Chapter 207.

Adrian did not go directly home.

He walked out of the administration building with the same controlled expression he had worn when he entered it.

The conference room door closed behind him.

For a moment, the hallway was silent.

He adjusted the cuff of his shirt and continued walking.

Students moved around him, some stepping aside when they recognized him. A few glanced twice.

He barely noticed.

His mind was somewhere else.

Adrian pushed through the glass doors and stepped outside. His car was parked a short distance away.

He reached it, unlocked the door, and slid into the driver’s seat.

For several seconds, he simply sat there. His hands rested against the steering wheel.

His eyes drifted toward the passenger seat. There were two small gift bags resting there.

He had simply wanted to see Emilia smile.

He took the two gift bags with him.

The moment he walked back through the university doors, a few students noticed him again.

Some recognized him immediately. Others only looked because of the gift bags in his hands.

Adrian ignored the glances.

He walked through the familiar halls without slowing down.

A couple of students whispered to each other. Someone smiled at him. Someone else moved aside.

Adrian gave no indication that he noticed any of it.

His destination was simple.

Emilia’s dorm room.

By the time he reached the hallway, his expression had softened slightly.

He stopped outside her door, and knocked twice. There was a brief pause, and then the door opened.

Rowan stood there. Her entire face lit up the moment she saw him.

"Adrian." She immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.

Adrian smiled. He returned the hug without hesitation, one arm settling around her shoulders.

It was the first genuinely warm expression he had worn since leaving the boardroom.

When they parted, he looked at her properly. "How was Scotland?"

Rowan’s smile widened. "More magical than I imagined."

Adrian looked at her hair. "Your hair got shorter."

Rowan touched the ends of it. "Pretty, right?"

"It suits you."

Her smile became even bigger. "Thank you."

Adrian glanced into the room. "Where is Emilia?"

"She’s taking a quick bath."

He nodded. "How long?"

"Not long."

As if summoned by the mention of her name, footsteps sounded from the hallway inside.

Adrian turned.

Emilia walked into the room.

Her hair was wet, with dark strands resting against her shoulders. She was fully clothed, wearing a simple pair of lounge pants and a loose top.

She stopped when she saw him.

Her eyes widened. For a second, she looked almost as though she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

"You’re in my dorm room."

Adrian’s mouth curved slightly. "I am."

Emilia stared at him. Then her expression softened. "You didn’t tell me you were coming."

"I wanted it to be a surprise."

He moved toward her.

She barely had time to smile before his arms were around her.

Adrian pulled her against his chest.

He kissed the top of her damp hair and held her there, one hand spread protectively across her back.

Emilia relaxed against him.

Her arms wrapped around his waist.

For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.

Rowan watched them. Then she smiled secretly to herself. "I’ll leave you both."

Adrian gave her a slight glance.

Rowan walked toward the door.

Just before she stepped outside, Adrian lifted the gift bags slightly. "The red one is yours. I’ll leave it on your bed."

Rowan stopped. Her eyes immediately brightened again. "You’re the best brother."

"I know."

She rolled her eyes, and laughed softly. "Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

She left.

The door clicked shut behind her, and silence settled over the room.

Emilia looked at the gift bags, then at Adrian. "What did you get me?" Sbe asked between smiles.

Adrian smiled back at her. "You’ll find out."

She narrowed her eyes playfully.

Then, Emikia noticed that his smile was there, but it wasn’t reaching his eyes. She didn’t say anything.

Adrian placed the bags on the desk. Then his eyes moved to Emilia’s hair.

"Sit, Sweetheart."

She blinked. "What?"

"Your hair is still wet."

"I know."

"You’ll get sick."

"I’m not going to get sick because my hair is wet."

"Sit, Sweetheart." He repeated.

She obeyed.

Emilia lowered herself onto the edge of the bed while Adrian disappeared into the bathroom.

He returned with a towel.

He stood behind her. Gently, he began drying her hair. His movements were slow, and careful.

He didn’t tug, or rush.

He simply worked the towel through the wet strands, occasionally separating them with his fingers.

Emilia closed her eyes. "This is nice."

Adrian said nothing.

She smiled. "You know, you could do this more often."

Still, he said nothing.

Her smile faded slightly. Something was wrong. She opened her eyes. She could see his reflection faintly in the mirror.

His expression was distant, and heavy.

Emilia turned her head slightly. "Adrian?"

"Mm?"

"Are you okay?"

"I’m fine."

She studied him.

He continued drying her hair.

"You don’t look fine."

"I’m fine."

She didn’t believe him, but she let him finish.

When her hair was mostly dry, Adrian set the towel aside.

He looked at her for a moment. Then he held out his hand. "Come here."

Emilia took it.

He guided her onto the bed, and they lay down. Adrian settled behind her and wrapped one arm around her waist.

He pulled her back against his chest.

Emilia rested her head against the pillow.

His lips touched her cheek.

He dropped a soft kiss near her temple, and another against her cheek. He dropped another near the corner of her jaw.

Emilia smiled faintly. However, after the fifth kiss, she turned slightly.

"Adrian?"

He kissed her cheek again. "Yes?"

She searched his face. "Why are you kissing me so much?"

He paused.

"Is something wrong?"

Adrian’s arm tightened around her.

He looked at the woman in front of him.

His Emilia.

The woman who had spent months trying to rebuild a life she had never realized was built on lies.

He had imagined this conversation several times. In none of those versions had it felt easier.

He brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

"There’s something I need to tell you."