Nathanie let out a low laugh, clearly amused. To him, she sounded like a stubborn pup trying to prove herself.
“Suit yourself,” he replied lazily as he reclined against the headboard. “Saves me the trouble. Just don’t come whining to me when no one notices your so-called talent. You might regret being so proud.”
His tone was teasing, but beneath it lay something colder.
Adriana heard it clearly.
She held his gaze. “I won’t come to you. In fact, there’s something I want you to sign.”
His brow lifted. “Sign what?”
Without answering immediately, she stood and walked to the desk. Her movements were steady, though her palms were damp.
She took out a blank sheet and began writing carefully:
From this moment forward, Adriana Whitmore and Nathanie Reed shall maintain clear boundaries. Adriana assumes full responsibility for all her decisions and actions. Under no circumstances will her affairs involve or implicate any individual or authority. All consequences shall be borne solely by Adriana Whitmore.
Signed: Nathanie Reed.
When she finished, she brought the paper to him along with a pen.
Her hands trembled slightly as she placed them on the bedside table.
“Sign it.”
Nathanie didn’t reach for it immediately. His eyes narrowed as he studied her.
There was something different about her tonight—something he couldn’t quite define.
“Why?” he asked evenly.
She met his gaze without flinching.
“What? Are you backing out already? Or are you afraid you’ll end up interfering behind my back?”
She knew exactly where to press.
Nathanie had always been sensitive about his pride.
As expected, his expression darkened.
“Have you forgotten who brought you into this territory’s infirmary?” he said sharply. “Without me, you’d still be in some remote settlement treating injured farmers and rogues. Don’t overestimate yourself.”
The words cut deep.
For a brief moment, it felt like something lodged in her throat.
But she forced herself to remain calm.
“Then prove it,” she replied coolly. “Sign. Let’s see whether I ever need you.”
Her defiance seemed to dissolve his lingering doubts.
With a faint scoff, he grabbed the pen.
“Fine,” he muttered. “I’ll watch how long this independence lasts.”
He signed his name in one swift stroke.
The sound of pen against paper felt louder than it should have.
Adriana watched the ink settle.
A quiet sense of relief spread through her chest.