May 22, 2024. Sorry, ladies. Author-san is still not well. Whatever I caught is rather strong, and I'm taking antibiotics now. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better for me. There is only one chapter. The next update is tomorrow.
"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
Riley blinked. She stared at Adrian with her heart racing. She asked, "Now?""Yes, of course, now," Adrian answered. "Clint delivered the certificate early in the morning. Now that you are a free woman, we can go on our first date."Riley panicked. She looked down at herself and back to her closet. Adrian must have sensed her nervousness that he chuckled. He said, "I'll give you an hour to get ready. We are staying there overnight.""I'll meet you at the breakfast table," he added. He moved his wheelchair but soon returned, reminding her, "And Riley, remember, when we get to the island, you will officially be my girlfriend.""Right," Riley answered. "See you," Adrian said before finally moving to his room. With that, Riley hurriedly closed the door behind them. She called Renee to let her know she wouldn't be visiting before scrambling to prepare her things. *** Two hours later. "Ahhh!" Riley screamed as the speedboat leaped from the water's surface and landed with a splash. "Haha
Riley was already swimming alone in the pool. Against the hot sun, she felt great being submerged in a cold, freshwater pool. She had already swum four laps when Adrian appeared in his board shorts. He was still in his wheelchair, but he was already half-naked, his six-pack abs flashing before her. "How is the water?" Adrian asked. "Just perfect for the hot weather," Riley answered with a smile. Adrian settled his wheelchair closer to the pool. Then, he helped himself up. Riley panicked. She asked, "Can you handle it?""It's just a few steps," Adrian answered. In the next few seconds, Riley watched in agony as Adrian limped to the edge of the pool. When he finally sat on the pool's edge, she sighed. Riley swam closer to Adrian, prepared to help. She asked, "You will be okay in the water, right?"Adrian smiled at Riley. He lowered himself into the water and said, "Yes, buoyancy helps me float -""Because you can just lean on me anytime," Riley offered. "Ah, yeah, actually, do yo
"Mmmm!" Riley moaned as she ate an entire leg of Alaskan king crab. She had earlier dipped the crab into a chili sauce, and the sauce was oozing out of her mouth. "Oops!" Riley grabbed a paper towel and wiped the corners of her mouth. She said, "Sorry. It's so good."As Riley ate, Adrian watched her from across the table. He thought Riley looked incredibly adorable, like a child eating her first cake. "I can tell you are very satisfied. You were having an orgasm just now," Adrian teased before a chuckle left his lips. "Haha!" Riley laughed her heart out. She reasoned, "I just love seafood."Adrian peeled a shrimp and stuffed it in his mouth. He chewed it down before asking, "How did you survive being married to a man who is allergic to crustaceans?""Haha!" Riley laughed again. Her eyes watered in amusement. "I - "Riley drank from her wine and answered, "I eat out alone or with my mom. Sometimes, I go to my mom's house to eat seafood." "A year ago, I cooked seafood pasta at home a
###FLASHBACK###Over six years ago, in Sweden.Adrian was sitting up in the hospital bed, recovering from his spinal and leg injuries. The doctors came in and gave him the news that broke his heart. "We now have the complete evaluation of your situation, Adrian," the primary doctor said. "The surgery saved your life and your ability to make use of your upper body. However, you won't be able to walk again.""No! That can't be!" Adrian's grandfather, Abner, reacted. "I did not pay you millions of dollars just to give me and my grandson that answer!"The loud screams did not stop there. Abner King continued to berate the doctors from outside Adrian's hospital room. "You told me my grandson had an 80% chance of recovery? What is this now? So Adrian belongs to the lower 20%?""You are fired!""Get me another doctor!""I want the best doctors for my grandson!"Adrian King was not a man of weak heart, but to imagine a life without running, playing basketball, hiking, biking, and possibly wa
"Your mother may go home next week. She may opt to resume her therapy as an outpatient," the doctor said to Riley. "Of course, staying here until your mother fully recovers is more convenient.""Thank you, doctor. We will discuss it," Riley said before seeing the doctor leave. Riley walked over to Renee and sat on her bed. She asked, "Mom? Would you like to go home?"Renee thought deeply. Then, she responded, "I don't think I want to travel often while I still can't walk properly. Is it okay if I stay here? It's a lot safer here. When you get home, Riley, you always travel with a driver, right? Adrian had mentioned he assigned you a driver. So you are always safe? How is the house?""Um." Riley chuckled. She said, "Mom, we are talking about you, not me."Then, she wondered if it was the right time to tell Renee about living with Adrian. Clearing her throat, Riley said, "But about me, Mom. I have been meaning to tell you. Adrian has been a bit protective of me, so he asked me to move i