After leaving Adrian's office, I went straight home and started packing.
Two suitcases. That's all I needed. The essentials clothes, documents, my mother's jewelry box. Everything else could stay. The apartment, the furniture Ethan had helped me choose, the life I'd built with him all of it was contaminated by lies.
I was leaving it all behind.
By three-thirty, I was done. The suitcases sat by the door like silent sentinels, waiting. My phone buzzed constantly Vivian asking where I was, wedding vendors confirming details, my father wanting to discuss seating arrangements.
I ignored them all.
At 3:57 PM, Ethan's BMW pulled into the visitor parking.
I watched from the window, my heart steady. No fear, no second thoughts. Just cold, burning clarity.
The knock came moments later gentle, tentative. His "concerned boyfriend" knock.
I opened the door.
He looked perfect as always. Blonde hair artfully styled, blue eyes wide with manufactured worry. In my past life, I'd thought he was handsome.
Now I only saw a snake.
"Sophia, thank God." He tried to hug me, but I stepped back. Confusion flickered across his face. "Baby, what's wrong? You missed the dress fitting..."
"We need to talk. Come in."
His concern shifted to wariness as he followed me inside. Good. He should be worried.
"What's going on?" he asked. "Is this about the wedding?"
"I'm calling it off."
Ethan stared. "What?"
"The wedding. I'm canceling it. We're done."
He laughed, forced and hollow. "This isn't funny. The wedding is in six days..."
"I don't care."
The mask slipped. Anger flashed across his face. "What the hell is this about?"
"I don't want to marry you. It's that simple."
"Like hell it is." He moved closer, voice dropping to that manipulative tone I knew too well. "Baby, wedding planning is stressful. You just need a break..."
"I need you to leave."
"Leave? We're getting married in six days!"
"No, we're not."
He grabbed my arm, fingers digging in. "You don't get to do this. Not after everything I've..." He caught himself.
"After everything you've what?" I yanked free. "Stolen? Invested in manipulating me?"
His face paled. "What are you talking about?"
"I know about the money from my mother's company. The falsified documents. You've been draining the family trust for your business expansion."
"That's insane." His voice shook. "Who's been lying to you?"
"Does it matter?"
"Yes!" He was shouting now. "Someone's trying to sabotage us..."
"There is no us, Ethan. There never was. You targeted me for my money and connections. You never loved me."
"That's not true!" He reached for me again. "Sophia, I love you..."
"Stop lying!" The words exploded out. "I'm done. Done being used. Done with you."
His expression turned cold, calculating. The real Ethan, finally unveiled. "You think you can just walk away?"
"Yes."
"You'll regret this. I'll tell everyone you had a breakdown. Your reputation will be ruined."
"Let them think what they want."
"I'll turn your family against you. Your father loves me more than you anyway."
That stung, but I didn't flinch. "Then I won't miss much."
He stared like seeing me for the first time. "Who are you? This isn't the Sophia I know."
"No. That Sophia was naive. She's gone."
"Someone poisoned your mind." His eyes narrowed. "Who is it?"
I smiled. "You'll find out soon enough."
"Sophia.."
"You need to leave, Ethan." I opened the door. "We're done talking."
"We're not.."
"Mr. Cole." A deep voice cut through from the hallway. "The lady asked you to leave."
We both turned to see Adrian Blackwood standing in my doorway, flanked by two security guards. He looked every inch the powerful CEO expensive suit, cold expression, dangerous aura that made Ethan take an involuntary step back.
"Blackwood." Ethan's voice dripped venom. "What are you doing here?"
"Picking up my fiancée." Adrian's gaze found me, possessive and intense. "Isn't that right, sweetheart?"
The endearment sent shivers through me. "Yes. I was just saying goodbye to Ethan."
"Your fiancée?" Ethan's face turned red. "You're fucking kidding me."
"Do I look like I'm kidding?" Adrian entered with lethal confidence. "Sophia and I are getting married. Read about it in tomorrow's papers."
"This is bullshit! You're using her to get to me!"
"Actually," I said quietly, "I'm using him to get away from you."
"You stupid bitch. Blackwood is a monster. He'll destroy you."
"Better a monster who's honest than a snake who pretends to love me." I stood beside Adrian, felt his hand settle protectively on my lower back. "Goodbye, Ethan."
"You'll regret this!"
"You'll what?" Adrian's voice went deadly soft. "Threaten her? Because if you so much as text her after today, I will dismantle your company piece by piece. I'll expose every illegal transaction, every falsified document. Your accountant Marcus Chen's embezzlement. Your merger built on stolen funds. Your affair with Vivian Hart I have photos, receipts, messages dating back two years."
Ethan looked like he might vomit.
"Here's what happens," Adrian continued, never raising his voice. "You walk out. You stay away from Sophia. And you pray I'm feeling merciful when I decide whether to burn your world down. Understand?"
For a moment, violence simmered in Ethan's eyes. But he was outnumbered, outmatched.
"This isn't over," he spat at me.
"No," I said softly. "The biggest mistake of my life was agreeing to marry you. This is me fixing it."
Ethan stormed past us, shoving between Adrian's security guards. His footsteps thundered down the hallway, followed by the building door slamming.
Finally, he was gone.
I exhaled shakily.
"You okay?" Adrian's hand was warm and steadying on my back.
"Yeah. How did you know to come early?"
"Didn't trust Cole's reaction. Figured you might need backup." His eyes scanned my face. "Did he hurt you?"
"No." I rubbed my arm where Ethan had grabbed it.
Adrian's expression darkened seeing the red marks. "He touched you."
"Adrian.."
"He put his hands on you." The words came out low, dangerous. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't break every finger he has."
The protective fury should have scared me. Instead, I felt safe. Valued.
"Because I need you here, not in jail."
He took a visible breath, reining himself in. "Fine. But if he touches you again.."
"He won't. You made sure of that."
"Damn right." He glanced at the suitcases by the door. "Is this everything?"
"Everything that matters."
"Good. Let's go." He picked up both suitcases effortlessly. "Car's downstairs."
As we left my apartment my old life I didn't look back.
The car was a sleek Mercedes. Adrian held the door for me.
"Where to?" I asked, sliding into leather seats.
"My house. Our house now."
Our house. Our engagement. Our arrangement that felt increasingly real.
"Thank you," I said as we pulled into traffic. "For coming. For dealing with Ethan."
"You don't need to thank me." His hand found mine, fingers threading together naturally. "We're in this together. I protect you. Always."
Always. The word hung heavy. This was supposed to be temporary one year, maybe less.
So why did it feel permanent?
"When's the press release?" I asked.
"Tomorrow, eight AM. Breakfast with my grandfather first he needs to hear this before the news."
My stomach dropped. "Your grandfather?"
"James Blackwood. Raised me after my parents died." His thumb traced circles on my hand. "He'll be surprised."
"Surprised? Try shocked, angry.."
"He'll love you."
I stared at him. "How can you know?"
"Because you're smart, brave, not afraid to stand up for yourself." His gray eyes met mine. "And because I'll tell him you make me happy."
"Do I?"
The question slipped out.
Adrian studied me. "You're the first woman who's asked me for something real. Everyone else wants money, the name, the lifestyle. You want partnership. That's refreshing."
Not quite an answer, but I let it go. We barely knew each other. Whatever was stirring between us needed time.
The car turned onto a tree-lined street in the city's most exclusive neighborhood. Massive estates hid behind stone walls and iron gates.
We stopped at gates that looked fortress-strong. Adrian pressed his phone, and they opened silently.
The mansion was stunning. Modern architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows, manicured gardens. Three stories of pure luxury.
"Welcome home," Adrian said.
Home. The word echoed as I stepped out.
A woman in her sixties emerged from the front door. Kind eyes, gray hair in a neat bun.
"Mr. Blackwood," she said warmly, then smiled at me. "And you must be Miss Hart. I'm Margaret, head housekeeper."
"Please, call me Sophia." I shook her hand.
"Margaret runs the house," Adrian explained. "If you need anything, ask her."
"I've prepared the master suite," Margaret said knowingly. "Though I can set up the guest room…"
"Master suite is fine," Adrian cut in smoothly. "We'll make it work."
My cheeks heated. Right. We needed to look convincingly in love.
"Dinner in an hour," Margaret said. "Your grandfather arrives at seven."
Adrian checked his watch. "Time to settle in. Thank you, Margaret."
Inside was even more impressive. Marble floors, soaring ceilings, expensive art everywhere.
He led me upstairs to double doors at the hallway's end.
The bedroom was massive. King-sized bed with gray linens. Sitting area with fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking gardens. The bathroom was bigger than my entire apartment.
"Closet through there," Adrian pointed. "Walk-in, plenty of space. Small office attached if you need it."
I walked through slowly, processing this was real.
"Sophia."
I turned. Adrian watched me, expression unreadable.
"I know this is a lot. Moving fast." His voice was quiet. "But you're safe here. Whatever happens with Ethan, your family you're protected. My word."
My chest tightened. In my past life, I'd have given anything to hear those words. To feel protected instead of used.
"Thank you," I whispered.
He crossed the room. This close, I had to tilt my head back. His hand cupped my cheek, touch gentle despite the calluses.
"We should set ground rules," he said, thumb brushing my cheekbone, making my breath hitch. "Public versus private."
"Okay." My voice came out breathy.
"In public, we're a couple. I'll touch you hand, back, maybe kiss your forehead if needed. Nothing more unless you're comfortable." His eyes searched mine. "In private, you call the shots. I won't push. This room has a couch I can sleep on."
"That's considerate."
"I'm not a monster, despite what Ethan told you."
"I don't think you're a monster." The words spilled out. "Dangerous, yes. Ruthless in business. But not a monster."
Something flickered in his expression. "You see me more clearly than most."
"Because I'm not most people."
"No." His hand still on my cheek, warm and solid. "You're definitely not."
We stood there, air charged. I felt my heartbeat accelerate, saw his gaze drop to my lips before returning to my eyes.
This would be easy. Close the distance, kiss him, let this ignite. But I'd ended an engagement hours ago. Was rebounding from a relationship that had killed me. Adrian deserved better than being my safe harbor.
I stepped back, breaking contact. "We should unpack. Your grandfather soon."
His hand dropped. Disappointment flashed before he masked it. "Right. House phone on the nightstand. My line is number one."
"Adrian?"
He paused at the door.
"Ground rules go both ways. If I make you uncomfortable, tell me. This only works if we're honest."
A slow, genuine smile spread across his face. It transformed him younger, less burdened.
"Deal." Then he was gone.
I sank onto the bed, processing everything. This morning, I'd woken three years in the past. This afternoon, I'd broken up with my murderer. Tonight, I was in a mansion, engaged to a billionaire I barely knew.
My phone buzzed. Messages from Vivian and my father.
Father: What is the meaning of this? Ethan called, very upset. Call immediately.
Vivian: You're making a huge mistake. Ethan loves you!
I deleted them all.
One unexpected message from an unknown number:
Unknown: You think Blackwood can protect you? You have no idea what's coming. This isn't over.
My blood ran cold. Ethan.
A knock at the door. "Come in."
Margaret entered with my suitcases. "Thought you might want these. Shall I help?"
"Oh, I can..."
"Please. I've managed Mr. Blackwood's household fifteen years. He's never brought a woman here before. You must be special."
Never? In fifteen years?
"He hasn't?"
"Not once. He dates, but never invites anyone home. This is his sanctuary. You being here tells me everything."
She thought we were real. And her knowing eyes suggested she'd figured this wasn't whirlwind romance but approved anyway.
"I'll do my best to be what he needs," I said quietly.
Truth, even if not how she thought.
"That's all any of us can do, dear." She patted my hand. "Now let's get you settled. James Blackwood arrives soon. He's formidable. You'll want a good first impression."
As Margaret helped me unpack into the massive closet, I tried calming my racing thoughts.
One day. I'd changed everything in one day.
Tomorrow morning, the world would know Sophia Hart chose the Devil CEO.
Let them think what they wanted.
For the first time in three years in two lifetimes I controlled my own story.
And I was never giving that up again.