OLIVIA
“What else did she tell you? I got closer to Adrian. I was scared that Kate might have said a lot in my absence.
“Okay?” Adrian edged backward and avoided me like the plague. I felt so stupid in front of him. My level of confidence dropped drastically.
“You know what?
Let’s forget about it and get back to business,” I told Adrian and changed the topic. I was becoming too desperate. It was obvious. Even the blind could see that.
“You’re freaking me out right now. Did I do anything wrong?” Adrian asked me. He was starting to feel guilty.
“No, you didn’t.
Why would you say something like that?” I said, forcing a smile.
I act like I’m fine, but deep down, I was desperate to know what was discussed in my absence.
“Do you want me to leave? Is this a bad time to come?” Adrian stood up, wanting to leave. He had a feeling that I wasn’t comfortable with his presence.
“No, please stay.” I quickly held his hands to stop him from leaving. Accidentally, we made eye contact. I could feel my soul connecting to his.
A part of my body was yearning for Adrian’s touch. I had to comfort myself. I reminded my sensitive body parts that it was supposed to be a business meeting and nothing more.
“Sorry about that,” I pulled my hands away from him. I had already fallen helplessly for Adrian. I feel so nervous around him. I could barely even concentrate for a second.
“You are so beautiful,” he said to me, staring directly into my eyes. I suddenly felt a meltdown inside of me.
“Hmm!” I cleared my throat and flickered my hands across Adrian’s face, reminding him that I was married.
“Oh, I see.
Where’s he?” He asked me.
“Who?” I was lost.
I didn’t understand who he was talking about.
“Your husband.
He is supposed to be home with you. You need to recover quickly, and I feel his presence would aid your recovery,” Adrian suggested.
What a man! We weren’t in a relationship, yet he was worried about me. I can’t say the same thing for Cyril. I wish Cyril were here to witness what it takes to be a real man.
“He went on a business trip. He already called to ask about my health,” I lied. It was the best I could do. There’s no way I was going to admit to Adrian that Cyril abandoned me at the hospital to be with another woman. He would mock me.
“That’s so sweet of him. He must love you that much,” Adrian assumed. He won’t stop talking about Cyril, who I was trying to forget.
“Can we stop talking about my husband? I’m pretty sure he isn’t the reason you’re here,” I implored.
“Sorry about that,” he apologized like a perfect gentleman. He had everything I ever wanted in a man.
It’s quite unfortunate that I had to settle for Cyril when there are other men like Adrian who would kill to have me.
If it wasn’t for my morals, I wouldn’t mind flirting with him just to get back at Cyril for jilting me.
As we were about to proceed with the meeting, I got a call from Cyril.
“Speak of the devil,” I muttered succinctly.
“Sorry, can I please go take this call? It’s my husband calling,” I sought Adrian’s permission. The call was precisely what I needed to regain my lost confidence. I was already getting distracted by Adrian’s presence.
Approaching the room to answer the phone, I stumbled on Kate. I caught her just as she was about to run away.
“Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?” I asked Kate and tucked my arms, awaiting her response.
“Yes, I was.” She replied with a faint tone.
I declined the call from Cyril. I prefer speaking to Kate instead. She was the relief I needed. I am most likely to be triggered by Cyril.
“What do you think about him?” Kate asked me. She smiled and teased me.
“I don’t know what you are talking about,” I lied. I just didn’t want to admit that I was falling for him.
“Well, I think he’s great,” I finally admitted and smiled.
I find myself blushing like a teenager in love. I haven’t felt this way for anyone before. I can’t recall the last time someone made me happy. I was so used to Cyril treating me like trash, I forgot how it feels like to be in love.
“No way!
You love him, don’t you?” Kate voiced out. Her voice was so loud that I had to calm her down. “Don’t shout. He might hear you,”
“I don’t Love him.
I am not even sure.
I guess it’s not real It could be infatuation,” I said in the utmost confusion. I wasn’t certain of my utterances.
My heart is yearning to be nurtured under the guidance of Adrian. The only stumbling block was Cyril. I haven’t cheated on him before. I don’t even know what it feels like to be in love with two separate people.
“I understand
This is about Cyril, I guess?” Kate assumed.
“Yes,” I nodded In the affirmative.
“Gosh! I have to go.
I would rather not keep Adrian waiting,” i told Kate. I didn’t realize that Adrian was still waiting for me in the living room.
“So sorry about that.
My husband misses me so much. He wouldn’t let me go,” I lied to Adrian just to protect Cyril’s prestige. He wouldn’t do the same for me if he was in my shoes.
“It’s fine.
It’s good to know that you have a husband that cherishes you. I would be upset if he doesn’t,” Adrian stated. I sensed a bit of envy in his tone. He wished I were married to him and not Adrian.
“How’s your uncle?
What did he say about the deal?” I quickly digressed. I don’t enjoy speaking about Cyril, especially in the presence of my dream man.
“You’re right.
He finally agreed.
The contract will be sent to your mailbox,” Adrian announced without smiling. He was still obsessed with me.
Out of excitement, I hugged Adrian so tightly. I would rather not let go. He smelled so nice, like freshly baked bread.
I had to let go before I got too carried away.
“I bet to take my leave now,”
Adrian stood up.
“It’s nice talking to you,” he kissed my hands romantically, which made me want to ask for more. I was elated.
“I guess I will see you some other time?” I asked Adrian. I wanted to have another meeting with Adrian. I was inclined to meet another version of him.
“I can’t say for now.
I’ll be heading back to New York in a couple of days. I oversee the family’s business over there. But don’t worry, we will hang out some other time,” he assured me with a pat on my shoulder.
I was gutted that I wouldn’t be able to see Adrian anytime I wanted. Nonetheless, I was glad that he showed up. The few hours I spent with him were a thousand times better than the years I’ve lived with Cyril. If I get the opportunity to swap places, I won’t hesitate to do that. I completely deserve better.