CHAPTER 2

ADRIAN POV

 “Okay, I’ll be in my office in forty minutes,” I said, ending the call. I set my phone on the dining table and smiled at my mother.

“You haven’t even stayed ten minutes, and you’re already planning to leave,” she said, her eyes dim with sadness.

“Mom, don’t be like that. I’m here now, aren’t I?”

I hated seeing my mother sad. I would climb mountains, burn bridges to keep her cheerful.

“Yes, you’re here,” she said softly. “But you’ll still leave, and I’ll be alone in this big house.” She reached out, her hands trembling slightly as they rested on mine. “You need to get married soon. I want to see my grandchildren before Alzheimer’s gets a stronger hold on me.”

I gently pulled my hands away and exhaled. “Mom, please… not now.”

Her eyes welled up until tears streamed down her cheeks. “You need to let go of the past, Adrian. My memory is fading, my body is getting weaker. This is my last wish, and you act so reluctant to grant it.”

I immediately stood and wrapped my arms around her. Her head rested against my torso as I gently stroked her hair. I despised her tears. I would do anything—anything-to to make her happy before her memories slipped away entirely.

And now, I was about to make a mistake I knew I’d regret.

“Stop crying, Mom. Please,” I whispered. “I… I have a girlfriend. We can arrange a small wedding soon.” I lied.

She pulled back, looking up at me with red-rimmed eyes. “A girlfriend? When? I’ve never seen you with any woman, son.”

I swallowed.

Fuck.

 “We’ve been keeping it private, Mom,” I lied again.

Her tears vanished almost magically. “Then bring her over for dinner!”

I froze. My mouth parted, ready to say No, but her eyes shimmered with new tears, and I lost the strength to refuse.

“Okay, Mom,” I said. I lowered my shoulders and kissed her forehead. “I need to go now.”

She giggled like a delighted child. The sound eased me; I cherished seeing her happy. I would trade everything I owned for that sight.

“Bye, Mom,” I said, heading out of the mansion.

“Byeee, son!” she said cheerfully.

I climbed into my Rolls-Royce and shot my driver a stern look. My driver immediately took it as a sign to move, and the engine roared to life.

***********************

“Ah, you’re here,” Daniel, my best friend said, rising to shake my hand.

“Cut it out,” I muttered, brushing him off playfully before shedding my black Armani coat onto the hanger.

“You found the mechanic’s daughter?” I asked, settling into my seat and fixing Daniel with a cold stare.

“Yes…” Daniel said. “I watched her father kiss her forehead before sending a driver to take her to her mother. He’s keeping her away from his new family, but he loves her. She’s absolutely his weakness.”

“So how do we punish him for tampering with my car when there’s no solid evidence?” I asked with a revenge filled voice.

“The investigator confirmed he tampered with the brakes. That’s what killed Helena and your daughter. If we can’t prove it, we can still make him feel what you felt. We can destroy what he loves most—his daughter.”

My fists tightened. Five years of grief had frozen me from the inside out. I wanted revenge on the man who caused the accident that made me lose my family.

“How do we do it?” My voice cracked with rage. “How do I hurt her so he feels what it’s like to lose someone precious?”

“We ca—”

Daniel was cut off by my phone's ringtone. I glanced at the screen and picked up.

“Yes, Mom?”

“What’s your girlfriend’s favorite meal, son?” she asked sweetly.

Shit. I had completely forgotten the lie I told her this morning. I closed my eyes.

“She’s not picky, Mom. Make anything you want, as long as it’s spicy.”

Another lie.

“Alright, son. Bye!”

I dropped the phone and dragged both hands through my hair. I despised lying to her, yet now I had to find a girlfriend in seven hours.

What I couldn’t do in five fucking years?! Damn. This must be a joke.

“You okay, bro?” Daniel asked.

I let out a heavy sigh.

“I told my mom I have a girlfriend, and that we’re preparing for a wedding, just to stop her from crying.” I scoffed bitterly. “Now I need an actual girlfriend before dinner.”

“It’s possible,” Daniel said with a smirk.

I shot him a cold glare.

“The mechanic’s daughter can pretend to be your girlfriend. You can torture her from the inside out.”

“I’m not marrying my enemy,” I snarled.

“Relax. Think about it,” Daniel said calmly. “She’ll be in your home, in your space. You’ll have every opportunity to tear her apart. Perfect revenge.”

I leaned back and shut my eyes, inhaling deeply.

He’s right. This would be great. I can easily break her from the inside and torture her emotions. I’m going to feed her with every bit of pain her father inflicted on me.

“How do we get her by tonight?”

“She’s a gold digger. Offer her money. A marriage contract with a generous payout, she’ll run to you.” Daniel shrugged. “Trust me.”

“She’s just like her father then, a fucking whore and a gold-digger,” I growled. “Handle it. I want her in my house before dinner.”

“Got it, bro,” Daniel said with a wide smile.

I stood. “I have a meeting. Update me when it’s done.” I left the office.

Shit. I forgot my phone.

I turned back to the office, opened the door, and saw Daniel holding my frame, smiling weirdly.