I stared right into his hazel eyes. They looked dead and cold. I could tell he was a broken man just by looking at them.
Was he hurt in the past?
The words he said to me were hurtful. I didn't know when these few words escaped my lips.
"Your words are hurtful, Adrian."
He looked really calm and reserved with what I said. I walked away; his presence kept triggering something from my past, something I wanted to bury forever.
I had actually believed my stepmom was wealthy and one of the most influential, not knowing the real truth. It saddens me, and it's a harsh reality, so difficult to accept.
Ever since she took me in as her daughter, I had loved and looked up to her as a role model; I call her that, but now watching her being so low in front of those praying mantises who call themselves men really disorganized me.
I staggered a little and sat on the stairs. The night was a horrible night; it should receive an Oscar. First, the rude thing Adrian.
My stepmom being disrespected, and me receiving the greatest shock of my life. The shock was never about my stepmom, but about how Adrian reminded me of my ex-boyfriend. And how they kind of looked alike.
They both shared the same name, though he is grown now. Five years after we separated, he still sounds the same. The voice was still his, though deeper; I can tell. I kept ignoring the fact that he could be Adrian because he was never a cold and rude person.
He always loved everyone around him, and he would never treat a woman that way. They just share the same name; they are different people. The award show finally ended, and everyone was leaving.
"Adrian will take you home," my stepmom said as she approached me.
I had no idea when I screamed like a madwoman.
"I don't want him!" I blurted out.
I was forced to walk to the car park, and there were thousands of expensive cars flocked together like sheep. I began to look for a black Range Rover, but it was so difficult to spot.
A car alarm scared me, and I accidentally hit my left leg on a nearby brick. I groaned in pain while the alarm was still screaming at me. I was busy trying to stop the blood on my toe.
A remote control clicked, and the alarm stopped. I saw Adrian's masked face. I still found it unnecessary for him to still wear it after the show. He walked towards the car, I followed him, like a hen and chick situation. He entered the car. I was by the passenger-side door trying to get in.
Surprisingly, this man drove off and left me all alone in the dark parking lot. Woah, he really has some nerve, I thought.
*****
It was finally a brand new day; my stepmother never spoke about what happened last night. It was like it never occurred. I got up, slammed the loud alarm against the wall and slept back for a few hours.
At 10 am, I was dressed and ready for work. I worked as an acting director in HSE groups, and I have been managing it for two good years. Today was our annual meeting.
I watched how employees, staff, stakeholders, and every other committee worked hand in hand to make it a huge success. I was pleased. They are the backbone of the company, so I decided to treat them all to dinner; all bills are on me tonight.
We succeeded in having more sub-companies under HSE groups and have various branches all over the country. The meeting was over, and I was about to walk out when my personal secretary, Lizzy, approached.
"Chairman Liam wants a word."
My happy mood went from a hundred to a minus zero; I have no happiness left. I couldn't reject, I had to play along. I went to the company's cafeteria.
The place was a haven of warmth and energy, bathed in natural light that streamed through the large windows. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air, enticing employees to start their day off right.
I could hear the hum of conversations. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming. I looked forward and spotted Adrian's grandpa. I walked over to his table and sat down with a bow.
"I will get straight to the point. Stacy already told me you are a busy woman."
"Yes, Chairman Liam."
"Just call me Grandpa,' he insisted, but I nodded with a fake smile.
"Grandpa," I said softly. He laughed loudly again. I was almost traumatized; I wanted to leave ASAP.
"I want to apologize for what happened last night. The men didn't mean to disrespect your mother. I am sorry," he apologized. I could tell the apology was fake.
"I really admire the way you stood up and defended your mother. You are full of something, my child," he said.
"Thank you." I faked a smile. He started it first. I just retaliated.
"I want you to get married to my grandson, Adrian."
I spat out the water in my mouth, and guess where it landed? His face.
"I am so sorry," I apologized thrice. I saw him bring out a little handkerchief to wipe his face.
"I didn't mean to scare you; I see you have great potential and are a great match for my grandson. You too also seem to have something going on." He said wiping his face.
Something going on? In your dreams, old man.
"Please take your time and get back to me; it's for the betterment of you and your mother. A great alliance. He said before he made his way out of the cafeteria, leaving me in shock.
I returned back home; I was welcomed by my stepmom. She still hasn't spoken about what happened last night.
I wanted to ask, but the expression she gave and the body language made me stop. I didn't bother about it anymore.
She had a serious look; I can't even describe it.
"We need to talk."
"Okay," I replied and sat on the couch.
"I want you to marry Adrian."
Dan! Dan! Dan!