Chapter 25
I bent down, slipping out from under Adrian’s hold. With one arm securing Jasper and the other fumbling through my bag for the keys, I unlocked the door. [
Once it was open, I quickly carried the shopping bags inside and shut the door firmly–right in Adrian’s face. [
The sequence of movements was smooth and swift. []
With time still early, I decided to nap alongside Jasper. []
Drowsily, I was woken by a rhythmic knock at the door–three taps, a pause, then three more. The persistence was undeniable.[]
Jasper, exhausted from the afternoon’s play, was still fast asleep. I tiptoed out of bed and went to open the door.
“Madam, I’m here to deliver the gown,” came Sage’s voice–Adrian’s assistant–standing there neatly dressed.
Before I could decline, Sage lowered his head slightly in a half–bow. “Please, Madam, it’s just for a brief appearance. It won’t take much of your
With no room for refusal, I sighed. “Come in.”
“D
time.“]
Sage placed the box carefully on the cabinet near the door. “Take your time, Madam. I’ll wait downstairs,” he said with a polite bow before exiting quietly.[]
“Mommy?” Jasper’s soft voice called from the bedroom. Not finding me there, he toddled out on tiny feet, searching as was his habit.
I scooped him up and brought him to the bathroom, giving him a quick bath while gently coaxing him. “Aunty Indra will come to play with you soon, Jasper. Can you be a good boy and stay with her for a bit?“[]
Indra was my dear friend and had been helping care for Jasper often.[]
“Okay!” Jasper chirped, squeezing the floating rubber duck in the bathwater. “What about Mommy?“[]
Kneeling by the edge of the tub, I lathered baby soap onto his soft, chubby arms. “Mommy has some work to do but will be back soon to sleep with Jasper, alright?”
Not long after, Indra arrived. I was feeding Jasper a small bowl of Child–friendly pasta, though he ate at a snail’s pace.
“Let me do it,” Indra said, taking the bowl from my hands. “Go and get ready.“[]
I went to dress and apply makeup. When I came out, Jasper was just finishing his meal. Indra paused mid–movement, holding a spoonful of the last Child–friendly pasta.
“Little jasper, doesn’t Mommy look beautiful?” Indra asked, picking him up.
Jasper’s tiny hands reached up to touch his ears, his baby voice spilling out, “Pretty!“[]
I laughed, pinching his tiny fingers. “What a sweet–talking little angel!” Leaning in, I planted a kiss on his cheek. []
“Be good for Aunty Indra, okay?”
After ensuring Jasper was settled, I went downstairs, only to find an ostentatious luxury car parked conspicuously at the entrance. The emblem of the Lancaster family gleamed unmistakably on its surface.
The window rolled down, revealing Adrian’s face. Without a word, I walked to the other side, opened the door, and got in.
Adrian had no assistant with him, just the driver. In the spacious back seat, it was just the two of us, seated at opposite ends.
Even without looking, I could feel Adrian’s eyes fixed on me, a penetrating gaze that seemed to strip me bare. []
Ignoring him. I turned my head, sitting upright with perfect posture, my knees together and slightly angled to the side, hands resting neatly on my lap.
The dinner was hosted In a private villa nestled beside a serene hillside with a gently flowing stream. The soft glow of distant fireflies dotted the surrounding foliage.
As soon as we exited the car, Adrian’s arm slid around my waist. []
I turned to glare at him silently, my face expressionless. But Adrian’s face was just as impassive, betraying nothing.
“Adrian, don’t push your luck,” I whispered sharply.[]
The event hadn’t officially started yet; everyone was waiting for the host to arrive. The attendees were all prominent figures in the international business world.
Chapter 25
Men formed clusters, exchanging pleasantries that often masked discussions of deals and partnerships. []
Meanwhile, most women seemed to serve as mere accessories to their partners, regardless of their own backgrounds.
Adrian escorted me inside, immediately drawing attention. [
A familiar face approached with a champagne glass raised. “Mr. Lancaster,” the man greeted]
Adrian gave a curt nod in acknowledgment.
I maintained a soft smile, adopting an air of quiet elegance.
Leaning slightly closer, Adrian murmured in my ear, “That was the head of Swiss Credit” His deep, dear voice resonated against my ear. My fingers twitched reflexively.
In the past, Adrian had never brought me to such events. To the outside world, our relationship had been invisible.]]
Soon, more guests began gravitating toward Adrian, sensing an opportunity.[]
“Mr. Lancaster, you’re quite fortunate. Won’t you introduce us?” someone asked, their curiosity obvious.]
As others moved closer, Adrian raised his glass in a subtle gesture and introduced me, his voice steady and firm: “My wife, Adeline Montgomery.“]]
-The Author Speaks–
Adeline: Wife? Did I agree to be your wife? Is this how you’re introducing me?||
