(Oliver's Perspective...)
The room was dimly lit,, the curtains drawn tight as Oliver leaned back in the leather chair,, swirling a glass of crimson wine in his hand. He stared ahead,, his expression dark and twisted with satisfaction.
A voice crackled through the speaker on his desk. "So,, you found his weak spot??"
Oliver smirked. "Yes,," he said smoothly, his tone laced with venom. "His weakness has a name. Rimi... The adopted daughter of the Millan family. At first,, I thought she was just another pretty face in the crowd,, but when I danced with her… Adrian's face?? It turned pale. That smug,, arrogant bastard actually cares for her..."
He laughed lowly,, the sound echoing off the walls like the hiss of a serpent.
"She pretends to be strong,, bold even,, but underneath?? She's pure. Innocent... I can twist her world with the right moves,, She'll never see it coming." He stood,, walking toward the window and looking down at the party lights glowing in the distance. "I'll use her to break him. Not just emotionally,, but completely. His company,, his pride,, everything. Adrian dared to insult me in public—he humiliated me in front of everyone. Now,, he'll regret ever crossing me."
His voice dropped into a whisper. "You shouldn't have touched me,, Adrian. Now I'll destroy everything you hold dear.."
(Rimi – Returning to the Party Hall...)
I stepped back into the party hall,, still lost in the emotional whirlwind of everything that had happened. The soft hum of conversations,, the clinking of glasses, and faint music surrounded me,, but I barely noticed. I was still reeling from the intensity in Adrian's eyes,, the way he'd looked at me like I was his entire world… or a fragile glass sculpture he didn't want shattered..
Then I saw her—my mom,, walking briskly toward me in her elegant navy-blue gown,, her brows furrowed in concern.
"Rimi," she said,, touching my arm gently, "do you know him??"
I blinked. "Who??"
"That man… the one you were dancing with... The one who was glaring daggers at Adrian afterward."
"Oh…" I hesitated,, glancing around. "You mean adrian?? He's Mike's best friend,, the best man at the wedding."
My mom's eyes widened. "Rimi… are you sure??"
"Yeah,," I nodded,, trying to sound casual. "Why??"
She stepped closer,, lowering her voice. "That's adrian William. CEO of Queen Enterprises and owner. He's not just a guest—he's one of the most influential men in the city... and he has many company secretly and hotels..."
I stared at her. "Wait—what?? Owner of Queen??"
She nodded slowly. "Yes..."
Shock settled in my stomach like a stone. How could Mike not mention that?? How could I not realize it??
Then my mother gave me a soft,, knowing smile. "Rimi… who is he to you??"
I looked away,, heart thudding. "He's just a friend..."
Mom gently took my hand,, squeezing it. "Friends??" she echoed softly,, a hint of disbelief in her tone. "Maybe you don't see it yet,, but he's serious about you. Adrian isn't like most boys. He doesn't just look at you—he sees you... He's protective,, careful...
That doesn't come from nothing."
I swallowed hard. "Mom,, you know I'm still searching… I haven't given up..."
Her eyes softened. "Still thinking about him?? After all this time??"
Tears pricked at my eyes. "I saw him,, Mom. Two years ago. That car accident… I know it was him who pulled me from the wreckage... Kai Quill. He saved me..."
"Rimi…"
"I'm not crazy,," I said,, wiping at my eyes. "I know it was him. Maybe he's out there,, somewhere,, watching me... Maybe he's just… waiting for the right time to come back.."
Mom stared at me for a long moment,, her face unreadable. Then,, without a word,, she reached up and wiped my tears with the sleeve of her soft shawl...
"If you believe that,," she said gently,, "then keep looking. But don't let your heart get lost in the past. You deserve happiness,, now. And if someone like Adrian is serious about you… promise me you won't push it away too fast..."
I nodded slowly,, still clinging to the thread of hope. "I just… need to try one more time..."
She smiled. "Then try.. And whatever happens,, we're with you. I just want you to smile again,, Rimi."
I gave a small,, trembling smile and hugged her tightly.
(A Glimpse of Something More...)
As the party flowed around me,, I caught sight of Adrian standing near a group of people , talking—but his eyes were elsewhere. On me... Even across the room,, I could feel the warmth in his gaze. There was something raw in the way he looked at me,, something almost possessive… but not in a suffocating way. In a way that said,, I'm here for you. I always will be....
I looked away,, heart racing.
Lily stood near the bar,, holding Bella in her arms. The kitten was curled against her,, purring softly. I smiled and walked up behind her,, wrapping my arms around her waist...
"Guess who??"
She jumped,, almost dropping Bella. "Rimi??! What the hell??"
I laughed, pulling back. "Sorry!! I couldn't resist..."
She narrowed her eyes. "Trying to give me a heart attack??"
"I was just… you looked like you needed a hug."
Lily softened and turned to face me. "You okay??"
I nodded. "Just… dealing with a lot. I didn't expect Adrian to get so serious..."
She rolled her eyes and grinned. "Girl,, he is gone for you. Like,, head-over-heels level obsessed..."
I groaned,, covering my face. "Stop."
She laughed harder. "It's just… funny. Watching him act all jealous. It's kind of cute..."
I peeked through my fingers. "Lily!!"
She held up a hand. "Okay,, okay,, no more teasing. But seriously—you're lucky. The way he looks at you?? It's like you hung the moon."
I shook my head,, cheeks flushed. Then Bella meowed in Lily's arms,, interrupting the moment.
"Where have you been,, little one??" I cooed,, reaching for her.
"She found me,," Lily said. "After you disappeared,, she just wandered up to me like a princess expecting to be carried..."
We both burst out laughing,, unable to stop, giggling like children. The kind of laughter that doesn't need a reason—just the comfort of someone who gets you...
And then,, across the room,, Adrian watched us with a soft smile on his lips... He didn't interrupt. Didn't try to pull me away,, He just… watched. And in that moment,, I felt it again—the weight of his presence. His quiet patience. His silent vow that no matter how far I ran,, he would still be there.
(Later That Night..)
Exhausted from the whirlwind of the day, I made my way up to my room,. I slipped into my favorite nightdress—light blue satin with lace along the edges—and sat on the edge of the bed...
Something felt… off...
I looked around...
"Bella??" I called softly. "Where's my baby??" My kitten???
Panic surged. I remembered Lily had her earlier,, but I hadn't seen them since we laughed by the bar...
(To Be Continued…)