Daniel sat in a dimly lit room at the police station, exhaustion etched across his face. After a grueling three-hour journey, he had finally arrived, only to be greeted by the anxious officers who filled him in on the details. The car, belonging to Adrienne, had hurtled into a shallow canal in the dead of night. It was reported by a concerned citizen, but when the rescue team arrived, no occupants were found. The gaping doors of the vehicle suggested that Adrienne and her companions had managed to escape. Desperation clawed at Daniel as he dialed Adrienne's number repeatedly, each call met with an unsettling silence. A knot of worry began to form in his gut, intensifying with every unanswered ring. "What could have possibly led Adrienne to venture this far from the city?" he pondered, his mind racing with concern for her well-being. Feeling a rising urgency, Daniel texted her mom and informed her about her daughter's inexplicable disappearance. Hours crawled by, a tormenting unc
It was nearing midnight, and Ryan found himself captivated by the ethereal glow of the moon as it illuminated the night sky. Standing on the penthouse balcony of the hotel, he relished in the tranquility that surrounded him. Thoughts of Adrienne filled his mind, prompting him to reach for his phone and dial her number. "Hey there, beautiful. I didn't expect you to be awake at this hour," he greeted her. Adrienne chuckled. "You called me at such an odd time. I couldn't resist answering. Although, I must admit, I was fast asleep." Ryan's brow furrowed with concern. "Oh, I am sorry for waking you. Should we talk later, then?" She contemplated for a second, realizing they hadn't talked much throughout the week. "No, it's alright. We haven't had much time to talk recently. Let's chat. I can always catch up on my sleep tomorrow since it's Sunday." Relieved by her response, Ryan continued their conversation. "Okay, cool. By the way, I haven't saved this your new number yet." "Hmm,
***Three weeks later*** "Come on! Stop crying." "It's so emotional," she sobbed, tears streaming down her face. Daniel sighed, reaching out to pull her into a comforting hug. "And you are so dramatic," he said with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "I can't believe you are leaving me for your girlfriend," Adrienne continued to sob. "Hey, stop it," he said firmly, his tone showing hints of frustration. Adrienne's tears continued to fall. "But I understand. You have to live your own life," she managed to say through her sobs. "Adri, I am only quitting being your assistant, not quitting being your best friend and companion." "But you are still leaving me," Adrienne's voice wavered. Daniel let out an exasperated sigh, his patience wearing thin. "Ugh! Adrienne! Stop the sobbing," he said, his frustration evident. Just then, Adrienne's phone rang, interrupting the tense atmosphere. It was a call from Ryan. "Hi babe," Adrienne answered, her voice suddenly brightening
"Read it and sign it... you and Anabelle," Michael sternly said, pushing the file towards Ryan. Ryan reluctantly took it and began to flip through the pages. "Transfer of ownership? What?" Ryan exclaimed, his eyes widening with excitement. "Mom, is this for real?" Ryan turned to Evelyn with a hopeful expression. Evelyn smiled warmly, her eyes glistening with pride. "Yes dear, we are giving you and Anabelle full ownership of the hotel you've always wanted. It took me weeks to convince your dad, but here we are." "Oh my god. This is beyond perfect. Our wedding, our new baby, and now a new property. It's like a dream come true," Anabelle exclaimed, her voice saturated with happiness. "Thank you mom," Ryan expressed with gratitude, intentionally leaving out his dad. He was a bit irritated by Anabelle's overwhelming eagerness but he brushed it aside. "I'll review and sign it later," he said. Then, Anabelle's face twisted. "She said it took him weeks to agree to this, and you wa
"Have I ever told you about my dad?" Ryan asked Adrienne, gently patting her back as she lay against his chest. "No, you've never mentioned him before, and I've never asked," Adrienne replied, her tone filled with curiosity. "I'm sorry," Ryan chuckled, but the laughter quickly turned into pain as the memories of his recent beatings resurfaced, causing his face to ache. "Ow," he winced. "Sorry, dear. Would you like an ice pack? Maybe some ointment?" Adrienne offered, her worry evident in her voice. "Nah, I don't want you to move," Ryan replied, quickly dismissing her concerns. He cherished the way their bodies were entwined and the comforting rhythm of her heartbeat against his chest. He didn't want anything to disturb this moment. Contentedly, he sighed and planted a gentle kiss on her head. "Before all this luxury, my family and I were living as church rats. We were poor. The only time I truly felt alive was during my university years. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to rec
"Good morning," Adrienne greeted as she found Ryan in his kitchen. "Hey," Ryan smiled, his eyes lighting up as he caught sight of her. "Someone's looking extra beautiful this morning." Adrienne blushed at the compliment. "Thanks. I could say the same about you. You look great in that apron." "Thank you," Ryan said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Nice summer dress you have there," he added. Grinning, Adrienne twirled around happily. "Of course it's nice. How did you even know my size?" Ryan chuckled, opening his arms up for a hug and Adrienne approached him for the embrace. "Hmm. Feels good," Ryan said as he inhaled her scent. "As for your size, I just guessed it. Honestly," Ryan confessed, still holding her tightly. Breaking away from the hug, Adrienne looked into his eyes. "Did you sleep well?" He asked her. "Of course. How about you? How's your body now? Has the pain reduced? And what are you making?" She asked him and Ryan nodded, a look of relief crossing his face.
"What? Why? Lisa just resumed work yesterday, and the next thing you are leaving the country already. What happened to 'I'll always be there for you'? Are you planning to be there for me while you're in another country?" Adrienne's voice was accusatory, her emotions getting the better of her. "Here she goes again. Dramatic. You're supposed to ask why I am leaving the country first. It's not like it's something I planned in advance," Daniel defended, a tinge of frustration edging into his voice. "Well, why are you leaving the country?" Adrienne crossed her arms defensively, her expression guarded. "It's Juliette. She went to Dubai last week. We were in contact with each other for two days after she arrived, but for five days now, I haven't been able to reach her," Daniel explained, genuine concern etched across his face. "Oh my god. I hope she's okay," Adrienne uttered, her accusation melting away in the face of genuine worry. "Now that's the Adrienne I like. The caring one, not th
"Uh... Adrienne, what are... what are you doing here?" he stammered, feeling a mix of surprise and panic. Adrienne hesitated when she noticed Anabelle standing beside Ryan. A sharp pain pierced her chest, though she couldn't understand why she felt that way. "I forgot my phone. I came to get it, it should be in the kitchen." "Nah, it's here with me. I was actually planning to swing by your office and drop it off," Ryan replied. Adrienne's smile faltered, an awkward expression taking its place. She tried to mask her disappointment. "Hi," Adrienne greeted Anabelle, her curiosity piqued, and she couldn't help but wonder who she was. Anabelle wanted to talk, but Ryan swiftly interrupted, his voice becoming stern. "Keep quiet. She didn't ask you anything." Adrienne felt a pang of frustration rise within her at Ryan's dismissive tone. She wanted to know who that woman was, but she couldn't risk appearing suspicious. "Let's go, dear," Ryan said cordially to Adrienne, trying to glos