The week has quite been eventful. From meetings, contract reviews, and the constant push to keep A&D Cooperation ahead of competitors had left Adrian with almost a little room to breathe.
"I still need to be on top." he said to himself.
Kate had called on the previous week,to inform her about the family dinner. He just had to remember her voice, cool and brisk, he'd known there would be no skipping the family dinner.
"After all, there are the family I can say I have anyway" he murmured.
"Sunday night," she had said without preamble. "Seven o'clock. Everyone will be here."
It hadn't been a request. It never was.
"Why do I have to remember all her words" Adrian tried his best not dive into the thoughts of his mother's attitude towards him.
…..
The Donald's mansion was an earthly paradise. Sunday evening, Adrian steered his sleek black sedan up the long, curved driveway toward the Donald's estate. The radiant white mansion glowed against the evening sky, its windows spilling golden light onto the trimmed grasses.
The housekeeper greeted him with a polite nod and took his coat before leading him into the lounge. Kate sat on the cream sofa, posture straight as if she were posing for a portrait. Her pearl earrings glittering, and she offered him a brief kiss on the cheek.
Giving out aura opposite of her excited mood.
"Adrian," she said. "On time. Good."
"Evening, Kate," he replied, keeping his tone straight.
The steady click of heels on marble sounded before Kristy swept into the room. She was a vision in a deep emerald silk dress, her makeup flawless, her confidence solid.
"Adrian!" she said warmly, leaning in for a hug. "Perfect timing. I've been dying to tell you my news."
"look who we have here." came a voice from the corresponding staircase in the lounge area.
Adrian stood up to greet his dad Mr, Donald.
"I can say it has been ages we saw eye to eye Adrian, I already the company is doing so well because my money had never stopped to increase weekly and I am on the mission of traveling the world. That's the retirement gift to myself." Donald said without hiding how happy he has been.
Kristy hugged her father as well, but being a mummy's girl, she had almost nothing to discuss with her Dad.
At the dinning, the chandelier casting soft light across the polished mahogany table. The silverware gleamed, and each dish was plated to perfection.
Kristy came up with her big Announcement.
She didn't wait for anyone's cue before launching into it.
"I've secured a cooperation with Gwen Group for my winter fashion line. They're going to showcase my designs in their flagship stores in New York and also feature them in their next magazine upwards"
Kate's face lit up, a sight she only meant for her daughter. "That's extraordinary, Kristy. Gwen Group is famous and they are selective in brands. They don't partner with just anyone."
Kristy's smile widened. "They said my designs are 'fresh yet timeless.' Their words, not mine." she giggled.
Adrian offered an honest but calculated nod. "That's a significant achievement. Congratulations."
Kristy's tone softened slightly, though the pride still glimmered in her voice. "Thank you. It's been months of negotiations, late nights, and too much caffeine. But I think this will change everything for my brand."
Kate clasped Kristy's hand. "It certainly will. We must toast to this tonight."
After the dinning section, they gathered in the lounge for some catching up. The conversation dominated by Kristy's upcoming fashion events. Kate asked about launch strategies, supplier negotiations, and press coverage, her voice warm and encouraging.
Adrian contributed when necessary, but much of the exchange felt like watching a tennis match from the sidelines. The difference in Kate's tone with Kristy compared to himself was as clear as crystal glass.
At one point, Kristy turned to him. "I'm inviting you you to my celebration party next week. Gwen will be there as well. Could be a good networking opportunity for A&D Cooperation"
Adrian glanced at her. "I'll consider it." He said.
Kate's gaze flickered briefly, the kind of look that said you could be more enthusiastic.
Kristy tilted her head, a faint challenge in her eyes. "It might open doors. Gwen Group is expanding into lifestyle branding. That could overlap with your market."
"I'll keep it in mind," he replied evenly.
….
Lisa at her coffee shop, was humming to fine china and subtle power playing in the dining room, Lisa's day had begun in a world far more grounded, and far warmer. It was Sunday, her favorite day of the week.
The coffee shop,was barely busy on Sundays. By 9 a.m., Lisa was already behind the counter, checking the espresso machine's steam pressure and adjusting the grind on the day's first batch of beans.
Her baristas moved quickly under her watchful eye. A nod from Lisa sent one to restock milk, while a glance reminded another to wipe the tables near the window.
At 10 a.m., she was on call with a supplier to discuss a new organic tea blend for the new week. At 11:15, she crouched beside a trainee, describing the exact wrist movement to create perfect latte art.
By evening, the cafe was peaceful, not too busy. Lisa just had one thing in mind, 'to hug her pillow."
Music playing now in the background reminded her of the gala night. Still, the memory of the event a few nights earlier kept brushing against her thoughts. The tall man in the tailored suit had stirred something she couldn't name.
It wasn't exactly recognition. More like the shadow of a memory she couldn't catch. And she didn't want to. She'd worked hard to close the door on her past at the orphanage.
After her shift ended, Lisa walked to Isabella's work place as usual. It was a few blocks away . The air inside was warm with the scent of strawberry and sugar.
"They just ordered three dozen mini cheesecakes for Sunday," Isabella announced as Lisa tied on an apron. "And of course, my boss had to assign me for the work."
Lisa laughed. "You said yes because you want to make extra money."
"Exactly, they're paying triple," Isabella said with a grin.
Lisa offered to help her to quicken the process. As they worked side by side, Isabella brought up the gala again. "My eyes caught someone at that gala event, it had been at the back of my mind, not like I'm thinking about him…"
"Him?!!"
Bella shouted. "You met a "He" and you had been hiding his from me"
"Not exactly, his face seems familiar but I can't seem to place the puzzle right."
Bella grinned. "Can you describe him?"
Lisa gave a quick description of Adrian which left Isabella's mouth open.
"That man according to your description is the CEO of A&D Cooperation."
Lisa focused on smoothing cheesecake. She wasn't bothered about his status, was just something else that is bothering her. The familiarity.
"Maybe you'll actually know him from somewhere but you barely go to events since we came out to this free world."
Lisa rolled her eyes. " exactly why it's confusing"
….
At Donald's mansion, the conversation shifted to charity galas and political fundraisers. Donald talked mostly about politics, and some rising companies and their competitions. Adrian chipped in some words where necessary.
Later Adrian gave his father a little break down on how the company has been doing lately, the marketing department, charity the company is projecting on... He also told him some of the company's challenge on and so on.
Donald enlightened him where necessary.
"I know you can handle anything son, I trust you."
Adrian's phone buzzed. He glanced at it.
Kelvin: Are you still interested about the mystery girl from the gala? I think I know where you've seen her before.
Adrian's pulse picked up.
Adrian: Go on.
Kelvin: Not over text. Drinks tomorrow. You'll want to hear this.
Adrian slid the phone back into his pocket, his curiosity sharpening. That night at the gala, something about the woman had bothered him, not in a bad way, but in a way that made him feel like he'd lost something once, long ago.
Kristy's voice pulled him back. "Adrian, remember, my celebration party next week, it's really important to me. I expect you to be there."
"I'll try to be there," he said.
Kristy smiled. "Good. Who knows? Maybe Gwen will be my future sister in-law. Seems like the stars are lining up for everyone."
There, that was his clue to leave before she and Kate will dive into relationship talks and setting him up with Gwen.
"I will be taking my leave now. I have work to do tomorrow."
Adrian managed to say politely.
He stood up and bid his goodbyes to everyone before finding his penthouse.
Somewhere across the city, Lisa and Bella finished up and closed for the night.
Unknowingly world Lisa and Adrian's world were inching closer with every passing day.