Unmasking the Heart

THIRD PERSON'S POV

The night passed quietly, with Joi sleeping soundly, unaware of Adrian lying next to her. He adjusted the duvet over her before turning off the bedside lamp, letting the darkness envelop the room. Despite his inner turmoil, Adrian fell asleep quickly.

Morning arrived with a jarring scream that jolted Adrian awake. Startled, he sat up and looked at Joi, who seemed shaken.

"What's wrong?" Adrian asked, reaching to check her forehead, concerned she might be unwell.

But Joi slapped his hand away. "What do you think you're doing, Adrian?" she snapped, her expression filled with fury.

Adrian blinked, momentarily taken aback. He remained calm, processing her outburst.

Joi, however, was far from calm. "I'm here to act as your fake fiancée, not to play house! You need to give me space. It's improper for you to sleep next to me like I'm your girlfriend!"

Adrian leaned back against the headboard, his tone indifferent as he replied, "I only lay next to you. What would you have done if I had actually taken it further?"

His nonchalance only fueled her anger. "Shameless!" she spat, standing abruptly despite her injured ankle. "I thought highly of you, but I regret letting my guard down."

With that, Joi stormed into the bathroom, leaving Adrian sitting quietly on the bed.

---

When Joi emerged minutes later, her face was freshly washed, but Adrian was no longer in the room. Curious, she opened the door and overheard his voice from the hallway, his tone cold and calculated.

"Yes, do that. Ensure everything is ready and bring Mrs. Catlin with you."

Joi froze, listening to the clipped efficiency of his words. Adrian ended the call and turned, noticing her standing in the doorway. Her hair was slightly messy from sleep, lending her an innocent, almost vulnerable look.

He barely spared her a glance before walking past her into a room she hadn't noticed before. Joi hesitated before following, her curiosity piqued. Peeking through the slightly open door, she saw Adrian sitting in a study, engrossed in a book. The space was spacious and meticulously organized—nothing like the small apartment she initially thought they were in.

Quietly, she walked to the couch in the living room and sat down. Guilt gnawed at her for shouting at him earlier. Her ankle felt much better thanks to his care, though it still throbbed slightly. Deciding to apologize, she made her way to the study, knocking softly.

"May I come in?" she asked, her voice tentative.

When there was no response, she pushed the door open slightly and stepped inside. Clearing her throat, she smiled hesitantly.

"Good morning," she greeted, attempting to reset the tense atmosphere.

Adrian didn't look up, his eyes glued to the pages of his book.

"I'm sorry for reacting that way earlier," she continued, forcing herself to hold his silence. "I don't know what came over me."

Still, Adrian said nothing.

"I promise it won't happen again," Joi added, her voice softer now.

Finally, Adrian closed his book and looked up, his expression unreadable. "I've told you to call me Adrian. If we're going to get through this without complications, you need to act the part. That means being free with me—no more formalities."

Joi nodded, her voice faint as she replied, "Yes… Adrian."

Satisfied, Adrian stood and walked past her. "Excuse me," he said curtly, leaving the study.

---

Later that morning, the doorbell rang, and Joi watched as Adrian opened it to reveal a woman in her fifties. The older woman greeted him warmly, but Adrian's response was a curt "Hmm."

Joi stood and greeted the woman, smiling politely. Moments later, Alexander entered, carrying several paper bags.

Joi's smile faltered as she remembered Alexander's cold efficiency during the incident last night. His presence unsettled her, but he greeted her warmly, attempting to ease the tension.

"How was your night?" he asked with a smile.

"Good… I guess," Joi replied, her voice hesitant.

Alexander handed the bags to Adrian. "Here are her things, sir. I've brought everything as requested."

Joi's eyes widened at the sheer number of bags. "I think there's been a misunderstanding," she said nervously. "I'm not staying here long. I'll be leaving for my apartment today."

Adrian, who had been inspecting the bags, finally spoke. "You're not going anywhere."

"What?!" Joi exclaimed, her voice rising.

"Catherine knows who you are now," Adrian explained calmly. "She'll report to my father if Mrs. Smith makes a move on you. Staying here is the only way to keep you safe."

Joi stared at him in disbelief. "Are you saying my life is in danger?"

"Yes," Adrian replied bluntly. "If you leave, you'll make yourself an easy target."

"But you didn't tell me any of this before I signed the contract!" Joi protested, her frustration mounting.

"If I had, would you have signed?" Adrian asked, raising an eyebrow. "You agreed, Joi. If you want to back out, you'll owe me damages."

"This is unfair," Joi muttered, her voice trembling.

Adrian pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly losing patience. "If you listen to me and follow my instructions, you'll be fine. Disobey me, and you're on your own."

He turned and walked toward the study, leaving Joi standing in the living room, overwhelmed by the mess she'd found herself in.