Chapter 1

The classic blue car pulled into the grand entrance of the gigantic compound of the Hudsons, its polished exterior glistening in the light. The chauffeur stepped out of the sleek car, his crisp white shirt immaculately pressed and complemented by his perfectly knotted black tie. He quickly made his way to the owner's seat, where he opened the door hastily for his boss to step out.

As he emerged from his sleek and shiny Ferrari, gifted to him by his doting father on his 26th birthday, Julian Hudson exuded an air of sophistication and refinement that was reflected in his impeccable fashion sense. He was a young man who knew how to dress to impress, and he carried himself with an effortless confidence that turned heads wherever he went.

His chiseled features boasted of a timeless beauty - sharp cheekbones, a strong jawline, and a perfect nose that complemented his piercing green eyes. Those eyes seemed to hold a secret mischievousness, a glint of playful rebellion that added to his allure. But it wasn't just his looks that made him irresistible - it was the effortless charm that oozed out of every pore, drawing people towards him like moths to a flame.

His designer shirt was made of the finest Egyptian cotton, the crisp white fabric complementing his sun-kissed complexion. His designer watch gleamed on his wrist, the diamonds on the bezel catching the light and sparkling like stars. He was extremely handsome.

As Julian made his way inside, his eyes were immediately drawn to the grand sitting room that lay before him. It was a spacious and elegant space, filled with plush furnishings and tasteful decor that exuded an air of luxury and refinement. Pausing briefly at the threshold, he took a moment to appreciate the beauty of his surroundings before making his way towards the center of the room.

With steely determination in his heart, today was the day that he would finally muster up the courage to confront his parents about his dreams of becoming an artis, and nothing is stopping him this time around.

Mr. and Mrs. Hudson had a legacy to protect. They've spent so many years building the company from scratch, and today, Hudson Riverra is known to be one of the biggest names in the world of business.

Julian was expected to take over his father's company the moment he finished business school, but he had other plans in mind. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson never wanted to hear anything about their son's dreams of becoming an artist. It was taboo to them.

Julian never talked about his passion, but today being the day he finally graduated from business school, ain't nothing stopping him from confronting his parents about his dreams.

The sound of approaching footsteps disturbed his train of thought. 

Her eyes lit up with joy as she saw her son standing before her, and she wasted no time in rushing towards him to envelop him in a tight and loving embrace. "Congratulations, my dear son! You're finally back home," she exclaimed, her excitement palpable.

"I've missed you. How are you doing?" She was overwhelmed with joy.

"I've been good, mum. I missed you too." Julian hugged his mom once more. Even though his parents could be a pain in the ass most times, he still loved his mom so much.

"Julian, my boy, it's nice to finally have you home, I'm so proud of you," Mr. Hudson said, as he gave his son a fatherly handshake.

"Thank you, dad. I'm glad I made you proud," Julian responded with a bow.

Although he held the utmost respect for his parents, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt at the thought of shattering their hearts with the news of his decision. But deep down, he knew that this was something he had to do.

"Dad, Mom, there is something I need to talk to you about," but before he could continue, his father interrupted him.

"Of course, son, there is so much to talk about, but first, I need you to run a quick errand for me," Mr. Hudson broke the news to Julian, which earned him a frown from his son.

"An errand? When did the act of running errands become a part of my routine? I mean, we have a thousand guards and servants who can do that. Why me?" Julian inquired with confusion written all over his face, not when he was supposed to have a date with the love of his life, Adi. He hadn't set eyes on her for months now. They'd planned to make this day special.

"It's a confidential document; no one else can be trusted to do this except you. Now, go freshen up and be on your way already," his dad responded with a smile.

Julian wasn't pleased with this arrangement. Well, it's just an errand, he thought to himself. It shouldn't be a big deal.

"I'll be home in time to join you for dinner. The conversation I talked about having with you is really important, dad," Julian finally succumbed.

"Sure, son, I can't wait to hear what you have to say," his dad responded, while his mom gave him a slight smile.

Although there was something in his mother's smile that didn't quite sit right with him, Julian shrugged off the feeling. Perhaps he was just overthinking.

***

Julian stepped out of his room, feeling fresh. He had opted for a more relaxed look, dressed in casual yet sophisticated attire that exuded a hint of exoticism - a trademark style of his. He reached for his already parked car in front of the compound, after bidding his parents goodbye. He was handed a brown envelope, which was neatly sealed by his father. He couldn't wait to get this over with.

 *

"Take a left at the next intersection. I have to make a quick stop," he informed his driver, who nodded in understanding and promptly veered the car towards the left turn.

Julian couldn't leave without seeing Adi before his short trip. It was already 2 p.m., and he knew exactly where to find her - in her office.

Julian couldn't help but feel grateful for Adi - she had been a Godsent in his life, and he knew that he owed her a debt of gratitude that he could never fully repay. As he made his way to her office, his mind wandered back to the day they first met, in what had to be one of the most awkward situations of his life. It was during one of his usual arguments with his parents about his aspirations. He had stormed out of the house in frustration, and that was when he met her. He almost ran her over with his car that night on her way back from work.

That was the day his life changed for the better. He quickly ran out of his car to apologize to the beautiful lady he almost ran over, but she was too angry to listen, and they got into a little argument. Just then, he heard a lady's voice call out to her, "Adi? What's the matter?" Since then, that name never left his memory. That was where it all started.

He was thankful he met her. Adi was his life. He couldn't imagine his life without her - she was everything he had ever wanted in a partner, and so much more. With her beauty that could take one's breath away, her hardworking nature, and her compassionate heart, Adi was a rare gem that he cherished beyond words. She understood him in a way that nobody else ever had, and he knew that he was lucky to have found her.

The car glided to a halt in front of the towering building where Adi worked. Julian stepped out of the vehicle, his eyes scanning the busy surroundings as he made his way toward the entrance. He walked into the building with a purpose, his feet taking him to the exact location where Adi's office was situated. He had wanted to surprise her, so he hadn't called ahead to inform her of his visit.

Julian knocked softly on the door to Adi's small office, where she worked as a cashier. It wasn't a very big art gallery, but it was okay. It always gave him a glimpse of the huge art gallery he dreamt of having someday.

Adi loved her job there so much because she also dreamed of owning a gallery someday. Funny, huh? They shared a common passion for art and a deep desire to see their dreams come to fruition. Obviously one of the reasons they got along so well.

She had always dreamed of becoming an artist since she was 5, owning her art gallery someday, and making a name for herself. Well, he had big plans for her. He already had plans in motion to help her achieve that, at least now that he was done with school. If only Adi knew how much he loved her and all he had planned for them, she'd leap for joy. His heart gladdened at this thought, which caused him to smile.

"Hello, damsel," he said with a grin when he announced himself.

"Hey, babe," Adi sprang up to her feet and gave him a tight hug. "I'm happy to see you! Why didn't you call me before coming? I'm not ready to go out just yet. Our date isn't until 6 p.m., babe," she went on and on.

Julian couldn't help but chuckle at her cuteness. He enjoyed watching her talk.

"Hey, easy now," he cooed as he gave her a gentle kiss on her lips, which made her blush a bit. Typical of Adi.

"Sorry, love, I didn't come to stay. I just came to see your beautiful face briefly. And to tell you that I'll be running an errand for Dad. I won't be back until 7 p.m.," Julian explained, which made her furrow her brow in a frown.

"7 p.m.? What happens to our date?" She sounded a bit disappointed.

"It doesn't change anything. We'll have our date at 8. Don't worry, I have a surprise for you when I return, okay?" He tried to make her feel better.

She nodded, feeling more elated. The thought of surprises always made her heart sing.

"I'll see you soon, my love," Julian said as he pecked her forehead. "Do stay safe for me," his words dripped with so much affection, like sweet honey flowing from his lips.

"You too, baby," She replied with a hug, and it felt like a gentle wave of comfort washing over Julian as she saw him to the door.

Julian wondered why his parents weren't giving him the opportunity to introduce Adi to them. They just didn't like the fact that he was seeing someone who wasn't from an influential family. They had asked him to stop seeing her, and he had to pretend he'd stopped.

They've been dating secretly for the past year. If only he could prove to them how much of a sweet soul she is, they would have fallen in love with her instantly. Right now, he's ready to fight for his love. There was so much he needed to iron out with his parents once he got back home. He would give up anything for them, but not Adi.