CHAPTER 8

It was Samuel I bumped into. Our eyes met and I quickly looked away. I staggered to avoid falling while trying to hide the keys.

“What the hell were you doing in my room, you fool?” Samuel yelled, making me fidget.

I ransacked my brain for a befitting answer but it seemed my IQ was failing. I started stammering inaudibly, hoping I would form the right words to tell him but it seemed his patience was running out.

“Did you suddenly turn deaf or dumb?” He yelled again.

I took a step backwards as cold shivers ran down my spine. I gulped hard trying so much to avoid Samuels gaze, I could hear my heart pounding against my chest. I feigned clearing my throat in a quest to gather composure before I finally spoke.

“I am sorry. I was looking for you, so I thought you were inside. Since I called your name and there was no response I decided to go in”.

I prayed silently that Samuel believed the lie. He gave me a cold and intense stare and mumbled.

“Just ever try to play games with me, else you will regret it”.

I quickly walked away as fast as my legs could carry me while having a deep sigh; he believed the lie and didn't find out about the keys I took. I could still feel his devilish gaze on me and it made me want to disappear. I arrived at Mom's room in no time and tested the keys.

Luckily for me, three keys out of the bunch fitted into the door hole and opened the door. I took out one key from the bunch to keep as a spare and returned the bunch to Samuel's room unnoticed.

But Samuel didn't let go easily. He ordered the maids and workers to keep an eye on me, he even grounded me and restricted me from leaving the house except with his permission. I wanted to fight back, to ask him why he was trying to rip me off my rights, but it would be no use, he had silenced me with my mother's treatment forever.

However, I would be off his emotional shackles in a few days as the wedding was coming up soon. I couldn't help but anticipate what it would be like to live with billionaire Adrian. He didn't look too different from Samuel although he had this surge of care and concern about people.

I could tell that he doesn't want this marriage and so do I. I couldn't even consider this as my marriage because, how would I be getting married without my mother in attendance? I wish the period of the contract would just elapse quickly and mum would get better so we can just go back to our normal life.

“Adrian, how are your wedding plans going?” Marcus asked after sipping from his glass.

Adrian sat up and stretched his right hand to grab his glass, he took a sip and dropped it back on the table. He ignored Marcus's question for a moment and looked around the lounge they were in, nodding slowly to the soft music that filled the air.

“Are you going to talk or remain mute”. Marcus asked with furrowed brows.

“Hmm, I handed over the wedding plans to an event planner and since Samuel Winters wanted to take the lead, I had to allow him. You know I'm not even happy about this sudden arrangement so why should I be concerned?

“Alright”. Marcus replied. “You were good at the interview though”. He added, laughing.

Adrian played a smile at the corner of his lips as the memories filled his head. He despised every second of it.

“And that Jenny girl, she is something else. Her innocent face was so amusing”. Marcus added, by now the little laughter had grown into a full roar.

“That is enough you jerk, what would you have me do? I had to tell so many lies thanks to my grandmother”. Adrian said, hitting Marcus's left arm playfully.

“It is part of life dude”. Marcus muttered, patting Adrian on the shoulder.

Adrian left the lounge a few minutes later and headed home. He wasn't still comfortable with striking a deal with Samuel and the fact that he was helpless annoyed him a lot.

The thought of becoming a married man and sharing his space with some lady gave him uneasiness. He was used and satisfied with his single life; attending his business meetings seamlessly, going on long business trips as he seemed fit, having fun with ladies and living a free life. But everything was going to change in a matter of days.

After taking a cold shower that evening, he sat on his bed with his eyes glued to his laptop screen. His phone buzzed, making him sigh.

“Hello, Adrian Sterling speaking”. He sang into the phone tiredly.

“It's Julian”. The caller replied scoffing.

“What do you want? How did you even get my phone number?”. Adrian asked, sternly.

“Calm down bro, I just called to congratulate you on your wedding”. Julian replied in one breath.

“Save it”. Adrian said, rolling his eyes.

“We will meet at the wedding bro,” Julian replied, smirking.

“Firstly, I'm not your bro you jerk and just so you know, you're not invited”. Adrian replied, yelling.

“Come off it Adrian, it's part of the clause, every family member must attend your wedding”. Julian replied, rolling his eyes.

Adrian hissed loudly and hung up.

“Arrggghhh, I hate you grandma”. He screamed in frustration.

Julian was Adrian's cousin. Adrian had cut ties with Julian long ago after he revealed his through wicked self when he was trying to claim his inheritance; Sterling industries. Julian fought tooth and nail to steal the company from him but Adrian managed to pull through.

After that experience, Adrian vowed never to have anything to do with him again. The thought of setting his eyes on Julian again made his stomach twitch and the fact that he would be attending the wedding made him so uncomfortable. I mean who would feel comfortable around their enemy?