Chapter 14: The Morning After the Rain
Morning arrived slowly after the long night of rain.
Sunlight filtered gently through the curtains, illuminating the bedroom with a soft golden glow.
Lina stirred slightly.
She felt warm.
Comfortable.
Safe.
Her eyes slowly opened.
Then she froze.
Adrian's arm was wrapped around her waist again.
Their bodies were close.
Very close.
Her face flushed instantly.
She remembered last night.
Thunder.
Fear.
Adrian pulling her closer.
Her heart started beating faster.
Carefully, she looked up.
Adrian was still asleep.
His face looked calm.
Peaceful.
For a moment…
Lina allowed herself to stay like that.
Just a little longer.
She didn't know how long this would last.
She didn't know when things would change again.
So she quietly enjoyed the moment.
Suddenly—
Adrian moved slightly.
His grip tightened unconsciously.
Lina's heart jumped.
Her hand accidentally rested on his chest.
She quickly tried to pull away—
But Adrian opened his eyes.
They froze.
Their eyes locked.
The distance between them felt too close.
Too intimate.
"Good morning…" Lina whispered softly.
Adrian looked at her quietly.
"Morning."
Neither moved.
Neither spoke.
Then Adrian slowly loosened his arm.
Lina sat up quickly.
"I'll make breakfast."
She hurried out of bed, her cheeks still flushed.
Adrian watched her leave.
His chest still felt warm.
And strangely…
He didn't want to let go.
—
Downstairs…
Sophia was already awake.
She sat at the dining table, drinking coffee.
Lina paused slightly.
"Good morning."
Sophia smiled politely.
"Good morning."
The air felt slightly awkward.
Lina moved toward the kitchen.
She began preparing breakfast.
Sophia watched her quietly.
"You cook every morning?"
Lina nodded.
"Yes."
Sophia tilted her head slightly.
"You really act like his wife."
Lina paused.
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"I am his wife."
Sophia smiled faintly.
"Legally."
Lina stayed silent.
She didn't want to argue.
But her heart still felt uncomfortable.
Just then—
Adrian walked downstairs.
Both women looked at him.
Sophia smiled first.
"Good morning."
Adrian nodded.
"Morning."
Lina placed breakfast on the table.
They sat quietly.
Sophia tried to start conversation.
"Did you sleep well?"
Adrian nodded.
"Yes."
Sophia glanced at Lina briefly.
"I heard thunder last night."
Adrian nodded.
"It rained heavily."
Sophia smiled faintly.
"You used to hate storms."
Adrian frowned slightly.
"I did?"
Sophia nodded.
"You once stayed at my place because of thunder."
Lina's fingers tightened.
She didn't know that.
Adrian looked thoughtful.
"I don't remember."
Sophia smiled gently.
"Of course."
But Lina felt something strange.
Why…
Did Sophia sound so certain?
—
After breakfast…
Adrian prepared to go upstairs.
But suddenly—
The doorbell rang.
Lina went to open the door.
She froze.
"Ethan?"
Ethan smiled warmly.
"I brought some fruits."
Lina smiled softly.
"You didn't have to."
Ethan shrugged.
"I was nearby."
He stepped inside.
Adrian saw him.
His expression became slightly cold.
"Ethan."
Ethan nodded.
"Good morning."
Sophia watched silently.
Her eyes flickered.
Interesting.
She sat back quietly.
Lina placed the fruits on the table.
Ethan looked at Adrian.
"You look better."
Adrian nodded.
"Thanks."
Ethan glanced at Lina.
"Did you sleep?"
Lina nodded.
"Yes."
Adrian noticed the way they spoke.
Comfortable.
Natural.
Again—
That strange feeling appeared.
Uncomfortable.
Sharp.
Jealousy.
He frowned slightly.
Sophia noticed everything.
Her lips curved faintly.
This could be useful.
Ethan turned to Lina.
"Want to go for coffee later?"
Lina hesitated.
She remembered Adrian's words.
Don't see him too often.
She looked at Adrian unconsciously.
Adrian noticed.
His chest tightened.
He spoke calmly.
"She's busy."
Lina blinked.
Ethan looked surprised.
"Oh…"
Lina nodded softly.
"Yes… maybe another time."
Ethan smiled.
"Sure."
But he looked slightly disappointed.
After a few minutes, Ethan left.
Adrian relaxed slightly.
He didn't realize it.
But Sophia noticed.
Everything.
She stood up.
"I should leave too."
Lina nodded.
"I'll walk you out."
They stepped outside.
Sophia looked at Lina.
"You're lucky."
Lina blinked.
"What?"
Sophia smiled faintly.
"He's already jealous."
Lina's heart skipped.
"I don't know what you mean."
Sophia leaned slightly closer.
"You do."
She smiled softly.
"But don't get too confident."
Lina stayed silent.
Sophia walked away.
Her expression slowly darkened.
She had confirmed something.
Adrian's heart was changing.
And she needed to stop it.
Soon.
Inside the house—
Adrian stood near the window.
He watched Lina return.
His chest felt strange again.
He didn't understand.
But every time Ethan appeared…
He felt uncomfortable.
Lina walked inside.
"You should rest."
Adrian nodded.
But before he moved—
He suddenly asked—
"Do you like him?"
Lina froze.
"What?"
"Ethan."
Lina shook her head.
"No."
Adrian stared at her.
"Then why does he visit so often?"
Lina smiled faintly.
"He's worried."
Adrian stayed silent.
But something inside him whispered—
He didn't like it.
Not at all.
Lina turned to leave.
But Adrian suddenly grabbed her wrist.
She froze.
Their eyes met.
"Stay with me today."
Her heart skipped.
"Okay."
She nodded softly.
Adrian released her slowly.
But his heart…
Was beating faster than before.
Because without realizing—
Adrian Blake…
Was already afraid…
Of losing Lina again.