Ellie woke up the morning after the interview to a quieter phone. The media frenzy had simmered down, and the hateful comments online were drowned out by new headlines about celebrity scandals and stock market shifts. Still, the experience lingered in her mind, leaving her more cautious about her every move.

She stretched lazily, relishing the rare calm, when a sharp knock at her door startled her.

"Ellie, get dressed," Adrian's voice called from the other side. "We're going out."

Groaning, she threw off the covers. "Can't we just enjoy one day of normalcy?"

"No," came his curt reply, followed by the sound of his retreating footsteps.

Ellie found Adrian waiting in the living room, impeccably dressed in dark slacks and a crisp white shirt. He glanced up from his phone as she appeared in jeans and a casual sweater, her hair loosely tied back.

"That's what you're wearing?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

She crossed her arms defensively. "You didn't exactly give me a dress code."

He smirked faintly. "Fine. You'll pass. Let's go."

As they stepped into the car, Ellie turned to him. "Where are we going?"

"Central Park," Adrian said simply.

She blinked. "You? In Central Park? Won't that draw attention?"

"That's the idea," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "The interview worked, but we need to reinforce it. A casual outing—a couple enjoying the day—will help sell the story."

Ellie sighed, leaning back in her seat. She couldn't argue with his logic, but she hated how calculated it all felt.

The park was alive with the hum of life: joggers weaving through the paths, families picnicking on the grass, and couples strolling hand in hand. Adrian, ever the strategist, took Ellie's hand as soon as they exited the car.

"You could warn me before grabbing my hand," she muttered, her cheeks flushing.

He glanced at her, amused. "You'll survive."

Despite the awkwardness, Ellie had to admit that Central Park was beautiful. The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves, and the golden sunlight filtered through the canopy above.

For a while, they walked in silence, and Ellie almost forgot the paparazzi lurking discreetly in the distance. Adrian seemed different here, more relaxed, his usual guarded demeanor replaced by something almost approachable.

"You grew up around here, didn't you?" Ellie asked, breaking the silence.

He nodded. "Not far from the park. My parents used to bring me here as a kid."

Ellie tilted her head, curious. "What were they like?"

Adrian's expression flickered, a brief shadow crossing his face. "They were... ambitious. My father built the Blackwell empire from nothing. My mother was the perfect partner—elegant, driven, always one step ahead. They expected the same from me."

"Sounds intense," Ellie said softly.

"It was," he admitted. "But it prepared me for this world. For the responsibilities that come with it."

Ellie studied him for a moment, sensing a vulnerability beneath his polished exterior. "Do you ever wish it was different?"

He hesitated, then gave her a small smile. "I've learned not to waste time on wishes."

Their walk eventually led them to a small café on the edge of the park. They found a quiet table outside, and Adrian ordered them both coffee.

Ellie sipped her drink, savoring the warmth. "This is nice. Almost feels... normal."

Adrian chuckled. "You sound surprised."

"Well, it's hard to feel normal when you live in a penthouse and have people dissecting your every move," she said wryly.

He leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "You've handled it better than most."

Ellie rolled her eyes. "High praise coming from Mr. Perfect."

He laughed, a genuine, unguarded sound that caught her off guard. For a moment, the distance between them didn't seem so vast.

Their peaceful outing didn't last long. As they left the café, a man approached them—sharp suit, slicked-back hair, and an air of smug arrogance that set Ellie on edge.

"Adrian," the man greeted with a too-wide smile. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Damien," Adrian replied, his tone icy. "What do you want?"

"Oh, nothing," Damien said, his gaze shifting to Ellie. "Just curious about the woman everyone's talking about."

Ellie felt a chill under Damien's scrutiny. "I'm Ellie," she said cautiously, extending her hand.

Damien ignored it, his smile turning predatory. "You've certainly stirred up the press, haven't you? Tell me, how does it feel stepping into Adrian's world?"

"That's enough," Adrian said sharply, stepping between them.

Damien smirked. "Relax, Adrian. I'm just making conversation. Besides, I'm sure you're already coaching her on how to play the part."

Ellie bristled, but Adrian took her hand firmly. "We're leaving."

As they walked away, Ellie glanced back at Damien, who was still watching them, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

"Who was that?" she asked once they were out of earshot.

"Damien Carter," Adrian said tersely. "A rival in business and a professional thorn in my side. He thrives on stirring trouble."

Ellie frowned. "Do you think he'll cause problems for us?"

Adrian's jaw tightened. "He'll try. But he won't succeed."

Back at the penthouse, Ellie paced the living room, the encounter with Damien replaying in her mind.

"What's his deal?" she asked, glancing at Adrian. "Why does he hate you so much?"

Adrian sighed, loosening his tie. "Let's just say we've crossed paths one too many times, and he doesn't like losing."

Ellie stopped pacing, her arms crossed. "Well, if he comes after us, what's the plan?"

Adrian met her gaze, his expression resolute. "We stay united. He thrives on finding cracks in the facade. If we give him nothing to exploit, he'll move on."

Ellie nodded, a newfound determination in her eyes. "Then we'll give him nothing."

For the first time, Adrian smiled—a genuine, approving smile that sent a strange warmth through her chest.

"Good," he said. "I knew I chose the right partner."

To be continued...