She picked up her spoon and took a bite, then another, and suddenly she was starving, eating like she hadn't seen food in days, barely tasting it as it went down. When she looked up, everyone was watching her. Heat flooded her face. "Sorry, I guess I was hungrier than I thought." "Don't apologize," Adrien said quietly.
"Eat." So she did finished the soup and both pieces of toast and even accepted a refill on coffee. The kids had relaxed again, going back to their conversation about sledding and whether dad would let them stay up late on Christmas Eve this year. Watching them, Lena felt something she couldn't quite name. Longing maybe, or grief for something she'd never have.
These kids were easy with each other in a way that spoke of years together. They knew Adrien's boundaries, knew when to push and when to back off. They were family in every way that mattered, and they were adopted. She'd caught it earlier when Thomas had called Adrien dad with that casual affection kids only used with people who'd earned it. These weren't his biological kids.
He'd chosen them, built a family out of nothing. The realization made her throat tight. Marie brought the check and Adrien paid in cash, leaving a tip that made the waitress's eyes go wide. Then they were back in the SUV headed somewhere Lena didn't know. "Where are we going?" she finally asked.
"My place," Adrien said. "And before you panic, it's got six bedrooms. You'll have your own space. Door locks, complete privacy. I'm not asking you for anything except to get through the night somewhere warm."
"I don't Lena". He met her eyes in the mirror. "I'm not Marcus." She froze. How did you you flinched when I said my son's name and you're wearing a man's coat that's three sizes too big.
Doesn't take a genius. He paused at a red light. Whatever happened, whoever he is, I'm not him. I'm just some guy who doesn't want to explain to his kids why he let someone freeze because he was too worried about appearances. The bluntness again, it cut through all her defenses.
One night, she whispered. One night, he agreed. The house wasn't a house. It was an estate. Iron gates, circular driveway, the kind of place that had a name instead of just an address.
Lena felt panic rising in her chest as they pulled through the gates. This was a mistake. She didn't belong here. Didn't belong anywhere near this much wealth and stability. And breathe, Adrien said quietly.
It's just a house. It's a mansion. It's where we live, that's all. The kids were already scrambling out, running toward the front door like this was any normal night. Adrien waited for Lena to make a move.