Chapter 18 - SUNSET ON THE HUDSONThe sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky over the Hudson River in brilliant shades of violet, gold, and crimson.
The estate was quiet now. The guests had gone, the children were fast asleep in their beds after a long day of running through the sanctuary, and the world outside our gates felt distant and peaceful.
Adrian and I sat on wooden rocking chairs on the wide back porch, wrapped in a shared cashmere blanket, sipping hot tea as the evening breeze rustled the leaves of the oak trees.
"What are you thinking about?" Adrian asked quietly, looking over at me.
"I was thinking about the day we met," I smiled, resting my head against his shoulder. "When Mia walked into your study, looked at the most feared man in New York, and told you that you had a lonely face."
Adrian smiled, tightening the blanket around us. "Best business decision I ever made."
"You know, you never did tell me what you were actually thinking when she said that," I teased gently.
"I was thinking that the universe had finally decided to play a joke on me," Adrian admitted honestly. "I spent my whole life building walls, buying loyalty, and keeping people at a safe distance because I thought vulnerability was a death sentence. And then a six-year-old girl walks in, steals my biscuits, and tells me I need a hug."
He reached out, taking my hand in his, interlacing our fingers. His skin was warm, his grip strong and unwavering.
May you like
"She saved us both, Adrian," I whispered.
"She did," he agreed softly, pressing a kiss to the back of my hand. "And now, we protect this family with everything we have."
