[ Adeline ]I felt a strange settlement in my heart after my breakdown in front of Xavier who again presented himself as my knight in shining armor. He promised to bring my mother safely to me but I couldn't calm my heart and mind.I still worried about my mother who needs tending and a healthy atmosphere to get well soon. My father's toxic vicinity will only worsen her condition and I can't lose my mother. I was pacing too and fro in the living room of the villa. Lisa came twice to ask me whether I need a cup of coffee to kill my anxiety but I refused."Ma'am, killing the poor floor won't help you. Let me make a strong cup of coffee or chamomile tea to give you some relief." Lisa again came with worry itched on her face. "I don't need anything, Lisa. Thanks, for taking care of me but you can rest now." I passed her a smile which didn't reach to my eyes."I have prepared the dinner, Ma'am. Please, eat properly before you sleep." She reminded me and signed in surrender as I reluctantl
[ Adeline ]I closed the door of my mother’s room once I gave her medicines and we talked about our lives. She was in a vulnerable condition, she tolerated my father’s shitty behaviour and kept quiet for my and Addison’s sake.I broke my heart but when I saw Xavier’s stand to protect my mother from my father’s torture. I am under his debt now.“Some sherry would do?” Xavier’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.I looked over him. He had two glasses and a bottle of sherry.“I think I need one right now.” I said as a lot was going inside my head.He poured some in my glass once we sat in the living room in complete silence.“Thanks.”“For what?” He raised his eyes above the glass.“For what you have done today. Going against my father and wedging a direct enmity with him isn’t something that everyone do.” I said honestly.“You don’t need to thank me for anything I do for you, Ade. You are my wife and it’s my duty to always keep you and your loved ones happy.” He answered, he was speak
[ Adeline ]“Take care of yourself, Susan. I will see you at the evening after your follow-up check-up.” Xavier said to my mother in whose eyes I could see hearts for her son-in=law.“Oh, please, don’t trouble yourself, son. I am sick not dying and I want you to pay more attention on my daughter because I want a grandchild from you two soon.” She said, her happiness was clearly visible on her face but it put me in an awkward situation. “We’d plan one in the future but I want us to settle our current problems first.” Xavier replied to her question much to my relief because I don’t want my mother to live in any disillusion.“Sure, take your time but give me a grandchild before I get too old to play with him or die.” She joked but I didn’t like it at all.“Mom, can you stop talking about dying?” I objected.“I am sorry, sweetie. Okay, I won’t talk about dying.” She raised her hand in surrender motion but I couldn’t shake
[ Adeline ]“So, here is our final proposal, for next two years, Skylark Group will bear 67% of the total cost on manufacturing on the interest rate of 7%, we’ll use our resources to lay down the base of our collaborative cruise ship making. The total number of the ships will be ten in the initial three years because we are yet to expand ourselves overseas and the current economy indicates that we must not exceed this number because the customers in our country aren’t keen to buy private cruise ship with the next generation luxury. They have their private jets and ships. Our aim should be the East Asian countries where we can find a potential market.” I paused with my presentation to see if anyone had any query.“Mr. Cowper?” I raised my eyes at the middle-aged man.The meeting room was silent with tension. As much as I hated the man’s cocky attitude, this deal was very important for my company as it could be proved a milestone in company’s growth.“Your idea is radical, Ms. Linwood
[ Adeline ]"Emily?"I couldn't believe on my eyes. Was I hallucinating or it was Emily in real, trying on a ruby necklace, which I assumed was beyond her financial status in the present time."Who is Emily?" Sandra asked, her brows itched together in confusion. "Did you meet Xavier's first wife?" I asked her."Yes, she practically spent her day, laid on his private room, waiting for him after every hour. Mr. Arnold didn't like her much because he thought she was a distraction for his son." Sandra answered. Another negative review. I have to dig into the information that I can fetch from Sandra. Emily hadn't noticed me yet. So, it was easy for me to observe her from the other side of the glass wall."Ma'am, you can choose from our latest collection, it's not out yet but the Linwood family is a very old customer. So, we can show you those five exclusive sets." The saleswoman said to me with her sweetest smile."Yes, of course." I nodded at her but my mind and eyes were still on Emil
[ Xavier ]The last night was bliss for me after a long, painful week. Adeline finally crumbled down the invisible wall she made between us. We spent most of the night, awake and cuddling in each other’s arms. We didn’t talk much. Only I knew how I restrained myself from having her but she might regret it later.I have to wait until she is ready to mend the ridge between us or should I say, I must choose a path as soon as possible. I have to give Emily what she needs to live her life independently. And I am going to start by giving her a job in our Boston branch so she’d be away from spotlight.My phone vibrated and it showed my father’s number. We hadn’t talked much in recent days since he had been taking his treatment and he needs rest from worries.“Hello, Dad. How are you?” I asked him.“What am I hearing, my son?” Came his flat voice from the other side, I could detect traces of shock in his words as well.“What are you hearing, Dad? Can you tell me in detail so I can give you a
[ Adeline ]My mood was disturbed for the whole day. I couldn't focus on the work yet I managed to pass the remaining hours, analyzing the monthly revenue collection. My team suggested me to decrease the price rate by 0.27% to increase in the sale the next three months since our sale was stable for last six months.We need expansion in next quarter or we'd lag behind. I would never want Mrs. Linwood's dream to go down in downfall."Ma'am, we are ready to leave." Blaze said and I looked up. I didn't realise that I was in elevator."Umm..yeah. Let's go back home. I need to get ready for the dinner." I said and quickly slid inside the car.Blaze seemed off but he didn't say a word. By the way, he was stealing glances at the backseat, I detected sympathy in his eyes for me."Blaze, what's wrong with you?" I finally asked him since his gaze was making me uncomfortable.I hate sympathy."No, it's nothing, Ma'am. Please, forgive me." He shook his head looked ahead.I sighed in frustration. T
[ Xavier ]“What were you doing at a public place despite my warning to stay low profile, Emily?” I asked her very calmly but I was far from being calm. My already messed up life has been thrown into another storm and I must act fast to save us all from humiliation which may lead to our downfall both in profession and in personal life.“I am sorry, Xavie. I know you are mad at me right now but trust me, it was my friend Candace who insisted me to join her. I met her to discuss the rent. She is living in a big apartment and she offered me to stay with her until I get settled and have a decent job to pay off my rent. Please, believe me, I had no intentions to get caught in public’s eyes. You know I never went in that jewellry store. My new hair style helped me to not come in anyone’s eyes until Adeline caught me and confronted me in front of everyone.” She sobbed at last.I clenched my jaws. She had audacity to blame Adeline for her recklessness.“It’s not her fault. Anyone would have a