Chapter 3 - The Golden Cage
By midnight, my life in the run-down West Garfield apartment was erased. Luca and two other men packed my few sentimental possessions—my mother's old locket, medical reference books, and baby ultrasound prints—into sleek leather cases.
I was driven to the Gold Coast, entering a fortress masquerading as a three-story penthouse overlooking Lake Michigan. Floor-to-ceiling glass framed the stormy black waters outside. The floors were polished Italian marble, warmed by thick wool rugs, and the air smelled faintly of cedar and fresh-cut lilies.
""Your quarters,"" Adrian said, opening the double doors to a sprawling master suite.
The king-sized bed was dressed in Egyptian cotton. A private nursery was connected through an adjoining archway, completely furnished with a solid walnut crib, organic plush toys, and shelves lined with baby clothes that still bore luxury boutique tags.
My knees nearly gave out. Tears threatened to spill over my eyelashes as I touched the soft fabric of a tiny cream-colored onesie.
""You did all of this today?"" I asked, turning to face him.
""Julian oversaw it,"" Adrian replied, standing near the doorway with his hands tucked into his pockets, maintaining a respectful distance. ""He insisted on the best. A private obstetrician will arrive tomorrow morning at nine for your examination. A chef will prepare your meals according to your dietary needs. You are safe here, Claire.""
""Why do you keep keeping your distance?"" I asked softly, suddenly acutely aware of how tall he was, how the tailored fabric of his suit broadened across his shoulders. ""In the store, you kissed me like you owned me.""
Adrian’s jaw tightened. He took two deliberate steps into the room, stopping just inches away from where I stood. The scent of expensive cologne, rain, and smoky bourbon enveloped my senses.
""In the store, I was marking my territory so that arrogant coward would never touch you again,"" he whispered, his eyes dipping briefly to my lips before rising back to my gaze. ""In private, Claire, I am a monster who kills for a living. I keep my distance because you are innocent, and I don't break what I intend to protect.""
He turned on his heel and walked out, closing the door firmly behind him.
The next morning, the reality of my new life crashed down upon me. The obstetrician, Dr. Angela Chen, confirmed that my baby girl was developing perfectly, though she prescribed immediate rest and high-protein meals to counteract my mild malnutrition.
Later that afternoon, Julian Moretti arrived. Unlike his stoic, lethal older brother, Julian was charismatic, bearing a bright smile and a roguish charm, though the scar beneath his ribs remained a permanent testament to the night I saved him.
""Sister-in-law!"" Julian announced, presenting a massive basket of exotic fruits and imported chocolates. ""You look radiant. Adrian looks like a miserable gargoyle as usual, which means everything is proceeding normally.""
I couldn't help but laugh, the tension in my chest easing slightly. ""Thank you for the nursery, Julian. It’s too much.""
""Nonsense. You saved my life when you had every reason to run,"" Julian said, his expression turning serious for a moment. ""Adrian might act cold, but he’s watched over you from afar since that night. He made sure your landlord didn't harass you too much, and he bought your old clinic to prevent it from shutting down. He just never expected Nathan to betray you.""
Before I could process that revelation, Adrian’s study doors swung open. Adrian stepped out, holding a tablet with a grim expression.
""Nathan's father just called an emergency meeting of the Chicago Commerce Board,"" Adrian announced coldly. ""Nathan is spreading rumors that you stole company funds before leaving his firm, and he's challenging the paternity of your child publicly.""
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Julian's smile vanished, replaced by the dangerous chill that clearly ran in the Moretti bloodline. ""Shall I handle it, brother?""
""No,"" Adrian said, his gaze fixing on me with lethal determination. ""We handle this together. Tonight is the annual Winter Charity Gala. Claire, you are going to wear the most expensive gown in this city, and we are going to bury the Vance family once and for all.""
