest. "I know, Adrian." The words cut through the delusion they had been living in for years. Adrian's forehead wrinkled a little. "Know what?" Her laugh was hollow and icy. "Avoid doing that. Don't make fun of me. Don't tell lies. He kept a neutral expression. "Bella, you’re not making any sense." After taking her phone out of her purse, she held it up and tapped the screen. The void between them was filled with pictures of Adrian and Celeste in a restaurant, his hand on hers. He had rented her a separate apartment, and Adrian was leaving it. And then, the final image—a quick shot of two kids. Adrian's face could not be read. He tilted his head and leaned back a little. "Where did you get these?" Isabella gasped for air. Don't deny. No surprise. Simply remain calm. She clenched her fingers around the phone. "So it’s true." They were silent for a long time. Adrian then ran a hand through his dark hair and let out a deep exhale. "I never wanted to hurt you, Bella." Her vision blurred as she exhaled sharply. However, you did. You ruined me. His elbows rested on his knees as he leaned forward. "It’s not what you think." Unshed tears blazed in her eyes. "Not what I think?" With a wave of disbelief, she shook her head. "There is another life for you. A mistress. Kids. How come I don't think that? Adrian's face was unreadable as he stroked his fingers over it. "It was difficult for Celeste and me. It took place prior to our marriage. She stopped. Previously? Her thoughts were racing, figuring out the years and the chronology. The twins were two years old. That implied— "You knew." She hardly raised her voice above a whisper. "You married me knowing you had children with another woman." Adrian remained silent. The last betrayal was the stillness. Isabella thought her lungs had been robbed of their air. She stepped back unsteadily. "Why?" Adrian stood, immediately oppressed by his imposing presence. "Because I love you." She shook her head and laughed. "Love? "You refer to this as love?" His mouth tightened. "This was not something I had anticipated happening. I have no intention of—" "To get caught?" She merely needed his quiet as an answer. Her vision was obscured by tears, but she resisted letting them go. She refused to shatter—not in his presence. She pivoted on her heel and made her way to the stairs. "Bella—wait." At the bottom of the steps, she stopped and clutched the railing until her knuckles were white. "Do they call you ‘Daddy’?" Like a loaded pistol, the question lingered between them. Adrian took a deep breath. He didn't respond. He was not required to. Something deep within her was broken by the silence. Isabella forced herself to breathe, swallowing the lump in her throat. She left Adrian standing in the living room, alone, and went upstairs without saying another word. The crushing weight of his betrayal descended over him. Adrian Marsden had a sensation that was dangerously near to terror for the first time.