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Chapter 30
The soft morning light streamed through the curtains as Lila stirred awake. Her hand brushed the sheets beside her, only to find them empty and cold. Adrian wasn't there. She sat up slowly, blinking in confusion. It wasn't like him to leave without a word—not after the way he'd held her the previous night.
Pushing the thought aside, she slipped out of bed and prepared herself for the day. A shower, a neatly pressed navy skirt paired with a pale cream blouse, and her long hair tied back into a simple knot. After a quick breakfast in the dining room, she picked up her handbag and stepped outside—only to find Nathan already waiting by the car.
"Good morning, ma," he greeted respectfully, pulling open the back door for her.
"Morning, Nathan," she replied, sliding into the seat.
The ride was smooth, the city just waking up as they cut through the traffic. When the car slowed near the familiar glass building of H Star, Lila's phone buzzed. She pulled it from her bag, and Jake's excited voice filled her ear the moment she answered.
"Lila! You won't believe what happened this morning!"
Her brows knitted. "What is it?"
"Adrian came," Jake blurted out, barely able to contain himself. "He was here in the morning. He brought people with him and… Lila, he moved us. A new house! A big, beautiful place. He even spoke with Father. You should have seen Mom's face, she was crying. I almost cried too."
Lila's heart skipped. She froze, staring at nothing as his words sank in. Adrian was with them this morning? That explained the empty bed. He had left quietly, only to surprise her family.
She swallowed, forcing a smile even though Jake couldn't see her. "That's… that's good news, Jake. I'll come by later when I close from work."
"Please do," Jake said eagerly. "Mom can't stop talking about you two."
When the call ended, Lila slid the phone back into her handbag. Her chest felt strangely warm, her thoughts a tangle. Adrian hadn't said a word to her about this. He had just done it.
Inside the building, she walked side by side with Lisa and a few colleagues who had arrived at the same time.
"Morning," Lisa greeted, cheerful as always.
"Morning," Lila returned with a small smile.
Once at her desk, she finally typed out a message.
Thank you, Adrian. For what you did for my family. I don't know how to put it into words, but… I'm grateful.
She hovered a moment, then hit send.
By midday, the office buzzed with energy. All the artists had arrived, gathering in the main conference room where Mrs. Claire Bennett and Manager Collins waited.
"Lila," Claire's calm voice carried through the room. "You may begin."
All eyes turned toward her. Lila took a breath, clutching the script in her hands, and began narrating the story she had drafted. Her voice was steady, painting vivid images with each word. The artists leaned forward, curious. The manager nodded occasionally, while Claire's gaze never wavered, sharp yet approving.
When she finished, the room fell silent for a beat. Then, Manager Collins broke it.
"You'll have one week to draft the full script plot," he said firmly. "We want production to begin immediately after. Put in your best effort."
Claire smiled faintly. "You did well, Lila. Very well. I look forward to what you bring us."
Lila bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, ma."
As she stepped out of the room, relief washed over her. She hadn't stumbled. She had managed. But her relief was cut short when voices drifted from around the corner.
"I can't believe Adrian Wolfe is married," one of the female artists whispered to her friend, her tone almost sulky. "I swear, I'll make sure he falls for me. Married or not."
The words hit Lila like a stone. She froze halfway, her chest tightening in a way she couldn't explain. Why should I care? Why does this make me feel… angry?
Her steps quickened, and she pushed into the restroom, gripping the sink as she stared at her reflection. It doesn't matter. It's just a business marriage. That's all.
The door creaked, and Lisa stepped in. "Lila? You okay?"
Lila quickly straightened, forcing a small smile. "Yes, I'm fine. Just needed a moment."
Lisa eyed her but didn't press further. "Come on, let's go eat. You'll feel better."
Together, they headed toward the cafeteria. On the way, they nearly bumped into Tristan.
"Lila," Tristan said, his voice deep and steady.
She blinked, surprised. "Yes?"
"Can we talk briefly?"
Lisa smiled knowingly. "I'll wait over there."
Lila nodded. "Sure."
Tristan's gaze lingered on her face, serious. "You're talented. I want to discuss some story ideas with you. Can we exchange WeChat? Easier than waiting for meetings."
Lila hesitated, then nodded. "That's fine."
They scanned each other's contact, and Tristan gave a small nod before walking away.
Unbeknownst to her, Tristan had seen her earlier—how her face fell when the female artist spoke about Adrian. He had noticed.
At the cafeteria, Lila and Lisa sat down, plates in front of them. Soon, a few colleagues joined, the table buzzing with chatter.
"First time Tristan ever talks to anyone here," one whispered. "And it's you, Lila."
Lisa grinned. "Probably because she's talented. That's why."
Another leaned forward conspiratorially. "Or maybe because she's connected. You don't know? Adrian Wolfe is her brother-in-law."
Lisa laughed. "Not brother-in-law. It's… complicated. I'll explain later."
Yet another colleague scoffed. "Don't mind them, Lila. You know Adrian's ex-wife left him for Tristan after their divorce. And she was the one who spread rumors that Adrian wasn't into women. Everyone believed it for years."
Lila's head snapped up. "Seriously?"
"That's what I heard," the woman said casually.
Another shook her head. "I don't buy it. I heard he's married now, but no one knows to who. Probably why everything's so secretive."
The gossip swirled around her, each word weighing heavy on her chest. His ex-wife left him… for Tristan?
Her fork clattered softly against the plate.
Later that evening, she visited her family. The new house Adrian had given them was everything Jake had described. Her mother's eyes brimmed with tears, her father unusually quiet, but relief lingered in the air.
When she finally returned home, Adrian wasn't there yet. The house felt too quiet. She changed into comfortable clothes and checked her phone. A message notification blinked.
It was from Tristan.
Can we meet? I think I have an idea concerning the story's characters.
Lila hesitated, staring at the screen. After a long pause, she typed:
Okay. Where?
His reply came almost instantly. Nearby café. Ten minutes.
She slipped on a light sweater and stepped out into the cool evening air, unaware that Adrian's shadow loomed larger in her life than she realized—and that Tristan's interest wasn't purely professional.
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