Chapter 3

Ryan drove to his and Anabelle's house, feeling angry and frustrated. He walked in and disregarded the greetings of the workers who welcomed him. Suddenly, he heard his son calling out, "Daddy!" and running towards him.

Ryan glowed at the sight of his adorable son and felt guilty, knowing that he had given Brian a difficult mother. "Hey, little man. How are you?" he asked his son, oblivious to everyone else in the room.

Brian answered with, "Fine, daddy."

Curious about why his son was still awake, Ryan asked Juliette, his secretary and personal assistant, who was also helping out with the child, "Why is Brian still awake?"

Juliette replied, "He refused to sleep. He was calling for 'mama' and 'daddy.' We spent the evening watching cartoons together."

Ryan apologized to Juliette for being late and delaying her, then offered to drop her off safely. Juliette politely declined the offer, as she had already driven herself to the house.

As they said their goodbyes, Brian clung to Ryan's leg and said, "Mama."

Ryan assured him, "Mummy is coming. Let's go to sleep now."

As Ryan lay in bed with his son by his side, he pondered the state of his relationship with Anabelle. "Love gone sour," he murmured to himself.

Meanwhile, he received a text from Juliette, and informed her of his breakup with Anabelle. He also informed her that he planned to give her some 'settlement money' and settle the issue with his lawyer. Before Ryan eventually drifted off to sleep, he cuddled his son, feeling content with their bond.

*

The next day, the news headlines read: "Business mogul opens new school for underprivileged children, expresses views on abortion," "Billionaire philanthropist commissions free school for children, supports reproductive rights," and "Popular Actress mounts podium with a see through dress, encourages termination of unwanted pregnancies."

Daniel walked into Adrienne's room to show her the headlines and express his frustration. Adrienne was working out when he entered.

"Popular actress? When did I become an actress?" Adrienne questioned.

"Doesn't matter. You gave them something negative to write about," Daniel chastised her.

Unfazed, Adrienne responded, "I love all the media attention."

Daniel then informed her of a lawsuit regarding a physical altercation that allegedly took place at a party the night before.

"What did you do?" he asked her.

"He touched my butt and forcefully kissed me. Let's just say that I left my mark on his face," Adrienne smirked.

Daniel was upset, "He touched my girl? He's going down."

Adrienne nonchalantly suggested, "Just return the favor with a sexual abuse lawsuit."

Daniel relayed a message from Adrienne's mother, asking her to stop by before she returns to Lagos.

Adrienne declined, "Tell her I'll visit next week. I know she only wants to shout at me about yesterday's event."

"You deserve it," Daniel retorted with a smirk.

"Get out," Adrienne said, setting a timer for her meditation.

The conversation ended, and Adrienne continued her workout and meditation session.

After meditating, she had her bath and few hours later, she flew back to her main house in Lagos.

*

Ryan discussed with Juliette that Anabelle suspected that they were dating, which made Juliette feel uneasy, even if it went unnoticed by Ryan.

"I wonder why," Juliette said, feeling uncomfortable.

Ryan continued, "I am packing Anabelle's things out of the house today because she doesn't want Brian, so he will be living with me, and she will move out of the house."

"I see," Juliette replied, still subtly curious about why he was sharing this with her.

Ryan smirked slightly, "You're wondering why I am telling you this, right?"

"Yes sir. Kinda," Juliette stammered awkwardly.

"Well...I don't know either, but I need you to find two more nannies for Brian," Ryan said, changing the subject.

The atmosphere became strained and strange between them.

"You can go now," Ryan said out of nowhere, dismissing Juliette.

Juliette turned to leave, but Ryan suddenly went after her as soon as she hit the door.

"Wait a minute," he said, a small smile appearing on his face.

"Happy birthday, beautiful," Ryan said to Juliette suddenly.

Stunned, Juliette responded with a touch of formality, still surprised by the intimate flattery.

"You looked surprised," Ryan observed.

"I am actually. It just feels kinda strange that you're acknowledging my birthday and complimenting me. I have worked with you for almost two years without ever getting this kind of acknowledgement," Juliette said shyly.

Ryan, already planning something special for her birthday, went on, "Well, it's about to get even weirder. I have a birthday present for you. Go home now, enjoy your day, and tomorrow, don't come to work. Instead, I'll pick you up at 9 am. Spend the day out today, use one of my cards, and have fun. It's an order. Remember, you deserve it."

"Thank you sir for your kindness," Juliette bowed and said to him, then left his office.

Juliette smiled faintly as she walked to her seat, looking forward to a special birthday.

*

Adrienne sat on her bed, concentrating on some files on her laptop while Daniel lay flat on his stomach, scrolling through his phone.

"How's the entrepreneurship center coming along?" Adrienne inquired.

"It's great! So far, we're on track to complete it within two to three months," Daniel responded.

"I'll visit it soon, then," Adrienne said.

"That reminds me, tomorrow is my cheat day, don't disturb me," Adrienne said and smirked.

"Tomorrow is my day off, and if you call me, I'm resigning," Daniel replied playfully, causing Adrienne to chuckle.

As Adrienne shifted closer to Daniel, she posed a question to him, "By the way, am I beautiful? Do you think I am beautiful?"

"Yes, you are," Daniel replied casually, his focus still on his phone.

Adrienne followed up, wondering why he didn't develop romantic feelings for her over nearly three years of their association.

"You want to have a romantic or sexual relationship with me?" Daniel asked.

"I don't know. When two people have worked together for a long time, it is only natural that feelings can develop for the other," Adrienne said, inching closer to him. Daniel rolled over to face her, and Adrienne moved over him.

As they progressively grew closer to 'tease' a steamy moment, Adrienne's mother interrupted them.

"Good evening ma," Daniel greeted calmly, undisturbed that they had been 'about to kiss'.

Adrienne's mother arrived unexpectedly, and Adrienne was taken aback.

"What are you doing here?" Adrienne asked.

"You left Abuja without saying hello to me. You didn't even pick up my calls," her mother complained.

Adrienne was unconcerned, "You flew all the way here to tell me that?"

"Yes, I did. Why not?" her mother replied.

"Mom, you need to start dating. You have too much free time," Adrienne said, rolling her eyes.

Her mother then noticed the two of them in an intimate position. "Why are you guys in that position?" she inquired.

"As you can see, I am trying to get myself a boyfriend, and you are interrupting me. Please excuse us," Adrienne dismissed her mother.

"Tsk tsk tsk," her mom left them.

Once alone again, Adrienne sweetened her voice and lowered her lips to Daniel's. They stopped inches away from each other, staring into each other's eyes.

"Why aren't you kissing me or pushing me away?" Adrienne asked.

"Because I know you won't kiss me. I know you were only flirting with me as usual," Daniel explained, stroking her hair.

Adrienne was disappointed, "Oh, you weren't even moved?"

"No, I wasn't," Daniel confirmed.

Exhaling deeply, Adrienne collapsed on his chest, and Daniel patted her back.

"Have you thought about what I told you last week?" Daniel asked Adrienne.

"Shhh. Let's not talk and instead enjoy this moment. Let's stay like this for a few seconds," Adrienne requested, closing her eyes while Daniel patted her back.