A dance with destiny

Chapter 8: A Dance with Destiny

"Don't you think this is fate?" We keep bumping into each other," Adrian said, his grin bright and fascinating.

I scoffed, my thoughts racing. Fate? What a joke. This guy was the last person I wanted to see right now.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded while walking down from the podium. My pulse raced, fueled by wrath and something else I couldn't quite put my finger on.

Adrian's eyes never left my as he approached. "I came to hear an angel sing," he said quietly, his voice low and sweet. "I just didn't expect the angel to be you."

I felt my cheeks heat up, but I refused to be swayed by his appeal. "Cut the act, Adrian. "What do you really want?"

He grinned and ran his fingers over his carefully groomed hair. "You're always so honest, Vianne. "It's refreshing." His expression became harsh. "We need to talk. Privately."

I gazed around the café, very aware of the curious stares of other patrons. Wiz caught my eye and nodded, indicating that it was acceptable to exit.

"Fine," I murmured as I collected my bag. "But make it quick. I have tasks to complete."

Adrian walked me outside to a sleek black car parked at the curb. The driver opened the door, and Adrian motioned for me to enter.

I paused. Getting into a car with Adrian was dangerous, but not in the way I expected. My heart was racing, but not because I was concerned about my safety.

"I don't bite, Vianne," Adrian said with a laugh in his voice. "Unless you want me to."

I rolled my eyes and entered the vehicle, the leather seats cool against my skin. Adrian joined me, and the truck pulled away from the curb.

"Where are we going?" I inquired, attempting to keep my voice quiet.

"Somewhere we can talk without interruptions," Adrian remarked cryptically.

The city flowed past the tinted windows as we drove quietly. I snuck glances at Adrian, examining his face. He was undeniably attractive, with sharp features and penetrating eyes that seemed to see right through me.

Finally, the car came to a standstill in front of a massive edifice. Adrian brought me inside and to a private elevator. As we ascended, the tension between us grew thick enough to cut with a knife.

The elevator led directly into a stunning rooftop apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows that provided a great view of the city.

"Welcome to my home," Adrian said, analyzing my response carefully.

I tried to contain my admiration, but it was difficult. The residence looked like something out of a movie, with sleek lines and futuristic grandeur.

"It's... nice," I said, striving to seem casual.

Adrian's lips curved into a smile. "Just nice?" "I'm injured, Vianne."

I turned to face him, crossed my arms. "Enough small talk. "What do you want, Adrian?"

He moved closer, his eyes blazing. "I'd like to renew my offer. "Marry me, Vianne."

I blinked, taken aback by his directness. "What? "Are you insane?"

"Possibly," he admits with a shrug. "But I am also serious. The deal remains unchanged: I will pay all of your debts, including your father's medical expenses."

My throat constricted, and I couldn't breathe. How did he know about my father?

Adrian stated, "In exchange, you will be my wife for a year." After that, we go our separate ways, and you will be free to pursue your goals without financial constraints."

I shook my head, trying to clear it. "It's ludicrous, Adrian. "We hardly know each other."

"I know enough," he said quietly. "I know you are intelligent, powerful, and determined. I know you are suffering, even if you try to hide it. And I know I can help you."

I turned away and looked down at the city below. My mind was a maelstrom of thoughts and emotions. Could I actually accomplish this? Marry someone I barely knew, a man who both angered and fascinated me?

"Why me?" I inquired, my tone barely above a whisper. "There must be plenty of women who'd jump at the chance to marry you."

Adrian's reflection appeared in the glass behind me. "Because you are the only one who does not want to. You notice me, Vianne, not my money or reputation. "That is... refreshing."

I turned to face him, searching his eyes for any signs of deception. All I saw was honesty, but also an astonishing vulnerability.

"One year?" I asked, my resolve wavering.

Adrian nodded. "One year." Then you can live the life you want without worrying about money."

I took a deep breath and assessed my options. On the one hand, it was wild. On the other hand, it might be the solution to all my problems.

"I... I need time to think," I replied ultimately.

Adrian's expression was relaxed. "Of course." "Take as much time as you need." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "But take this with you."

I opened the package with shaking hands. Inside was a stunning diamond ring, simple yet exquisite.

"Adrian, I can't—"

He gently closed my fingers around the box. "Just hold onto it. Consider it as... insurance. "A pledge that I am serious about this offer."

Our gazes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Adrian's expression made my heart race and my skin shiver.

"I should go," I said quietly, breaking the spell.

Adrian nodded and led me back to the elevator. As the doors closed, he held my gaze. Remember, Vianne. "One year might change everything."

The ride back to my flat was hazy. My mind were racing, torn between practical concerns and the memory of Adrian's penetrating gaze.

As I opened the door, my phone vibrated with a text. The call came from an unknown number.

"The option is yours, Vianne. But know this: I always get what I want. And I want you."

I stared at the message, my heart racing. What did I get myself into?

The ring box felt heavy in my pocket, a tactile reminder of the dilemma that lay ahead. As I sank into my bed, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to change forever.

One year. One decision. One chance to change my fate.

Could I actually accomplish this?

As I fell asleep, Adrian's words lingered in my mind:

"One year could change everything."

I had no idea how prescient those statements would turn out to be.