24

Valeria stood outside Reed Corp, her arms wrapped around herself as the cool evening breeze brushed against her skin. The city lights flickered around her, illuminating the towering glass building behind her. 

‘Why there is no cab around?’ She glanced at her phone, checking the time as she waited for her cab. Just then, a sleek black car pulled up beside her, the tinted window rolling down effortlessly.

“Need a ride?” Valeria turned to see Adrian Reed, one hand casually resting on the steering wheel, his expression unreadable yet slightly amused.

She hesitated. “Oh… no, thank you. I already called a cab.” Adrian arched a brow. “You’ve been standing here for nearly ten minutes. I doubt it’s coming anytime soon.” He gestured to the passenger seat. 

“Come on. It’s late. I’ll drop you off.” Valeria bit her lip, unsure. “I don’t want to trouble you.” she remarked. 

“It’s not trouble, Valeria,” he said smoothly. “I’m offering.” There was something about the way he said her name—steady, familiar, like he had spoken it a thousand times before.

After a moment, she sighed, glancing down the road to see no sign of her cab. She knew he was right. Reluctantly, she walked around and slid into the passenger seat. “Alright,” she murmured. “Thank you, Mr. Reed.”

Adrian chuckled as he pulled away from the curb. “Adrian,” he corrected. “If we’re going to be working together, you might as well get used to calling me that.” Valeria nodded softly, her fingers fidgeting in her lap as she stared out of the window. 

Adrian tapped his fingers lightly against the steering wheel, stealing a glance at Valeria as she stared out the window, lost in thought. The soft glow of the streetlights illuminated her face, highlighting the faint shadows beneath her eyes.

“Are you comfortable,Valeria?” he asked, his voice breaking through the silence. Valeria blinked, snapping out of her daze. She turned her head slightly toward him and nodded. “Yes. Thank you.”

A quiet hum of acknowledgment left Adrian’s lips before the car fell into silence again. The only sounds were the low murmur of the engine and the occasional whoosh of passing cars.

Adrian glanced at her again, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. She looked so distant, as if she wasn’t really here. “Long day? How did you like it here?” he asked, trying to ease the tension.

Valeria let out a small sigh, offering a tired smile. “You could say that. Everything was good and comfortably arranged. The staff is generous and welcomed me with open hands.”

Adrian didn’t press further, but the way she said it made him wonder. He had read her file, knew the basics of her history, but there was something more—something she wasn’t saying.

The silence stretched between them, heavier this time. Adrian found himself glancing at her more often, studying her expression. She was completely zoned out, her fingers faintly grazing her stomach as if she was comforting herself.

Something about that small movement made his chest tighten. ‘Who is she thinking about? Or rather who is she missing? Her ex husband or what? Goodness! I have to put her at ease.’

Adrian hesitated for a moment before speaking, his fingers tightening around the steering wheel. “Are you hungry?” His tone was casual, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes when he glanced at her.

Valeria smiled faintly and shook her head. “No, but thank you.” Adrian didn’t look convinced. “You sure?”

She nodded, folding her hands in her lap. “I’ll just eat something when I get home.”

Adrian exhaled, and before she could protest further, he smoothly turned the car down a different street. Valeria furrowed her brows. “Where are we going?”

“You need to eat,” he stated simply. “Skipping meals isn’t an option for you right now.”

Her stomach knotted at his words. She turned to face him fully, eyes widening slightly. “How did you—” Adrian gave her a knowing look. “Bella told me.”

Valeria exhaled sharply, feeling both touched and a little overwhelmed. “She shouldn’t have…ugh!”

“She should,” Adrian countered. “And I agree with her. You need to take care of yourself.” The car slowed to a stop outside a warm, dimly lit restaurant. 

Through the large glass windows, Valeria could see the cozy ambiance—a few patrons enjoying their meals, soft golden lighting, and the comforting scent of fresh bread drifting in the air.

Adrian unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to her. “Come on. Just a quick meal.” Valeria hesitated. A part of her wanted to refuse again, but the concern in Adrian’s voice made her reconsider. She was tired of feeling like she was doing everything alone.

With a small sigh, she nodded. “Okay.” Adrian smiled—subtle but victorious. “Good choice.” He stepped out of the car and walked over to her side, opening the door for her. As Valeria took his hand to step out, a strange warmth spread through her chest. ‘Maybe, just for tonight, I could let someone take care of me.’

Adrian stepped around the car and opened the door for Valeria, offering his hand to help her out. She hesitated briefly before placing her hand in his, allowing him to steady her as she stepped onto the pavement. His grip was firm yet gentle, lingering for a second longer than necessary before he released her.

Without a word, he guided her toward the restaurant entrance, pulling open the heavy glass door and stepping aside. “After you,” he murmured, his voice smooth.

Valeria nodded in thanks and walked inside. The restaurant was even cozier than it had looked from the outside, with warm lighting and the soft hum of jazz music filling the air. A waiter greeted them, leading them toward a quiet corner booth near the window.

Adrian stepped ahead, smoothly pulling out a chair for her. Valeria blinked at the gesture, unused to such attentiveness. “You don’t have to—”

“Sit,” he interrupted, a teasing glint in his eyes. “I insist.” Shaking her head with a small smile, she lowered herself into the seat. Adrian sat across from her, his sharp gaze flickering over the menu briefly before setting it down.

“I’ll order for you,” he decided. Valeria raised a brow. “Confident, aren’t you?” Adrian smirked. “I have good taste.” He motioned to the approaching waiter and placed an order effortlessly. 

“Grilled salmon, steamed vegetables, and a side of mashed potatoes,” he listed smoothly. “And a fresh fruit juice.” Valeria arched her brow. “You planned this?” Adrian leaned back with an easy shrug and a pout. “Well, I pay attention.”

She stared at him for a moment before reaching for the water bottle on the table, unscrewing the cap and taking a sip. Her throat was dry, but she didn’t know if it was from the day’s exhaustion or the way Adrian seemed to read her so effortlessly.

Adrian watched her, his expression unreadable as he finally spoke. “You’re not alone in this, you know.” Valeria stilled mid-sip, lowering the bottle slowly. Their eyes met, and for the first time in a long while, she felt something unfamiliar—comfort and maybe someone to rely upon.

Adrian tilted his head slightly, studying her with sharp yet curious eyes. He drummed his fingers lightly on the table before leaning forward, his elbows resting against the polished wood.

"You look lost in thought again," he observed, his voice softer this time. "Something on your mind?"

Valeria hesitated, twirling the water bottle in her hands before exhaling. "I was just wondering…" She met his gaze, searching his face as if trying to decipher his intentions. "Why are you and Bella doing so much for me?"

Adrian’s expression didn’t falter, but there was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. He leaned back slightly, tapping his fingers against the table once before responding.

"Because you need it," he said simply.

Valeria scoffed lightly. "People don't just do things out of kindness, Adrian. There’s always a reason." His lips curved into a small, knowing smirk. "And if my reason is kindness?" She arched her brow. "I don’t believe that’s all."

Adrian exhaled through his nose, shaking his head as if amused. He lifted his glass of water and took a slow sip before setting it down. "Bella cares about you. She considers you family. And I…" He paused, his gaze flickering to her stomach for the briefest second before returning to her face. "Let’s just say I believe in helping those who deserve it."

Valeria narrowed her eyes slightly. "And you think I deserve it?" Adrian leaned forward again, his voice lower now, almost thoughtful. "I think you’ve been through enough."

Something in his tone made her chest tighten. She wanted to argue, to insist that she could take care of herself, but deep down, she knew he wasn’t wrong. She had been through enough.

Before she could respond, the waiter arrived with their food, breaking the tense moment between them. Adrian straightened, flashing the waiter a polite nod before turning his gaze back to her.

"Eat," he said, his voice returning to its casual charm. "We can continue this conversation after you get some food in you."

Valeria sighed but picked up her fork, deciding to let it go for now. But as she took a bite of the meal Adrian had ordered for her, she couldn’t shake the feeling that he knew more than he was letting on.