CHAPTER 4

ADRIAN’S POV.

Is this all you can give me!” I shouted frustrated at the team’s effort.

“I asked for new ideas on how to improve the company and all I hear right now are useless ideas, is this the best all you can do” I screamed, throwing all the proposal documents in the air.

"Sir, I... I think," the team manager stammered.

"What was that? Finish the statement, Mr. Casablanca," I said, staring at him.

"I believe the company should expand its focus on car shipments, particularly in countries like Spain. Car sales are increasing these days..." he trailed off.

"I'm glad you didn't finish that statement, Mr Casablanc, because frankly, I couldn't care less about your beliefs," I stated firmly. The room fell silent.

"I give you 48 hours to propose better ideas. I want it on my table as soon as it's done," I said, leaving the conference room.

I stormed out of the conference room, my frustration boiling over as I adjusted my tie. The meeting hadn't gone as planned, and I couldn't shake off the anger and disappointment. Honestly, part of that frustration is definitely because I'm married to that low-life, Allison. Just then, I heard Dave, my assistant, calling out to me.

"Mr. Russett," he said.

"Dave, I can't believe a room full of college graduates couldn't give me a good proposal. I mean, what are they getting paid for? I should cut their salary. Wait, why aren't you saying anything?" I stopped and looked back at Dave, who was standing against the conference room wall, engrossed in his phone.

"Dave! I'm talking to you!" I shouted.

“"Sorry, Mr. Russet. I was checking your schedule for today," he said.

"It wouldn't hurt to give me a little attention here, man," I murmured.

"Dave, what's on my schedule?" I asked, rolling my eyes. I stopped in front of my office, squarely facing him and raising my eyebrow.

"Before entering your office, I wanted to let you know that your father is waiting for you in there," he said.

What? Why didn't you tell me that earlier?” I shouted

“I would have, but you were ranting about your meeting, sir,” he said calmly.

“Ranting? You weren't even paying attention,” I murmured.

I paused to take a deep breath before stepping into the office. I was glad that he was there this morning.

“Hello, father,” I greeted sarcastically.

“Father? Is that what you'll call me now” he replied as he sat down on the chair crossing his legs.

“Yes Father, you should have known that I would never see you the same way before you made me marry a girl I have never seen” I said grinning.

“Come on Adrian, I asked you to meet her several times but you refused. It's not my fault” he said raising an eyebrow.

“Dad, you made me marry a low-life and she…” I protested but I was brutally interrupted

"Enough! Marrying that girl was the best thing you've done recently. The directors have been worried. I made you marry that girl to cover up your affair with that married woman.". He said with a tone of anger in his voice.

“I didn't know she was still married dad, she told me she was divorced!” I said agitated

“Well next time, do your research better Adrian. The girl's family is a respectable one and they aren't even asking of anything other than an investment and I'm sure she will obey your words” he said

“Dad, she disgusts me and I..” I trailed off as my father rose to his feet, about to leave.

“I don't want to hear it. There's a family outing today. Make sure you and your wife are there” he said turning toward the door.

“Don't you call her my wife's father” I shouted.

“I don't plan on treating her as my wife. I'll make sure she suffers and leaves herself” I thought.

“Get used to it. Also, your brother is back in town and I offered him a job at the company” he said

“What! You can't do that Dad, He is a nuisance” I said

“Is my dad out to frustrate me or what? Why would he ask Delvin to come back” I thought.

“It's my company. Stop whining” he replied as he left the room.

“I can't believe he would do this to me and now that nuisance is around,” I said, hitting the table.

“Dave!, I'm going home,” I said walking out of my office.

It was a long drive home. Everything seemed off. I was married to a girl I barely knew and she wasn't even my type.

“If only that scandal didn't get out!” I thought

I walked into the house, ignoring the staff who greeted me on my way in.

“Donna!” I shouted.

“Yes sir,” Donna replied running towards me. “Get me Allison and…” I trailed off and was brutally interrupted by Allison.

“You're asking of me?” she said raising her eyebrow.

“I'm so tired of people interrupting me! How dare you,” I said frustrated.

“You look so tired my husband, did daddy say something to you,” she said smirking.

I clenched my fists in anger. “What did you just say to me” I asked, moving closer to her.

“I mean you're a daddy’s boy, right? I did my research” she said.

“When did she become so confident,” I thought.

“Donna will help you get dressed, we have an outing tonight,” I said ignoring her statement

“Oh. I must have struck a nerve” she replied smirking as I walked away from her.

“I wonder who the hell she thinks she is to talk to me that way,” I thought but I wasn't going to let her get to me, not today!

I walked into the venue of the party, hands locked with Allison. I have to keep up this facade with her if everyone is going to believe we are happy. We took some pictures on the red carpet outside the venue before we headed inside.

“Good, we need to discuss business Adrian,” my father said walking up to us. “Excuse me Allison” he continued.

We walked up the stairs into a private room. “Your brother will be taking up a managerial role at the company. I was thinking maybe something in the finance” he said pouring a drink.

“Delvin that bastard, of course, I'm sure he hasn't even accepted your offer what did he do this time” I smirked as I sat down in a chair.

“He got involved with some gangsters back in Greece, and When he accepts the offer, it would be at your sector of the company. That way you would help keep your older brother in check” he replied taking a sip of his drink.

“Hell no! I won't accept this Dad. He is your problem!, the bastard you had with your mistress” I said angrily, rising to my feet.

“Adrian!, watch your mouth. He is your older brother and I won't have you disrespect me. You might be a successful asset to the company. But I'm the chairman!” he said with a tone of anger in his voice.

“Fine!” I walked out of the room slamming the door.

“Today is just the worst day, isn't it” I thought as I made my way downstairs

I scanned through a room full of people chattering looking for Allison. It was a long day and I wanted to go home already, but I couldn't leave without her.

“I thought this was a damn family thing, why are there so many people,” I said walking down the hall.

I finally spotted Allison laughing and giggling with some guy in a white t-shirt and jeans.

“Is she mad?” I thought.

I walked towards her, grabbing her hands. “Let's go now!” I said, I didn't even bother to look at her face or the guy's face.

“Calm down, that's not a way to treat a woman, little brother,” the guy said.

“Delvin, what the hell are you doing here,” I said as I turned around.

“I was invited bro” he replied smirking

“Greece wasn't enough trouble for you right,” I said sarcastically looking into his eyes. Delvin has always been a pain in my ass

“I came to greet my brother and his lovely wife…” he continued but was interrupted by Allison.

“You're his brother, you are nothing like him,” she said smiling at him.

“Let go,” I said pulling Allison away and walking into the car

“Bye, see you soon,” Delvin said as we walked away.

When we entered the car, I lit a cigarette hoping to relieve today’s stress

“Well, you brother’s a breath of fresh air” Allison said smiling.

I hated Delvin, but I hated the fact that she was smiling at him even more, who does she think she is? “He is not my brother and You will not speak to him again,” I said taking a puff from the cigarette.

“You can't tell me what to do” Allison replied.

“You're not supposed to speak back at me Allison, didn't I tell you there would be consequences,” I said grinning.

“Well, I don't fucking care, you are so…” she trailed off as I interrupted her brutally

“Get out of my car,” I said emotionless. “I already had enough of all this bullshit”

“What” she replied shocked.

“I said get out,” I said, looking into her eyes.

She was stunned, speechless and didnt move for almost a minute. I got out of the car and dragged her out of the car.

“Ive had enough of your nonsense. I wont be disrespected by a low-life” i said as i got back into the car driving away.