Shielded by Trust

Agnes, not backing down, took a step forward. "We're going to prove it's not your child. We all know how she felt about Michael, and now—"

"Enough," Adrian said again, his voice darker this time, anger rippling through every word. His gaze turned lethal, his patience wearing dangerously thin. He stepped closer to Agnes, towering over her. "No one is testing her."

Agnes faltered for the first time, blinking in surprise. "But Adrian, we need to know—"

Adrian's voice was a low growl. "She's my wife," he said, his words steely and absolute. "I trust her. She doesn't need to prove anything to you or anyone else."

Agnes opened her mouth to protest, but the look Adrian gave her could have frozen her to the spot. His glare was cold, unforgiving, like the edge of a blade. "I said no." His voice held finality, daring her to challenge him. "You don't get to question her like this. Not now. Not ever."

Hannah's tears flowed freely now, her hands shaking as she watched Adrian defend her with unwavering conviction. She had never felt more vulnerable, but in that moment, she saw the depth of Adrian's protection—his trust in her.

"Adrian…" she whispered, her voice barely audible, filled with gratitude and disbelief.

Without taking his eyes off Agnes, Adrian gently wrapped his arm around Hannah's waist, pulling her close to him as if shielding her from the world. "No one will question my wife," he repeated, his voice cold but firm, leaving no room for argument.

Agnes stood speechless, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife. For the first time, her smug confidence faltered in the face of Adrian's protectiveness. She opened her mouth, but no words came. The crowd shifted uneasily, realizing they had crossed a line they never should have.

"Everyone, leave," Adrian commanded, his voice leaving no room for defiance.

One by one, the onlookers began to disperse, whispers filling the air, but no one dared challenge Adrian's authority. Agnes remained frozen for a moment before she, too, retreated, her face twisted in frustration.

With one last glare at Agnes, Adrian turned to Hannah, his hand still resting protectively on her waist. He guided her gently toward the stairs, away from the prying eyes and accusations. As they reached the hallway, Hannah looked up at him, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

"Adrian, I—" she began, her voice still shaky, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.

He stopped, turning to face her fully. His expression softened, and for the first time that evening, the icy exterior melted away. Gently, he cupped her face in his hands, his thumb brushing away the stray tears on her cheek. "Hannah," he murmured, his voice low and tender, "you don't have to say anything. I know you."

His blue eyes, once hard and cold, were now filled with something softer—an unspoken promise. "No one will ever hurt you like that again. Not while I'm here."

Hannah's breath hitched, overwhelmed by the raw emotion in his words. Tears welled up once more, but this time, they weren't tears of fear or humiliation. They were tears of relief, of gratitude. She nodded, unable to speak, and leaned into him, finding solace in the warmth of his embrace.

Thank you, Adrian," Hannah whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "For trusting me."

Adrian nodded, his hand brushing her hair softly. "Always."

They stood in silence for a moment, the tension from earlier slowly fading away. Hannah pulled back slightly, curiosity and a flicker of disbelief in her eyes. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything," Adrian replied, tilting his head as a teasing smile played on his lips.

"Oh, please!" Hannah shot back, trying to keep a straight face. "You're impossible."

With a light-hearted huff, she grabbed a pillow from the nearby couch and playfully swatted him. Adrian was quick to react, snatching another pillow. In seconds, they were in the midst of a light-hearted pillow fight, laughter filling the air as they tussled and dodged each other's playful attacks.

Just as Adrian attempted to escape one of her swings, Julie, the housekeeper, entered the room, catching a pillow mid-flight. "Am I interrupting something?" she asked, her eyebrows raised in amusement.

Hannah blushed, immediately stepping back. Adrian, still holding the pillow, grinned mischievously. "What is it, Julie?"

"I was wondering what you'd like for dinner," Julie said, trying to hide her amusement. "But I can see you two are quite... occupied. I'll come back later."

Adrian chuckled, tossing the pillow aside. "No, it's fine. Dinner can be whatever you think is best, Julie. 

Julie smiled and nodded, excusing herself from the room with a knowing glance.

Adrian turned back to Hannah. "I'll take a bath and come down. Let's go eat."

They made their way downstairs to the dining room. The warm, inviting scent of freshly prepared food filled the air. Adrian pulled out a chair for Hannah before sitting across from her. He glanced at her, his eyes softening once more. "Oh, by the way," he said casually, "tomorrow there's a party for the launch of our new diamond collection. I've been busy with the final touches."

Hannah's eyes lit up, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "Really? That's incredible, Adrian! Congratulations! You've worked so hard for this."

Adrian smiled, clearly pleased by her excitement. "Thank you. It's been a long road, but everything's finally coming together." He leaned forward, his gaze locked on hers. "I want you to come to the party, Hannah. Make sure you're ready. I want everyone to wonder about Mrs. Adrian Ashford."

Hannah flushed under his intense gaze, but there was a warmth in her chest that made her feel lighter than she had in days. She bit her lip, nodding. "Alright, I'll be there. But you better not be too busy to show up with me."

Adrian smirked. "Don't worry. I'll be there—busy until evening, but I'll make sure to meet you at the party."

As they began to eat, Adrian reached over and placed more food on Hannah's plate. "Eat more," he insisted gently, a teasing smile in his voice.