May 16, 2024. Chapter 2-2. Thank you for waiting. The next update will be tomorrow.
### FLASHBACK ###More than six years ago. Over the past few months, Riley's secret rescuer had given her four boxes of chocolate. After the first instance, she received her requested Matcha flavor a month later. From her marketing class, the following two chocolates were taped to her school locker.Each chocolate box had a friendly note. 2nd chocolate box: [Matcha. Your special request. Stay away from danger, Riley.]3rd chocolate box: [Just checking in on you, Riley.]4th chocolate box: [Glad you are not trying to kill yourself these days, Riley.]Sometimes, Riley thought her secret savior was acting like the big brother she never had. Nonetheless, she happily ate her treat each time she received one. Of course, she did not get any chocolates in each semester break. In the third semester of her second year in college, Riley walked into the university with people gossiping around. "Adrian King won't be back to school. He met an accident. They say he is going to be paralyzed.""No!
Riley was stunned by Adrian's reply. She asked, "What?" "You see, two weeks after my surgery, my grandfather informed me of a package from Japan that had arrived in Halliport. I remembered you," Adrian recounted. His voice was calm, and he spoke unhurriedly. "So, when Brian called me next, I told him to give you one box of chocolate.""I told him the truth, that I rescued you from drowning," Adrian revealed. "But I forbade Brian from telling you it was me. I wanted to tell you personally.""However." Adrian sighed and explained, "Days later, I fully understood the gravity of my situation. I could no longer play basketball. I can't join marathons and that - that I might be stuck in a wheelchair all my life.""I lost interest in everything, Riley. So, when Brian and I next talked to each other, I told him to stop giving you chocolates and never tell you how I saved you. I told him I did not know when I could return to Halliport," Adrian informed. "Perhaps his actions were meant to cover
Riley wasn't acting like herself after discovering that Adrian had saved her seven years ago. As they ate dinner, she kept stealing glances at Adrian but would avert her gaze when he looked up at her. Sadly for Riley, Adrian met her eyes towards the end of their late-night dinner. Riley swore she became restless. "Riley, I'll be out of town tomorrow for two days. There is a business deal that I need to attend to," Adrian revealed. "But when I return, I promise to spend more time with you.""We need to get to know each other," Adrian reminded her. "By the time I return, we will only have three weeks before my grandfather arrives.""I'm sorry that I have been busy lately, but this business deal is very important to me," Adrian revealed. "Is it at the hospital? I haven't seen you at the King's Medical Center either," Riley softly inquired. "No, it's something else. I'll tell you about it later," Adrian said. The two drank chamomile tea before Adrian suggested, "When I return, I want
Riley was in a dream. She saw her young self sinking deep into the water, struggling to swim to the surface. Her dream quickly shifted to her body, lying on the beach with a handsome Adrian King above her. Adrian was leaning closer and was about to kiss her!***Riley jerked awake with her hand on her chest. She panted, and her heart was galloping wildly! She muttered, "That dream again."Two days had gone by since Riley discovered who truly was her mysterious savior seven years ago, and since then, she had dreamed about how it would have looked like if she was awake when Adrian performed CPR. "Dammit, Riley, it was CPR, not a kiss!" She scolded herself. Riley checked the time and was surprised to find herself awake at six a.m. She figured she could visit her mother early, so she bathed and changed quickly. Walking out of her room, she noticed Adrian's room was slightly open. She paused, thinking, 'Is he back?'Adrian had been away for two days. He said he would return today but me
"What's that?" Riley asked Adrian while in the car. Adrian had placed a small paper bag beside him, and Riley was curious. He turned to her and answered, "A gift for your mother. I have to make a good impression, right?"Riley smiled. She leaned back in her seat and said, "That is nice of you."Max, the driver, was at the wheel, navigating the busy streets as Riley and Adrian discussed Renee's condition. Riley had no complaints at the King's Medical Center. Renee was treated like a VIP patient. Her mother's care was superb, from the medical staff to the small details like the food. She could fairly say Renee was recovering well. "She should be practicing how to walk today. That's why I am excited to see her," Riley commented. "Everything has been great so far.""Good," Adrian answered. "I look forward to meeting her."The other day, Riley had finally told Renee about Adrian. She described how Adrian saved her and how he had provided for Renee's medical treatment. Soon, they arrived
"Tell me about your mother," Renee asked. Adrian smiled, his eyes showing a hint of sadness as he said, "My mother. Her name was Freya. I loved her very much -""Loved?" Renee inquired. Minutes passed, and Renee questioned Adrian about his background. Adrian answered, "She passed away years ago.""I'm sorry. What about your father?" Renee sought."My father, Anthony King, our relationship is... complicated. It began when he decided to remarry. His intentions were good at the start, to provide me with a mother figure, but our blended family dynamic was far from harmonious," Adrian explained. "Over time, my stepfamily seemed to win his favor, while I felt myself slipping away from him.""I'm telling you this so you won't be surprised when you meet my family in the future," Adrian admitted. He knew his father would oppose his plans to marry Riley, so he had to be upfront about his relationship with Anthony King. "I envy Riley for having you until this day. You have raised Riley well as
"Need coffee?" Riley asked Adrian with a smile. Adrian paused from working. He said, "If you don't mind.""Of course, I was going to get one anyway," Riley said before turning to her mother. "I'll get you hot chocolate, Mom."Riley stepped out of the room and made her way to the coffee shop on the first floor.Over the weekend, Adrian kept his word. He spent most of his time with Riley and Renee, accompanying Riley to the hospital and getting to know her mother through some light conversation.However, Adrian spent half his time on the laptop. Occasionally, he would go around the hospital, inspecting each department. The rest of the time, he and Riley discussed the progress of the jewelry company. They didn't really focus on getting to know each other.Riley was a bit disappointed, but she understood the importance of work. Besides, she appreciated the King's Medical Center's facilities, the expertise of the medical staff, etc. And they all said the hospital was that way because of Ad
Adrian and Riley continued to chat about their interests, some of which Riley already knew, like Adrian's love for luxury cars, watching sports, and the news. "I have another garage that accommodates all my cars. I can let Max drive you a more fancy one that you may like," Adrian suggested, but Riley wrinkled her nose. "Actually, Adrian. I have been thinking about driving myself now. I am feeling much better," Riley revealed. After she lost the baby, Riley left her car at her mother's place. Often, she took an Uber or a taxi, but that was, before moving in with Adrian."No," Adrian insisted. "Max must be there to drive you."When Riley frowned, Adrian added, "Trust me, please. For everything to work, you must always let Max drive you."It's not that Riley disliked the driver, but she yearned for a friendly interaction. Max was a man in his forties but very fit. He constantly wore a black suit, and he was a bit boring. "I just wish he would engage in conversation.""I'll tell him to t