Chapter 37: The Tension That Remains

Seraphina did not know how long she stood there, her pulse thrumming in her throat as Adrian's gaze bore into hers.

She should tell him to leave.

She had fought so hard to put space between them—to reclaim control over her own heart before it slipped completely into his grasp.

Yet, here he was. And she could not close the door.

Adrian's finger still lingered against her jaw, his touch featherlight yet searing. He had not moved further, had not forced anything upon her. He only watched, waiting.

Seraphina swallowed, summoning the steel in her spine. "What do you want, Adrian?"

His thumb brushed the edge of her chin, slow, deliberate. "You."

Her breath caught.

He had never been one to hide his intentions, but hearing it so plainly now—when she was fighting so hard to push him away—sent a shiver down her spine.

Her fingers tightened against the doorframe. "I told you—I need space."

"And I've given it," he murmured. "But space won't erase what's between us."

Seraphina's heart pounded. "You forced me into this marriage. I will not be forced into anything else."

His gaze darkened, the quiet restraint in his posture taut like a bowstring ready to snap. "I would never force you, Seraphina."

The way he said her name sent heat curling in her stomach.

Her hands trembled, though she willed them to stay still. "Then why are you here?"

Adrian exhaled, stepping back just enough to give her room to breathe. "Because you're running. And I wanted you to know—I won't chase you." His jaw tightened, his voice dropping lower. "But I won't wait forever, either."

The words settled between them, heavy and unshakable.

Seraphina's stomach twisted.

Adrian had always pursued her with quiet determination, drawing her in even when she resisted. But now… now he was telling her that if she pushed him too far, he would let her go.

And for the first time, the thought terrified her.

Her throat went dry. "You think I'm playing a game?"

"No," he said simply. "I think you're afraid. And I think you're trying to punish me for the way we began."

Seraphina flinched. The accusation stung because it held too much truth.

She had loved once. She had dreamed of a future where love blossomed naturally, where passion was something freely given, not something tangled in duty, revenge, and secrets.

And Adrian had stolen that choice from her.

Hadn't he?

Her breath shuddered, uncertainty clawing at her.

Adrian watched her carefully, but when she did not respond, he took another step back, his expression unreadable.

"I won't force you, Seraphina," he repeated, his voice quieter this time. "But you need to decide what you truly want."

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.

Seraphina stood frozen as the door closed, leaving her alone with the ghost of his touch still lingering on her skin.

She had expected relief.

Instead, all she felt was the aching echo of something slipping through her fingers.

---

Seraphina did not sleep that night.

She tossed and turned, her mind caught in a whirlwind of emotions she could not name.

Adrian had always been relentless, a storm that had come into her life and uprooted everything she thought she knew.

She had spent so long convincing herself that what she felt for him was nothing but obligation, that her racing pulse and breathless moments were simply the result of circumstance.

But tonight, standing before him, she had seen something else in his eyes.

A warning.

A man like Adrian Valemont was not the type to beg. If she continued to push him away, he would eventually stop trying.

Could she bear that?

Could she stand in this grand, empty room, lying in a cold bed, and pretend that she did not crave the warmth of his presence?

Seraphina groaned and pressed her hands against her face.

She was a fool.

She did not know what to do.

But she knew one thing—Adrian had given her a choice.

And she was running out of time to make it.