Lila woke up slowly, the soft morning light seeping into the bedroom. She reached to the side, expecting Adrian's warmth, but the space beside her was empty. The memory of last night-his kiss, his touch, the way he had held her so fiercely as though he couldn't let go-came rushing back. Her heart gave a small, unsettled flutter.
She sat up, staring at the vacant spot on the bed. He left early again.
For a moment, she sat in silence, confusion clouding her thoughts. She remembered the whispers she had heard from her colleagues about Tristan and Adrian, how their rivalry ran deeper than just business. And now, after last night's tense encounter at the café, she couldn't shake off the thought. Does Tristan already know? Did he figure out that I'm Adrian's wife? The question unsettled her even more.
She shook her head, brushing the thought aside, and forced herself to get ready for the day. After her bath, she slipped into a fitted cream blouse and a navy pencil skirt, her hair falling neatly over her shoulders. Just as she was buckling her heels, a soft knock came at the door.
"Yes?" she called.
"Ma, breakfast is ready," the maid announced.
"Okay. I'll be down soon."
But when she stepped into the dining room and found the table beautifully set, Adrian's seat empty, her appetite faded instantly. She stared at the untouched plates, a strange heaviness sinking into her chest.
"Good morning, ma," Nathan's voice came from the entrance.
"Morning," she replied, trying to sound casual.
"After your breakfast, I'll drop you at the office."
She shook her head. "Let's just go. I don't feel like eating."
Nathan gave her a look of concern but didn't argue. Minutes later, she was seated in the car, staring out of the window silently as the city rolled past. The ride felt longer than usual, the weight of her thoughts pressing against her chest.
At H-Star, she forced herself to put on a calm face as some of her colleagues greeted her. The receptionist smiled brightly. "Good morning, Mrs Harts.
Lila returned the greeting, though no one at the company knew her true status as Adrian's wife. She hurried into her office, setting her bag down and pulling out her draft. For an hour, she focused on her script, letting the words pour onto the page. It wasn't until her stomach growled that she thought about heading to the cafeteria.
But before she could leave, Tristan appeared at her door.
"Can we talk? Privately," he said, his tone leaving little room for refusal.
Lila hesitated, then nodded. As the two of them walked down the hallway together, whispers followed. Her colleagues watched with curious eyes. Tristan rarely spoke to anyone outside of work, and now he was walking with her as though they shared a secret.
When they were alone, Tristan faced her. His expression was serious. "I'm sorry for what happened yesterday. But you need to stay away from Adrian."
Lila blinked in shock. "Why?"
"I just don't like him around you," Tristan said sharply, his jaw tightening.
Her brows furrowed. "That doesn't make sense, Tristan. He hasn't done anything-"
"You don't understand," he cut in. "I have my reasons. Just... be careful around him."
Something in his tone sent a chill through her. Lila stepped back slightly. "I have a meeting later. If you have ideas about the project, you should discuss them with Mrs. Claire Bennett. She's waiting on them."
"I will," Tristan said, his voice softer now. "Have a good day."
"You too." She gave a polite smile and walked away, though unease prickled at her chest.
At the cafeteria, Lisa was waiting at a table. "There you are!" she said cheerfully as Lila joined her. "So... Tristan likes you, doesn't he?"
Lila nearly choked on her drink. "What? No. We were only talking about the project."
Lisa smirked knowingly. "Don't deny it. He doesn't talk to anyone, Lila. The only girl he ever got close to was Adrian's ex-wife. And now you? Suspicious."
Lila laughed nervously and then said in a lower voice, "Lisa, I'm married."
Lisa reply. "Married To who?"
Lila forced a smile. "It's... private."
The two chatted for a while, but Lila's mind was elsewhere. She tried to ignore Lisa's teasing and returned to her work after lunch, though her thoughts drifted back to Tristan's warning.
Meanwhile, Adrian was in his office, finishing up a meeting when Nathan stepped inside. "Sir, Tristan is here. He's waiting in the guest room."
Adrian's eyes darkened. "Of course he is." He rose, straightening his jacket, and walked in to face him.
"What an unpleasant visit," Adrian said coldly.
Tristan smirked. "Don't look so harsh. I just came to say hello... to you and your little wife."
Adrian froze for a split second, his gaze narrowing. "You know?"
"Oh, don't look so surprised," Tristan replied smoothly. "Last night's little scene at the café was enough to confirm it. The way you reacted to me being with her... it was obvious."
Adrian clenched his fists but didn't respond.
Tristan leaned forward. "As long as I breathe, Adrian, you will never have peace in love. I'll always be there to ruin it."
Adrian rose sharply. "Not this time. I won't allow it." He walked out before Tristan could say another word, anger burning inside him.
"Nathan," he snapped, "how's Lila?"
"She seemed fine, sir. But she refused to eat this morning."
Adrian's jaw tightened. He hated the thought of her skipping meals.
Hours later, close to Lila's closing time, she was still in a meeting with Tristan, her manager, and Mrs. Claire Bennett. They were discussing her draft, but the conversation was going in circles. Finally, the manager sighed.
"I think you and Lila should finish the rest tomorrow, Tristan. I'm heading home."
"Same here," Mrs. Bennett added. "Good night."
"Good night," Lila replied politely.
As the others left, Lila remained behind with Tristan, scribbling notes, but her heart wasn't in it. She just wanted to go home.
At that very moment, Adrian was pulling into the driveway of their house, flowers and chocolates in hand. He had even picked up her favorite chocolate chip cookies, hoping to see her smile. But when he entered, the house was quiet.
"Where is she?" he muttered.
The maid bowed. "Madam hasn't returned yet, sir."
Adrian's patience snapped. He checked her location on his phone-she was still at H-Star. Slamming the flowers down on the table, he stormed back out.
"Nathan, stay. I'll drive myself," he ordered, sliding behind the wheel. His chest burned with jealousy and frustration as he sped toward her office.
He had tried to be patient, tried to let her find her place in his world. But tonight, patience was gone.