With my decision made, I pulled away from him. My gaze boring into his, my heart raced. Was it fear, excitement…I couldn't quite decipher; but I have to admit, I felt attracted to him.
But then, an unexpected marriage tie, just when my fiancé left me for another lady, left me overwhelmed.
Calmly, I took in his features which were quite distinct and peculiar. His eyes were cold with the rage of a storm howling inside, I found myself drawn in to them.
"I have to go back home," I said softly.
Adrian nodded. His expression was unreadable to me then.
"I think I might be spending some time with them." He nodded again, I got stumped.
"Aren't you saying anything?" I asked.
I felt it odd that he could only nod without uttering a word. From his features, I doubted he was so simple or obedient just to nod at every word.
"What did you want me to say?" he muttered.
"Anything," I said, a tinge of frustration in my voice.
"I have no problem with your arrangement; I can always come and get you," he said, a cold smirk playing on his lips.
"Come and get me?" I asked in astonishment.
I was certain that aside from my name, I might not have said any other thing about myself.
"How then was he so sure he could come and get me?"
"Get me from where?"
My heart raced; though the Norton family was popular in Crown City, I doubted he would have known where it was.
Or understood my story as the unfavoured, adopted second daughter whose fiancé just dumped and engaged her sister.
But wait, "Isn't it possible, he had approached me for a purpose?"
"Did he investigate me?"
I sighed helplessly. With my reputation as just a worthless second daughter with no commercial value, definitely, I should be the wrong candidate for his purpose, right?
My thoughts warred within me. Adrian sighed faintly, the helplessness in his tone left me wondering.
"You don't have to think that I approached you for any reason," he muttered, tossing away the blanket from his body as he left the bed. A tremor of rage etched in his voice.
I was stumped as I stared at him. "Did he just counter what I was thinking?" My heart raced.
"Wait, was that tremor a proof he was angry?" I thought to myself.
I had felt it like a storm course through my veins before it calmed. I sighed helplessly. "Stella, you must be hallucinating, okay."
Taking a deep, calming breath, I urged my heart not to bother about his mood and focus on the matter at hand — my plans for returning to the Norton family.
Thinking back to the incidents at the banquet, Linda's subtle warning, my sister's taunting calls just moments ago and my mother's silence, I made a few mental analyses of the situation.
It had long been planned. But then, I would have preferred Bruce to inform me rather than have me embarrassed, insulted and humiliated before Crown City.
Called a whore? He really needs to have a taste of what a whore really meant.
Pictures doctored to prove me dirty…I guess there's a need to keep them trending.
But then, I need to go home to get them done and Adrian—I need to find out if he could help me.
With Adrian out of the room, I took time to study the spacious bedroom; it was bathed in splendour and wealth.
After a while, Adrian came out with a towel wrapped around his waist, his head dripping with water, his skin letting out steam.
My cheeks flushed as my eyes trailed down his features. Broad shoulders, lean waist, toned muscles. I sighed.
"You take a bath; the driver will send you home, but you can't stay for long," he smirked.
I nodded. "Is this…this…your home?" I asked skeptically.
Adrian raised his brow. "Not up to your taste?" he clipped.
"What?" I asked in surprise.
"Is it not up to your taste?" He repeated, meeting my gaze.
My cheeks flushed. I shook my head with all seriousness, my eyes darted around the room again.
How dare I say it's not up to my taste when I lived in a space just a little over a storage unit in Norton's home.
And even if it's not up to my taste, I guess I have to make do with it. I still needed time to adjust to this whole marriage setting.
But now, I have to go home and give Phina and Bruce something to think about before and after their wedding.
I sighed and scrambled out of the bed, clutching tightly at the night dress which had barely covered my body. I couldn't help but wonder how he got it.
I was certain I had left the engagement without any of that. Or was one of his numerous girlfriends? I doubt a handsome prince like him wouldn't have butterflies around him.
As soon as my feet landed on the floor, I drew a sharp, deep breath; my body was really aching.
I dare not imagine how wild the night had been; maybe not having a recollection of last night was for the best.
Adrian paused briefly, his eyes narrowing. "Are you okay?" he asked.
I nodded immediately while I forced my leg toward the bathroom for a bath.
By the time I was out of the bathroom, Adrian stood at the foot of the bed well dressed in a pristine charcoal suit, his features cold and domineering.
A new dress was laid on the bed, and a few makeup kits.
I was exceptionally thankful for the makeup kits since there were several strawberry marks left on my fair skin that I needed to conceal.
"Come downstairs for breakfast when you are ready," he said before he left the room.
Within a short time, I stood before a full-length mirror; a soft gasp tore through my lips. There's no doubt that the pain of betrayal hadn't done me much harm.
Maybe it's because I found solace in another man's arm, or was it the alcohol from last night.
Whatever the reason was, I am exceptionally grateful, at least that should be the beginning of my revenge against them.
I knew my sister would definitely be anxious to see a lady brimming with pain, disappointment and tears. A lady cowering with shame and rejection.
My pain would have been their happiness, a sight they would want to see so much but I have decided to turn the table around… I wouldn't let them be happy.
Seeing me glamorous with all smiles should be the best revenge, a sight that would definitely make her eyes pop out, heart clench, her spirit damp and her soul wary.
And my ex-fiancé, I would make him wish to turn back time, to come asking for a chance and to swear his promise of leaving behind his bride.