Chapter 49

Stella's POV

My fingers lingered on the jewelry box for a moment, the events of last night still feeling like a dream-the auction, the confrontation with Lucy, and everything that followed...

I shook my head, trying to dispel those particular memories.This morning had already been awkward enough; I couldn't even look at Joseph without blushing.

"Mrs. Lancaster," speaking of Joseph... "Mr. Lancaster asked me to inform you that he is waiting for you in the garage."

What now? I wondered as I followed Joseph down to the underground garage. Just when I thought I was beginning to understand Adam Lancaster, he would do something completely unexpected.

It was my first time in the garage, and I was stunned the moment I stepped inside.

The lights flickered on, revealing a collection that would make any car enthusiast's heart race. Rolls-Royces, Bentleys,Lamborghinis-all with New York plates, all immaculately maintained. "For someone who claims to need a wheelchair,your taste in cars is quite extravagant," I couldn't help but tease. "Just a collection." Adam replied, but I noticed that familiar smile spreading across his face.

Then I saw it-the limited edition supercar that Brian couldn't afford at the auction. I couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so funny?" Adam stepped closer.

"Just imagining Brian's face when he finds out where his dream car ended up."

"Speaking of which..." He pulled out a car key. "Your driver's license is still valid, right?"

I blinked. "Yes, but-"

The key landed in my palm.

"Adam, I already have a car."

"Better than this one?"

"That's not the point-”

"Then it's settled." He reached out and gently brushed my hair,a gesture that felt inexplicably intimate. "Consider it a gift from your husband."

My heart started to race uncontrollably."You can't just-" "Can't I?" His voice dropped, and suddenly the temperature in the garage seemed to rise. "Last time you said I could do anything I wanted with my wife."

The possessiveness in his words should have infuriated me.Instead, it sent a warm flutter through my stomach. You're falling,Stella.

That evening, I finally had a chance to examine the silver pendant Lucy had "returned." The oxidized surface had darkened with age. The back bore a simple blessing-no indication that it was a Winston family heirloom.

Could this realy be a clue about my biological parents? So many years of questions...

I took several photos, trying to capture every detail, and sent a message to an old acquaintance: Need help tracing the origin of a pendant. Urgent.

As it neared eleven, I yawned and prepared to head to my room.

When I opened the door, I was shocked-my bedroom had been cleared out. Even the skincare products on the bathroom counter were gone. I found Joseph, who was overseeing the evening cleaning."Where are my things?" "Ah." Was that a hint of a smile in his eyes? "Your belongings have been moved to the master suite. Since you and Mr.Lancaster spent the night together..."

My face burned. "That was-I'm not-we didn't-"

I couldn't exactly explain that, despite being married to Adam,last night was an accident.

"Mr. Lancaster is in the study if you'd like to discuss the arrangement."

Great. Just perfect.

When I found Adam, he was on a video call, his fingers tapping the armrest of his wheelchair in that familiar way that indicated someone was testing his patience. I waited, rehearsing what I would say in my mind. How do you tell your pretend(but possibly not entirely pretend) husband that you're not ready to permanently share his bedroom?

He ended the call abruptly. "Is there a problem?"

"My things have been moved to your room."

"Our room," he corrected. "Unless Mrs. Lancaster has objections to my arrangements?""Mr. Lancaster," I struggled to keep my voice steady. "You can't just make these decisions without asking me." "Can't I?" His wheelchair rolled closer, and my heartbeat quickened. "If I recall correctly,you seemed quite comfortable in my bed last night."

My face burned even hotter. "That was different! I was-we were-"

"Were what?" His smile should be illegal.′′Do tell, Mrs.Lancaster."

I just wanted to confirm if letting me sleep in the master bedroom was really his idea.

"You're impossible," I muttered, turning to leave. He caught my wrist.

"Stella." All the teasing vanished from his voice."Stay."

One word. Just one simple word. But why did it feel like he was asking for so much more?

The master suite was beyond extravagant. The walk-in closet alone was larger than some apartments I had lived in. Seeing my clothes hanging next to his expensive suits made everything suddenly feel real and daunting. I saw my toiletries and skincare products placed next to his,and for a moment, I felt disoriented. After two months of marriage, I finally felt the reality of being married.

This feeling of having my private space invaded was completely new.

I was arranging my skincare products on the second vanity(yes, of course there were two) when warm hands settled on my waist.

"How can someone in a wheelchair walk so quietly!" I jumped,nearly knocking over an expensive serum. "Could you make some noise or something!"

"And miss this reaction?" His breath brushed against my neck."Never."

I turned to face him, determined to set some basic rules for personal space."Adam-"

His strong hand cupped my chin, tilting it up.

Soft lips met mine, cool and commanding. My eyes widened in surprise. His kiss silenced whatever I was about to say. One hand tangled in my hair, the other pulled me closer, and suddenly.rules seemed far less important than kissing him back. I don't know how long it lasted. He finally released me, wiping a trace of moisture from the corner of my mouth. How embarrassing-he was too good at this!

I stood there, still frozen, my mind blank. If last night's kiss was a calculated move on my part, what was this?

But I had to admit, his kissing skills were amazing,and his prowess in bed was top-notch.

When I finally regained my composure, I said, "This isn't fair."

"Who said anything about fair?" His thumb traced my lower lip. "Welcome home, Mrs. Lancaster."