[ Adeline ]“Wha…what do you mean? How..how..did you?” She stammered and looked away.“It doesn’t matter, Addison and it’s none of my business to meddle in your personal matter but I met Travis today and what he told me, I think you should know.” I stated as naturally as I could because I don’t want to overwhelm her.She raised her eyelashes and gave me a blank look, “Did he send you here?” She asked me flatly and I knew if I don’t handle this matter delicately from here, it might backfire and complicate everything.I shook my head negatively, “No, he doesn’t even know that I am here but he told me because he thinks I should know before someone else tells me. For him, you’re my sister so he thought it might affect our friendship.” I clarified.She looked away again.“It was a mistake. We both were drunk and one thing led to another. I told him first thing in the morning that we should move past. It wasn’t the first time I slept with someone like this. You know me well.” She said, she
[ Adeline ]“Ade, I think I have found a lead on your father.” Xavier, who walked inside our room after a long call with someone while I was reading a book to kill the time.I closed the book and put off my reading glasses. My heartbeats suddenly increased. It had been over a month since I last shared my dilemma about my father’s disappearance but I never raised the subject again because my mother insisted me to just leave him in the past, she was happy with Paul, their relationship was blooming. We even met Paul’s adopted daughter.“Where is he now?” I asked while trying to keep a straight face but it was useless because my husband knows me and can read me like an open book.He sat beside me and held me hands gently, he does it whenever he has to say something unpleasant.“Tell me, Xavier. What have you found about him. I am ready to hear anything.” I said looking straight into his eyes.“Adeline, your father is dead.” He said with a deep sigh.My hands slipped from his grip, I felt
[ Adeline ]“How can you this much careless? Unbelievable! I did not expect such recklessness from you, Adeline.” My husband scolded me whereas I kept quiet and listened to him because it was actually my fault.“Ma’am, please move your hand slightly, I have to check if you have hurt yourself anywhere else.” The maid who was cleaning my wound, asked me.“No, I am fine, it just the small scratch on my head and elbow. Put a bandage, it’ll heal in a few days.” I said to her and she resumed my primary treatment.My husband glared me murderously as if I had said something horrendous.“You call it a small scratch, Adeline. Wow! You are great, my dear.” He mocked me. I thought he was overreacting.“We all get small scratches and bruises in daily life, Xavier so stop fussing. Even she cut her finger last week, right?” I said pointing at the maid with a roll of my eyes. I was scared, he was panicking by seeing the cuts on my elbow and forehead, I fear what if he found out who had given me these
[ Adeline ]“It was easier for me, I don’t know how am I going to tell this to Mom. She spent thirty years of her life with that man.” I said to Addison who was with me. I went to her office first after my meeting which I couldn’t postpone. She took it like she’s listening about a random robbery news on the T.V.“Can’t you see her love life is blooming. I am sure She and Mr. Paul are having a steamy relationship. You should have seen her in the last week. They looked like couples in their twenties. I felt gross.” She gagged and I rolled my eyes.“Eww, don’t talk about our mother like this. Have some decency.” I gave her a disgusted look.“Then they should consider their age before flaunting their affair in front of me and specially Adam. He is growing and what effect they’d cast on an intelligent boy.” She said. Meanwhile, someone opened the door of Mr. Paul’s apartment.“Mom! What are you wearing?” This time I exclaimed and closed my eyes.“I told you.” Addison muttered under her bre
[ Xavier ]“Come on, Travis. You’re behaving like typical tragic hero of a romance novel. Addison is a free spirit and one of the most complex personalities I ever met. She isn’t interested in you, brother.” I said annoyingly to the man who had been talking about Addison Greyson nonstop.“I pity on you, Xavier. You have found your true love. Just imagine yourself on my place. How would you feel if Adeline doesn’t reciprocate your feelings?” He asked me in a sulking voice and it was something which forced me to think that he’s right.I’d die a thousand death in a moment if Adeline becomes cold and distant towards me. In fact, I find it hard to be away from her when we work.“I think you got your answer, buddy.” He smiled faintly.“We can’t do anything for you if she isn’t ready, Travis. You know Adeline tried to convince her maturely but Addison is a stubborn and strong willed woman, it’s another case that most of the time she’s either foolish or impulsive.” I put my opinion about Addi
[ Xavier ] “What the hell are you doing at my shoot?” Melissa, whom I confronted on the sets of her movie unexpectedly, barked at me but I could see the hidden fear behind her masked expressions.I crossed my arms across my chest and sat down on the sofa in her vanity van. She huffed in annoyance.“What do you want, Xavier Linwood, why are you here, at my work place? Is it your new strategy to bully me?” She asked me with raised brow.“I don’t need to bully you, Melissa because your coward act proved your weakness when you attacked my wife.” I said and saw her facial colours changing.“What are you saying? This is ridiculous. You are blaming me of something I didn’t do.” She fiercely tried to defend her deed.I rose from my chair and took predatory steps towards her, she retreated back as the result.“Stop lying and save our time, Melissa. I know a spoiled girl like you can make such stupid mistake and leave the proofs behind. You were caught in a CCTV camera where we found Adeline p
[ Adeline ]“How are you feeling, Love?” My husband asked me gently while he massaged my shoulders as I slumped down the sofa. I spent the whole afternoon with Mom and Paul. She needed us and it was the least I could do for her. Addison left early because she had an important work at office but I stayed back because I am lucky to have Sandra to handle my work behind me. I should promote her soon.“I am proud of her. She took it very well and I am glad Paul is in her life. He is the true soulmate she needs and he has all the elements of a good life partner. I think I can be less worried for her now.” I replied to him with a tired smile and kissed his hand.“Are you ready to accept him as your stepfather?” He questioned me and it wasn’t something I expected nor I thought from this angle. My last memories with my father aren’t pleasant and I don’t think I’d rush up things when it comes to my mother’s new relationship.“I don’t know but I think he is an amazing man. If my mother decides t
[ Adeline ]“Good evening, Ms. Harper.” Xavier greeted Melissa’s mother while I stood by his side and politely bowed.The middle aged woman looked hesitant. She was indeed a pretty woman even in her forties. Melissa pretended to be bored but I knew, she was curious. Her greed brought her to our house.“Good evening, Mr. Linwood. When Mel told me that you invited us for dinner, I didn’t believe her.” The woman smiled nervously. It was the first time she was meeting any of the Linwoods.“There’s no need for formalities, Ms. Harper. You can call us by our names. She’s my wife, Adeline.” He introduced me to her.“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Harper. Please, come with us. The dinner table is set.” I greeted her formally.“You’re directly taking us to the dining room means you invited us just for namesake. I thought we’d continue our conversation where we left in the morning.” Melissa said mockingly to Xavier and I thought it was better if I don’t interfere.“Mel, what are you saying?” Her mo