Chapter 39

Stella's POV

Adam sat at the center of an elegant gathering. flanked by two stunningly beautiful women.

Two women, one pouring wine for him and the other whispering sweetly, looked up in startled unison as she unexpectedly pushed the door open.

"I wondered who could be so thoughtless," the elegantly composed lady remarked, seemingly coming to a sudden realization. "It turns out to be Miss Winston!"

Her tone dripped with sarcasm as she said my name.

Mark caught my eye from across the room, something like sympathy crossing his face. James suddenly found his drink fascinating.

"Mr. Lancaster." I chose to pretend I had not heard her words,instead gazing intently at Adam. I kept my voice steady despite the way my stomach churned. "I need to discuss something with you. Do you have a moment?""Well, well." One of the woman's perfectly painted lips curved into a cruel smile. "Has Miss Winston truly become so attached to Mr. Lancaster? Darling, don't you know real ladies make appointments instead of barging in like a waiter?"The other woman-twirled a strand of hair around her finger."Though I suppose we can't expect proper manners from someone who was engaged with Brian. How...shameless!"

I forced my face to remain neutral despite the blatant disrespect. "Mr. Lancaster. if you're busy. I can wait outside.As long as necessary."

"Outside?" The woman's laugh dripped acid honey. "Sweetie,the servant's entrance is downstairs. Though I suppose you're used to... backdoors, given your history with Brian."

The crystal glass in Adam's hand shattered.

Silence fell as blood dripped from his clenched fist. When he spoke, his voice could have frozen hell itself. "Get. Out."

The speaking woman was paled. ""Mr. Lancaster, surely you don't mean-"

"Now." The single word carried enough command to send both women scrambling.

I moved to follow them, but his voice stopped me."Not you."

"I'll wait outside." I kept my tone carefully neutral. "Until you're enjoying yourself."His jaw tightened, but Mark chose that moment to stand."Actually,we were just leaving. Come on, James- that new clubwon't review itself."

The room cleared with impressive speed. leaving only the lingering scent of perfume and the sharp tang of spilled scotch.

"Third floor." Adam's voice carried that dangerous edge that always made my pulse jump. "Room 308. Now."

I hesitated. "Mr. Lancaster. I can wait-"

"Now." His eyes promised consequences for defiance.

\---

Upon reaching the third floor, a profound silence enveloped the space,broken only by the faint sound of footsteps on the carpet.

Adam opened one of the doors and, seemingly impatient with my slow pace, grasped mny delicate wrist and propelled me inside.

I stumbled awkwardly, falling directly onto the carpet.

The door slammed shut.

”You-"I had barely started when Adam in the wheelchair stood up,grasping my chin and forcing my gaze upward to meet his.A surge of annoyance coursed through me, yet I had comehere with an ulterior motive.

"Care to explain," his voice dropped to that dangerous register that always spelled trouble, "why you stood me up last night?"

Last night? The dinner reservation- I'd completely forgotten in the chaos with Grandmother.

"I can explain-"

Taking a deep breath, I endeavored to temper my tone.′′Mr.Lancaster, I truly had an urgent matter that required my abrupt departure yesterday evening. It was my fault to stand you up, and I apologize. I need to talk with you because it's vitally important, and I-"

"Is it?" His fingers traced my jawline, the gesture at odds with his cold tone. "Then what about your date with Brian?"

Suddenly, I felt light as a feather, Adam lifting me effortlessly with one hand.

The world spun before me, and in an instant, I found myself pinned against the sofa.

My posture was awkwardly contorted; an even greater discomfort surged through me as he firmly grasped my jaw.I felt like prey caught in his grip, a mere catch on his board."You really had followed me?" I could hardly believe it, shockand fury mingling within me. "Adam, do you understand what it means to respect my privacy?"

My brows knitted in irritation, my delicate features appearing even more constrained in my anger.

The more furious I became, the cooler he remained.

"Is marrying me so degrading?" Adam's face hovered dangerously close as he recalled my words from the hospital."Are you still pining for Brian? Did you marry me out of obligation? Because he betrayed you? Hmm? "

"Yes! I barely know you. If it weren't for dire circumstances, if it weren't to sever ties with the Winston family,why would I suddenly agree to marry a complete stranger?"

Hadn't we both been forced into this marriage?

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.

"Forced?" His voice was barely human. "Then let me show you what being forced really means."

What does he want to do ? Before I could process his words,he was backing me against the wall, his larger frame caging me in. One hand gripped my hip while the other tangled in my hair,forcing my head back.Mr. Lancaster, I married you because of the Winston family;you marry me to appease your mother. We are merely a couple in name-you-" My words abruptly ceased as soft lips enveloped mine, my eyes widening in shock at the sight of his handsome face looming over me.

"You're not satisfied being just a name on paper?" His voice was pure sin against my skin. "Then I'll make you my woman tonight."

I could distinctly feel the curve of his warm mouth, but that softness quickly transformed into something far more aggressive. "Let go-!"

His hand slid down my side, bunching the silk of my dress as he pulled me closer and the unfamiliar, searing sensation coursed through me, igniting a tremor deep within my soul.

"Adam, let go! What are you doing?"

The air conditioning brought a chill that grazed my skin,making me shudder. But what chilled me more was the trepidation gripping my heart.

"Adam! Release me! What on earth has gotten into you?!"I clawed at him, nearly shouting in desperation.

"Mrs. Lancaster, this is your duty as my wife." He was unmoved.

Then his mouth claimed mine with bruising force,swallowing

whatever protest I might have made. This wasn't like our previous kisses - this was pure possession. a claiming that left no room for resistance.

I tried to turn my head away, but his grip in my hair held me still. My hands pushed ineffectively against his chest as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping into my mouth with devastating skill.

"Adam, I am just an unknown woman. Do you not feel a loss of dignity engaging with me?" His movements were swift,rendering my fighting skills utterly ineffective against him.

Moreover, the inherent strength difference between us only exacerbated my predicament.

Adam scoffed dismissively, a cold laugh escaping him. My resistance meant nothing to him.

I could sense the hardness of his cock, akin to the tolling of a death knell, heralding an inescapable danger closing in.

As his large hand grazed the zipper of my dress, panic surged within me.Oh God, he's actually going to...