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Fated Ties

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Crumbling walls

Adrian wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep this up.

Elias was relentless.

Not in an aggressive way—not the way Adrian had expected when their marriage was arranged.

But in a way that was so much worse.

Because Elias was kind. Patient. Attentive.

And Adrian didn’t know how to fight that.

He could handle cruelty. He could handle threats, control, manipulation—he had been prepared for those.

But Elias?

Elias was making it impossible to keep his walls up.

And Adrian hated it.

—

Later That Night

Adrian sat at the edge of the bed, rubbing his temples. He had spent the entire day avoiding Elias, but no matter what he did, his mind kept circling back to him.

To the way Elias had brought him lunch.

To the way he had memorized Adrian’s favorite meal.

To the way he hadn’t pushed or demanded anything, even after what happened the night before.

It was infuriating.

Because it was working.

A soft knock on the door made him tense.

He knew who it was before he even turned around.

“…Come in.”

The door opened, and Elias stepped inside. He had already changed out of his suit, now wearing only a loose t-shirt and sweatpants.

Relaxed. Comfortable.

Adrian hated how effortlessly at home he looked.

Elias closed the door behind him, his golden eyes locking onto Adrian’s.

“You’ve been avoiding me all day.”

Adrian scoffed, crossing his arms. “Busy with work.”

Elias arched an eyebrow. “And yet, you skipped lunch. Again.”

Adrian’s jaw clenched. “I wasn’t hungry.”

Elias sighed, stepping closer. “Adrian…”

“Don’t.” Adrian stood up abruptly, stepping away from him. His heart was pounding, and he didn’t know why.

Didn’t know why Elias' presence made him feel so trapped.

Elias watched him for a moment, then leaned against the dresser, his posture calm.

“You’re scared.”

Adrian stiffened. “I’m not—”

“You are.” Elias’ voice was quiet but firm. “Not of me. But of this.”

Adrian’s fists clenched. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Elias let out a soft chuckle. “Liar.”

Adrian’s breath caught.

He turned away, his hands trembling slightly. “Elias, stop.”

Elias stepped closer. “Tell me you don’t feel it.”

Adrian swallowed hard.

“I—”

Elias placed a hand on Adrian’s shoulder, warm and steady.

Adrian should have shrugged it off. He should have walked away.

But he didn’t.

Because he was tired.

Tired of fighting. Tired of pretending.

And maybe… just maybe… a part of him didn’t want to resist anymore.

“Adrian.” Elias’ voice was softer now, like a gentle pull, coaxing him closer instead of pushing him away. “Why do you keep running?”

Adrian exhaled sharply. “Because I don’t know how to stop.”

Elias’ grip on his shoulder tightened slightly, grounding him. “Then let me help you.”

Adrian shook his head. “It’s not that easy.”

“Why not?” Elias asked, his tone still calm but insistent.

Adrian turned around, his gaze sharp. “Because if I let you in, I won’t be able to push you away. And if you leave—” He swallowed hard. “If you leave, I won’t survive it.”

Silence.

Elias studied him, his golden eyes unreadable.

Then, slowly, he cupped Adrian’s cheek, his touch featherlight. “You think I’ll leave?”

Adrian flinched but didn’t pull away.

“I don’t know,” he admitted, voice barely above a whisper. “Everyone else has.”

Elias exhaled softly. “I’m not them.”

Adrian scoffed. “You say that now.”

“I say that because it’s true.” Elias’ fingers brushed against Adrian’s skin, warm and steady. “You don’t have to believe me yet. But I’ll prove it to you.”

Adrian wanted to argue. Wanted to tell him that no one stays forever.

But the way Elias was looking at him—like he was the only thing that mattered—made the words die in his throat.

Elias leaned in slightly, his breath ghosting against Adrian’s skin.

“I won’t force you to trust me,” he murmured. “But I won’t let you push me away either.”

Adrian swallowed hard. “You’re impossible.”

Elias smiled, his thumb brushing against Adrian’s cheek. “And you’re stubborn.”

Adrian huffed. “Takes one to know one.”

Elias chuckled. “Exactly.”

For a moment, neither of them moved.

The air between them was charged, thick with something undeniable.

Then, before Adrian could second-guess himself, he leaned in—just slightly. Just enough for their foreheads to touch.

Elias stilled, his breath catching.