chapter 3  Victoria POV 

"I couldn't find a bathrobe in my size," Adrian said casually, breaking the silence.

"Oh, right. I'll order you one," I replied, busying myself with packing James's things. I couldn't bring myself to look directly at him again, so I focused on stuffing items into a cardboard box.

Adrian's brow furrowed as he watched me. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low but filled with concern. "What's all this? Are you okay?"

I blew out a breath, stopping midway in my actions. "Just putting James's stuff out," I muttered, the bitterness creeping into my tone. "Five years of supporting a guy through grad school, and this is what I'm left with.

Adrian moved closer, his hand lightly touching mine as he took the box from me and put it to one side. "You don't have to do this by yourself," he said quietly, his lips curving into a small, sympathetic smile.

His compassion threw me, but before I could say anything, he leaned down, his face so near I could feel the warmth of his breath.

What are you doing, Adrian?" I asked, my voice shaking, yet teasing.

"I'm trying to kiss my wife," he replied, his smile playful and disarming.

Before I could think of a reply, he narrowed the distance between us. His lips met mine, gentle at first, almost tentative, as if he were feeling his way. Then, as I responded to him, his arms went around my waist, drawing me close.

The kiss deepened.When we finally drew apart, I stared up at him, my heart racing. His hazel eyes searched mine, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt truly seen.

Adrian," I whispered, searching for words.

"I'm going to prove to you," he said, his voice firm and soft at the same time, "that I'm not like him, I'm not like any of those guys who took you for granted. You deserve better, Victoria."

His words hit me harder than intended, and I blinked back the sudden sting of tears. "Thank you," I said in a whisper above a breath.

He smiled and brushed a strand of hair out of my face. "No need to thank me. Just let me show you."

Later that night, after we'd finished clearing out the remnants of James's presence from my apartment, Adrian and I settled onto the couch. I handed him a glass of wine, and we sat in comfortable silence for a while, the tension of the day finally easing. 

I woke up the next morning; soft rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains. Reaching out to the empty side of the bed, I sighed. Adrian was already gone. I stretched, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, then I noticed the small tray on the nightstand. A neatly folded note rested against a steaming cup of coffee.

I picked it up, a smile creeping onto my face as I read:

I'm off to work, but here's a little breakfast in bed for my baby.

It was such a considerate gesture that it melted the tension from my chest, accumulated from yesterday. I drank the coffee, looking around the quiet room. "It must be tiring working at the construction site all day," I murmured to myself. Determination surged through me. "I have to get my company back so I can take care of Adrian too."

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, in Lloyd Corporation's gleaming headquarters, a storm was brewing.

"Boss," Theodore Lloyd's assistant said, stepping into his sleek office.

"Yeah?" Theodore replied, not lifting his eyes from his laptop.

"Here are the latest designs sent in by Cox Corporation," he said, handing over a folder.

Theodore took the folder, flipping through its contents. His sharp gaze narrowed. "Cox Corporation?" he asked, his tone clipped.

"Yes, sir. That's James Cox's company," the assistant confirmed.

Theodore sat back in his chair, his expression unreadable. He looked down at the schedule on his desk. "We have twelve projects starting with them within the coming month, correct?"

"Yes, sir."

“Not anymore.” Theodore’s voice was ice. He closed the folder and tossed it into the trash can without a second thought. “Pass this down to all departments immediately. We’re pulling out of all projects with Cox Corporation.”

“Understood, sir,” the assistant replied, hastily leaving the room to relay the order.

At Cox Corporation, chaos was about to erupt.

I had been working there for years, just biding my time, waiting for the most opportune time to get back what was rightfully mine-my grandmother's company. In the last five years, I have handled over 80% of Cox Corporation clients. My worth couldn't be denied, but that didn't stop James and Sabrina from treating me as dispensable.

I was in my office, working, when the door burst open. In strode James and Sabrina, both wearing smug faces that grated on my nerves.

"Well, well," Sabrina scoffed. "Look at you, Victoria. Married a blood parasite and now you think you're untouchable?"

I sat back in my chair, fixing them with a cold glare. "Get out of my office and take my idiot step-sister with you," I snapped.

Sabrina's face contorted in rage, but I wasn't finished. "Honestly, James, if you're so in love with her, why don't you marry Sabrina? Oh wait, she won't say yes, will she?"

"Enough!" James shouted, his face beet red in anger. "I won't stand here and let you insult us. You're clearly unwell. Go home, get yourself together, and don't come back until you've sorted out whatever's wrong with you.

I smirked. "You don't have to tell me twice. I quit."

"You can't just quit!" James exclaimed, his voice rising.

"Sure I can," I said, grabbing my handbag. I sauntered past them, pausing briefly at the door. "Don't worry, I'll still be attending the board meetings. I still own 40% of the company, after all."

James' jaw dropped. "What are you going to do about all the clients you're handling? They're going to be left in the lurch!"

I shot him a smirk over my shoulder. "I guess you'll have to, how do I put it? Get your shit together."

With that, I walked out, leaving them fuming in my wake.

Not long after, James' phone rang. He answered it, his tone impatient. "Hello?"

"Mr. Cox, this is Theodore Lloyd's assistant," the voice on the other end said smoothly. "I'm calling to inform you that Mr. Lloyd has terminated all projects with your company."

"What? Why?" James demanded, his voice rising in panic.

"It's a direct order from Mr. Lloyd. Have a good day, sir." The line went dead.

James stared at his phone, his face pale. "This will kill the company," he muttered.

Sabrina, who was lounging nearby, snapped her head up. "Victoria must have pulled something."

"If it's Victoria," James snarled, venom in his voice, "then she wants war. And I'll give it to her."

Back at home, I was sorting through some paperwork when Adrian returned from work, dusty and his hair tousled. He looked exhausted but gave me a tired smile as he kicked off his boots.

Rough day?" I asked, setting the papers aside.

"Nothing I can't handle," he replied, crossing the room to kiss my forehead. "What about you? How was your day?"

I shrugged. "Quit my job."

His eyes went wide in surprise, but he didn't question me. He just pulled his arms around me. "You're amazing, you know that?"

Before I knew it, my phone rang, it was James. hello. Victoria so you're the one who told Mr Theodore Lioyd to terminate all projects with my company cox corporation. Victoria you won't get away with this one this time.

I replied, James I don't know what you're talking about,I don't even know who Mr Theodore Lioyd is. I haven't seen him before. The line went dead. I stared at his phone.

What is James really talking about? I don't even know Mr Theodore Lioyd in person.

Adrian was there staring at me. What is the matter? I replied to Adrian, James company project's with Mr Theodore Lioyd were just cut off. I wonder why Mr Theodore Lioyd did that.

Adrian replied, sure, maybe Mr Theodore Lioyd has his reasons.

actually, you know what? It's a great opportunity. I know somebody at the Lloyd corporation once you get your grandma's company back. I'm sure he will be more than happy to work on these projects.

I replied, that would be wonderful, thank you Adrian.

Adrian halted his stride, swiveling to face me. His eyes, hazel, warmed; his hand touched my shoulder in reassurance. "Hey," he said softly, anything to make my wife happy. He said with a smile on his face coming closer to kiss me. His phone rang. He said before taking the call, can you go now to join my grandpa in the car? I will be there soon. Let me take this call. with a smile I nodded.

While I was going to join Adrian grandpa in the car, I was curious about the call. Who could that be? Adrian is always hidden to take his calls.