Chapter 35
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035
ADRIAN walked out of his office and into the lounge, his steps dragging as though his shoes were weighted down. In his hand was a half-finished glass of red wine. It had been two days since the disaster of Hazel’s award ceremony, and Amelia, typical Amelia- was still mad at him. More than mad, she had gone silent, shutting him out completely. Adrian had lived long enough with her to know that silence was worse than her shouting. Silence meant she had given up on words, and that was far heavier than anger.
He dropped himself onto one of the lounge couches, setting the glass on the table in front of him. His eyes lingered on the swirls of the wine as if it could give him answers.
He really was sorry. He wasn’t faking it, not this time. He knew he had promised his little girl, knew he had sworn to Amelia that he would be there, but Vivian had pulled him into one of those traps of hers and he had fallen asleep, only to wake up at afternoon. How could he even face Hazel again? The look on Amelia’s face when she walked out on him with Hazel in her arms two days ago was enough to haunt him.
He thought of Vivian for a split second, her laughter, her smooth arms, but he immediately dismissed it. This wasn’t the time to think about her. Not when Amelia was withdrawing farther away from him with each passing
hour.
“Mr. Adrian? Mr. Adrian p>
The voice startled him. Adrian turned his head, spotting Peter, his assistant, walking briskly toward him.
He frowned.
“Peter? Haven’t you gone home? It is way past closing p>
Peter adjusted his glasses, his lean frame stiff with the usual bright energy he carried around Adrian.
“I had a few things to clear off my desk, sir. Some numbers needed balancing before tomorrow morning p>
Adrian raised a brow.
“Still the perfectionist.” He shook his head slowly. “What is the matter now p>
“There is a file that needs your signature before it can be processed. And-” Peter paused. “Your friends are here to see you p>
Adrian gave a tired chuckle, leaning back against the couch.
“Of course, they are. Let them come meet me here. And Peter, bring in a bottle of wine and glasses for them p>
“Yes, sir,” Peter said with a slight bow before disappearing through the hallway.
Moments later, the familiar banter of voices echoed into the lounge. Leonard came first, tall and broad- shouldered, grinning as if he owned the night. Behind him was Jakes, shorter but lively, his laughter already filling the room.
“Yo, man!” Jakes exclaimed, spreading his arms. “What are you still doing at work? You should be at home resting, not hanging around here. I was shocked when Peter told us you were still in the office p>
Adrian sighed, lifting his glass without drinking.
“Maybe I should be p>
“Of course, Adrian,” Leonard chimed in, his voice booming. “Especially after the hard clubbing and fun that night. We weren’t expecting to see you buried here p>
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Adrian forced a smile, but it barely reached his eyes. He wasn’t in the mood for their cheer.
Just then Peter returned with a tray, setting down a fresh bottle of wine and glasses. He poured for the men before straightening.
“Sir, I will be leaving now. I have cleared my desk p>
Adrian nodded.
“Good night, Peter p>
As the assistant left, Jakes grabbed his glass and clinked it against Leonard’s.
“To another good night, huh p>
But Adrian didn’t join in. He swirled the drink in his glass, his face heavy with thought. Then finally, he spoke.
“Men… I messed up that night p>
Leonard and Jakes both turned toward him, curiosity sparking in their eyes.
“What happened?” Jakes asked, leaning forward.
Adrian let out a long breath.
“I slept off at Vivian’s. Missed Hazel’s award presentation. And now Amelia is raging fire. She won’t talk to me. Won’t even look at me p>
The room fell silent for a beat before Leonard leaned back and scoffed.
“Well, Clara is raging her own fire as well. Accusing me of all sorts of nonsense, sickness, infections, like I’m dragging diseases around. She is really getting on my nerves p>
Jakes scoffed and shook his head.
“Wow. Does this mean it is trouble day for everyone? Can’t relate, honestly. My wife and kids are not in the country. All I do is make transfers and pay bills from here. That is it.” He smirked. “I guess I’m lucky p>
“Very lucky,” Adrian muttered bitterly.
“Of course you are,” Leonard added quickly, raising his glass.
But Jakes wasn’t done. He turned back to Adrian.
“Bro, why didn’t you ask Vivian to set an alarm? That is basic p>
Adrian frowned, dragging a hand down his face.
“Jeez, man. I do everything. I pay the bills, school fees, stock the pantry, every damn thing. I just needed one night to breathe. Is that a crime p>
Jakes chuckled dryly.
“You see, that is the thing with women. You provide everything, they become comfortable. And the moment you slip once, just once, they act like you have never done a single thing for them p>
Leonard leaned forward.
“Exactly. Forget it, man. You forgot just an ordinary school event, and Amelia is acting like the world ended. If you
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forget birthdays one day, what is she going to do? Jump off a bridge?” He scoffed. “You need to start putting these women in their place p>
“Right!” Jakes chimed in. “Don’t let them override you.” He raised a finger. “That is why I like mistresses. They know their roles. They play their parts. No stress, no drama p>
Leonard nodded with a grin.
“All they want is fun and pleasure. Nothing else p>
Adrian pressed his lips together, his chest tight.
“Well, I think Jakes is right,” Leonard said. “You need to remind Amelia who pays the bills. You run this company, you work yourself half to death to bring in money, and yet she complains. Come on, she should be grateful you have only one mistress p>
Jakes barked out a laugh.
“Faithful husband, huh? Too faithful for my liking p>
Leonard’s grin widened.
“Exactly. One mistress? If Clara compared me to you, she wouldn’t stand a chance p>
Adrian’s head sank into his hands.
“It is not like I don’t love Amelia. I do. But-” He broke off, words failing him.
Jakes leaned closer, lowering his voice.
“I get it. I do. Just get Hazel a gift. A bicycle, maybe. She will melt. Kids always do p>
Leonard nodded.
“Or Barbie dolls. That is all she needs p>
“You will be fine, bro. Drink up,” Jakes said, raising his glass.
Leonard, still grinning, added,
“And if it stresses you too much, let me know. I have got girls for you! Lots. They will p>
“Are you okay?” Jakes cut him off sharply, shaking his head.
The two began bickering, their voices rising, laughing one second and snapping the next.
But Adrian sat there in silence, his glass untouched. The laughter, the banter, the careless talk about women and mistresses, all of it buzzed in his ears like static. His thoughts were elsewhere. Amelia’s silence. Hazel’s tearful eyes. The pinkie promise he had broken.
The wine on the table might as well have been poison.
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Olivia Harris
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.