Chapter 5

"It's a feeling without a lid, of what you would do, physically, verbally, to protect the one thing that is your greatest love."

-Lena Headey-

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Adonis barged into the restroom to calm himself down a bit. All the insults which had been thrown at him in the past hour was too much. He had no idea why they hated him so much, he had never done anything wrong or bad to them yet somehow they always treated him like he was not even a human being. Was it because he was poor? Don’t poor people deserve even the slightest bit of respect and human decency? Why were they so cruel?

He knew it was useless to question it because it would not change anything. That family was one of the worst he had ever seen. Prior to meeting them he had never believed that some wealthy people were arrogant bunch because the ones he had known before were all very kind and humble. Sometimes he would question himself on why he even got into the family. He should have never gone to that address that day. He loved Vian but sometimes he thought it would be better if he had never met her at all, not because he hated her, but her family was too insufferable.

The only family members beside Vian who treated him kindly were her biological parents because her mother came from a humble origin she could relate to him better and treated him like her own son whenever they met. It was only because the three of them existed did he have the strength to continue the marriage.

It was just sometimes, swallowing his pride was difficult. After all, he was still a man. Every man got a certain ego despite their financial status. He knew that something needed to change, he would not try to change the people around him, it was him who needed to change. Yes, he was not going to give up just yet.

Meanwhile Vian was walking around the room to greet everyone and ensured that their meals were already prepared when suddenly she felt a voice of someone she had wished to never meet again.

“Hello, Vian, it has been a while.” She turned around and saw her ex-boyfriend Carson standing there with a smug on his face. She had no idea who invited that man but whoever did must have been a complete douchebag because she was sure he was not listed in the guestbook. It must have been Cynthia who did, she was the only person besides her who had a deeper connection with this man.

A little background on their relationship, Carson August Norden was her ex-boyfriend of three years prior to meeting Adonis. Vian had not had a long history in dating so he was her first boyfriend and the one she wished she had never dated. As a family’s friend both of them had known each other for quite some time. They had met several times in the past but never truly became close until she was in college. They had gone to the same university and knew each other from there.

The beginning of their relationship was all sunshine and rainbow. At first Carson appeared to be the sweetest man she had ever met, he had always been polite and attentive, often bringing flowers and gifts on her doorsteps, inviting her out on dates to fancy restaurant and took her on trips during summer and winter break to some of the most sought out destination in the world. His family also came from the old money and had had some business with her own, which was the reason why when she was dating him they were paired up as the perfect couple, the joint of two affluent family of Houston.

However, falsehood never lasted long, because soon enough his gentleman façade wore off, revealing his true nature. He was far more awful and sinister than she had foreseen before. After knowing him for a year and a half, she had realized that he was a manipulative and abusive man who would often emotionally abuse her through little things he said or did, mixed with a bit of gas lighting. After a while she became emotionally and mentally drained with him, hence why she decided to cut off the relationship after enduring it for over a year.

After that she had tried to erase everything about him including any contact but for some strange reason the man kept on re appearing in her life like a virus. It was the second time she had met him after their breakup and just looking at his face made her want to curse him.

“You look extremely beautiful, darling. I think you have lost some weight? You also look much brighter and fresh now, Vian. You take my breath away.” He complimented her but she was definitely not falling for it. She knew it was just another one of his manipulative tactic to try to win her back. Of course she was not going to fall for it again.

“Don’t talk to me, Carson, you are clearly not welcomed here.” She sneered.

“Actually, your grandmother personally sent an invitation to my house so it’s pretty clear that I am quite welcome here. You don’t want to possibly tell her that you don’t want me here and question her decision do you?” Vian was a bit surprised when she heard it. Why would her grandmother do that when she knew the two of them had broken up? He seemed to notice her confusion and chuckled.

“It is purely for business purpose. Your grandma did not invite me here to get us together again, besides you are already married aren’t you? Ah, I forgot which company’s CEO he is again… let me think… oh yeah, he’s a nobody.” She was not going to listen to his nonsense any longer. She planned to walk away from there when he suddenly grabbed her arms.

“Let me go!” She struggled to get herself free while making as little noise as possible. In the midst of it, suddenly Adonis came and pushed away Carson’s hand from her. Both parties were surprised by his sudden appearance.

“Leave her alone. She clearly doesn’t want you.” Adonis spat. Vian had never seen him acted like that before but she could sense that Adonis was quite angry. He was able to endure all the insults thrown at him, but watching his wife being harassed boiled his blood. He could not just stand still and do nothing.

“Ah, is this the famous useless son in law. I see you decided to show up here, huh? I guess it’s not enough for you to come here and disgrace her family’s name. Now you also want to act like a hero I see.” Adonis was not trying to cause any trouble, but he stepped in between Vian and Carson and lifted his head up in defense.

“You may insult me but don’t you ever touch or hurt Vian. She is my wife now and if you mess with her means you mess with me.” Carson was not happy, he let out a snort and suddenly out of nowhere, he punched Adonis on the cheek. Adonis was about to punch him back but Vian quickly grabbed him by the shoulder, allowing his eyes to meet hers and he saw her shaking her head, shooting him a pleading look while mouthing ‘don’t’.

Everyone’s eyes were on them then, the grandmother immediately came and asked the three of them what the ruckus was all about. She saw the bruise on Adonis face and stared at Vian, asking for an explanation.

“Carson punched him because Adonis was defending me. This man nearly harassed me, grandma and my husband is trying to protect me.” Greta shot Carson a glare and the man lowered his head like a guilty puppy. Such power did she possess within her that even a grown man like him did not dare to defend himself.

“Now, whatever this is I want the three of you to quit it. Carson, I have personally invited you hear to maintain the relationship between our family and I would appreciate it if you do not cause any disturbance. As for Vian and Adonis, I think you two should take your seats. Dinner has started, our guests need to dine in peace. Now, get moving.” She demanded.

Carson shot Adonis one last glare before he left while Vian circled her arms around Adonis' and led him to their seats. She examined his face and asked him if he was okay. He nodded and turned his attention to the food, as if embarassed to be seen like that.

Vian did not know why he did that, but whatever it was, she was silently thankful for it.

Perhaps Adonis was not as shallow as she initially thought he was.

Yes, perhaps.

Perhaps he was actually a gentleman beyond anything.