Chapter 2
The day of our engagement party arrived.
Though it wasn’t the wedding yet, both families had gone all out with a formal cocktail reception at the Sullivans estate.
Business associates and lifestyle journalists from both sides showed up to clink glasses and network—these events were as much about business as celebration.
My makeup artist makes up for me while gossiping about Boston’s elite. “You two are genetic lottery winners!”
I gave a polite smile, eyes downcast.
My best friend, Vanessa, was running interference with the guests while texting me
“Update I’ve vetted your man thoroughly. Fabian’s reputation is SOLID ”
“Even with all these thirsty socialites circling him before engagement, he’s maintaining boundaries!”
“You seriously lucked out!”
“How did we both end up in business marriages but yours comes with actual feelings??This is so unfair!”
Vanessa had been matched with the Pierce family’s heir last winter.
She’d confided in me repeatedly that Marcus Pierce had no sexual desire for her at all.
It sounds ridiculous, but Fabian and I have never actually made sex, even during our most heated moments.
When I straddled his lap, wearing nothing but sexy lingerie,he’s still completely unruffled.
He’d even said with that serious look
“I’m old-fashioned about some things,this isn’t good for you.”
Seeing my frustration, he’d kissed the tip of my nose
“Disappointed?”
“Trust me, baby, I can make you scream without crossing that particular line.”
“…Let me show you instead…”
I’d gasped”Holy sh—”
And then… mind-blowing pleasure.
This buttoned-up CEO had proven surprisingly creative when it came to keeping me satisfied without breaking his own principles.
Thinking about this, I felt like I’d won the lottery of arranged marriages.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted downstairs.
I frowned, moving toward the floor-to-ceiling windows. The noise cut through even the carefully curated playlist.
Walking to the balcony, I spotted security converging around a woman in a white dress.I could see her bare feet were bleeding onto the imported marble.
Fabian stood at the front,his usual warm demeanor had vanished completely. His expression was glacial.
With a few clipped words, he dispersed the gathering crowd of curious people.
Then he signaled to security to assist the woman.
Throughout the entire exchange, his jaw remained tight, shoulders rigid.If I wasn’t mistaken, what radiated from him was pure revulsion.
That unsettling feeling returned with a vengeance.
I turned to go find Fabian.
The moment I opened the door, I when I bumped into him.
His expression was troubled, his perfect composure noticeably rattled.
Fabian spoke first”Adeline, we need to talk.”
