Chapter 02

" Wanna go somewhere else?" The brunette seductress winked at Adrian meaningfully. Adrian smirked before taking a step forward in her direction.

 Just as things were heating up, someone flashed light directly into his eyes, which startled him awake. 

Opening his eyes Adrian realized it was the sunlight that pierced through the curtains, invading his eyes. 

" Who the hell moved the curtains?" He growled in displeasure.

Turning around he found Samuel, standing there with a devilish grin.

"You asshole. Why would you even do that? I swear I'd have killed you if you weren't my best friend," 

 Adrian couldn't hold back the storm of profanities that erupted from his lips, leaving Samuel stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter.

" Seriously Addy? Even in sleep, you are thinking about girls!"That dream must've been quite intense, huh? Get up. It's already past 9!" Samuel exclaimed, still laughing.

"So what? It's Sunday. I need to rest. besides, I did a lot of workouts last night."  Adrian replied, his voice filled with mischievousness.

  "Uncle is desperately waiting for his youngest son to take charge of the company as CEO, But Mr. Adrian Alan Johnson is busy being a player." 

 Samuel heaved a sigh, suddenly turning serious. 

Adrian rolled his eyes hearing him talking nonsense.

" Come on Sam! Not now. Stop talking like my dad. Dad and Andrew are handling it like a pro! I am happy to work at our company without being a CEO or CFO. Plus I am always there whenever they need me." Adrian shrugged his shoulders, stating the obvious.

" You are never gonna change. Are you?" Samuel seemed to continue the conversation.

" Nope, Never. I am Adrian Johnson dude. Why would I ever think of changing myself? I am just 28 and living my best life. I mean shouldn't I have some advantages as the youngest son of The Johnson family? " Adrian said, an arrogant smile adorning his lips. 

"By the way, you tell me, how about your date? Excited much?" Changing the topic, Addy decided to tease Sam. 

And that was enough to spoil his best friend's mood.

 "Seriously! It's all my fault. Why did I even think of challenging you? Now I have to tolerate that leech for the rest of the day. Ugh! Fuck me ". 

" Eww no! Dude I am straight". Adrian burst out laughing.

" Fuck off you bastard ! ". Samuel left the room angrily. 

Laughing heartily Adrian emerged from his cozy bed and entered the bathroom, ready to wash away the remnants of sleep and embrace the day. He needed to visit his family as it was Sunday. He promised his mom they would have lunch together. 

There was a tradition in the Johnson family. Every member of the family lived together, well except him. He preferred to stay in his luxurious skyscraper apartment as it was conveniently close to his workplace. Although the real reason was something different. 

He was quite sure that his family wouldn't be very happy to see a different girl in his embrace every day, especially at home. 

Deep down he hoped they didn't have a clue about his wild ways. But who was he kidding?

A little chuckle escaped his lips as he remembered his old man's witty comeback during one of their friendly banters. That old man had a way of seeing right through him, no matter how sly he thought he was.

"You think you can teach me a thing or two, young man?" his father's voice echoed in his mind, accompanied by a fond smile.

Adrian pondered his predicament for a spell. 

"Well, it ain't all my fault, right?" He mused,

 his gaze shifting to the reflection in the mirror. Standing at an impressive 6.2", 

With a face that turned heads and a physique to match, he couldn't just settle with a single woman, right?  

After all, he did have a big heart, how could he disappoint all of those beautiful women?

A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he shook off his introspection, reminding himself to stay focused.

 "Alright, Addy, enough of these self-conversations," he chided playfully, his eyes twinkling. 

"Time to go and meet the family. Mom must be waiting."

Stepping out of the shower, Adrian wrapped himself in a cozy towel, as he made his way towards his wardrobe.

……..

In the peaceful silence of the church the soft sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting an ethereal glow upon the ancient stone walls. 

Jane settled into a polished wooden pew. Her hands clasped gently. Her slender fingers intertwined in an earnest plea.

She closed her eyes. Her eyelashes brushed against her plump, rosy cheeks, her innocent aura was radiating itself. Her hair, a flowing cascade of honey brown locks, tumbled delicately over her rounded face. Each strand danced with the gentle breeze that whispered through the quiet space.

With each breath, her lips moved in silence, forming the sacred syllables with an intimacy that only the divine could understand. In this moment of surrender, the weight of the world seemed to dissolve, and a profound peace settled upon her soul.

The melodious notes of a distant choir spread through the sanctuary, casting a serene spell. 

A  sense of calmness engulfed her very being. Slowly, she opened her eyes, as if awakening from a gentle slumber, the world appeared anew. The radiant smile that graced her lips reflected the beauty that resided in her heart.

Jane slowly stepped onto the threshold, the wooden doors creaking softly behind her. The warmth of the sun greeted her again. After a long time, she felt something good would happen today.

Jane breathed in deeply, the scent of blooming flowers and earth mingling with her body and mind. 

" Jane." Suddenly a known voice took her out of the reverie world. 

Turning back Jane found her father standing there.

" Come with me. I need to talk to you." His usual cold voice ordered. 

" Yes Dad." Jane followed her father slowly, her body a little tense.

" You are going to New York next month. I talked to Ross. He will make the necessary arrangements. You will stay with his family. Be prepared."  His voice uttered the words without a lace of emotions in them.

Jane's heart thudded in excitement. She couldn't believe it was finally happening. A small smile adorned her lips.

" Yes dad. I'll not disappoint you this time." Her voice was filled with determination.

" Remember, only this one year." 

Without waiting for a reply Mr.White turned back and left the place. 

" Yes, only this one year," Jane whispered to herself. She got this one last chance. By no means she would let it go in vain. 

Everything would be alright this year once she would land in New York.

She prayed to the superior for one last time.

Unknown to the fact that the city she thought of as a gentle soothing breeze of hope would bring a tornado into her life. Which would turn her world upside down.