[ 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
[ Adeline ]I glanced at my wrist watch for the fifth time. I got dressed in a red dress with matching ruby set and bracelet and intense make-up to make a domineering presence among the rich circle who will judge me after today’s events. I was nervous but prepared to face the cruel side of the world I am living in.The honk of Xavier’s car pulled me out of my thoughts. Luckily, Lisa took Mom to church for her evening prayer. I was saved but facing Xavier was a totally different case. He didn’t contact me since the controversy happened and I really dreaded his reaction because I was sure that Emily might have twisted the fact.My eyes were darted on the front door when he walked inside in his full glory. He looked devilishly handsome in a burgundy coloured suit. His eyes locked with mine and for a moment, I forgot to breathe.His gaze pierced through my soul. He could read me like an open book.“You’re looking ravishing in red, Mrs. Linwood.” He complimented me in a husky tone as his s
[ Adeline ]To say, I wasn’t uncomfortable around the richest and most influential personalities of the city, would be an understatement. They had regal persona and each of them stood out. I inched closer to my husband who seemed my safety wall right in the moment.“There are Mr. and Mrs. Williamson. Let’s meet them first.” He said in my ear and led us to the couple who stood out among the others.“Mr. Williamson, Mrs. Williamson, my heartful wishes on your fifty years of togetherness. I wish you see more years together.” Xavier shook his hand with the man and kissed the woman’s cheek.“Oh, my young boy, Xavier. I thought you won’t be coming tonight.” Mr. Williamson said, his wrinkled eyes gleamed.“And this pretty lady must be your better half?” Mrs. Williamson scanned me from top to bottom, her gaze was intimidating but in a positive way.“Happy wedding anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Williamson. Yes, I am Adeline Greyson, his wife.” I introduced myself and handed her my gift.“Oh My, swe
[ Adeline ]“I can’t believe, you just made Mrs. Williamson to be a volunteer in your purpose for the orphans and the women who are victim of domestic violence and other crimes.” Xavier said once we headed to our home after I proposed to organize a donation event after a week at the Williamson’s banquet hall in the city.“I thought of this idea after today’s events, you know, I learnt only one good thing from my father which is useful in this case. He used to cover up his company’s loss or Addison’s scandals by organizing such social welfare events. It was another story that the money was fed to his partners.” I said.He entwined our fingers and kissed them.“I am really proud of you, Ade. Tonight, you proved yourself worthy of being the next heir to the Linwood Groups. You have the quality of a leader and I am sure you’d lead this empire to next height.” He said.I smiled and shook my head, “You know I am not made for the dream you are wanting me to live, Xav. Running your business i
[ Adeline ]“Let’s go inside, it’s getting colder here.” He said after almost an hour. I shivered when a gush of wind touched my bare shoulders and he noticed it.“Yeah, you’re right.” I said in agreement and slowly detached myself from his embrace. Sudden coldness enveloped me but I didn’t get a chance to miss his warmth much as he wrapped his blazer around my torso.“Let me take you inside safely. In case, you decide to drench yourself in rain this time.” He joked and led us inside the house which was mostly dark. Lisa texted me long ago that she had given my mother her meds and left only after she slept.Thankfully, Xavier pulled his sources and removed the video and related articles from the internet. I just prayed that my mother’s friends or relatives wouldn’t open their mouths. I want to tell her everything myself once I feel that she can take the news.We climbed the stairs silently as we didn’t want to disturb my mother’s sleep. My heartbeats were racing. It was only us in a b