Love Gone Before the Storm

Adrian's friend rushed over, panic written all over his face as he pulled me aside.

"How does a mistress who can't even be seen in public dare come here? Aren't you afraid Adrian will find out and cut you and the kid off financially?"

When he saw me silently staring at the phone in my hand, he seemed to realize something.

He clapped a hand over his own mouth, and when he spoke again, his voice was filled with shock.

"Wait... you really didn't know anything?"

The second he said it, Adrian's brother looked even more flustered.

"Uh, I was just talking nonsense. I've got something to do. I'm leaving."

As I watched him hurry away, my daughter tugged at my hand and tilted her face up in confusion.

"Mommy, what's a mistress who can't be seen in public?"

I gave a wry smile and said softly, "Probably me."

Maybe because this was the first time I hadn't replied to Adrian right away, the phone in front of me suddenly rang.

It was him.

The other end was noisy. I could faintly hear people congratulating him.

"What's going on? Didn't you see my message?"

I didn't answer his question. I only asked quietly, "Adrian, where are you right now?"

"Where else would I be? I'm at the office, of course. All right, I'm busy. Remember to get the package."

Then, before I could say another word, he hung up.

I looked at the disconnected call and smiled faintly, though the smile never reached my eyes.

I had never known Adrian could lie so calmly.

Then I suddenly remembered something and unlocked my phone, opening the app tucked away in the corner.

It was a location-sharing app.

Seven years ago, before I went overseas, Adrian had handed me my phone with red eyes.

"I installed this on both our phones so we'll always know where each other is.

"Take care of yourself overseas. Once the debts are paid off, the two of us can finally have a good life together."

But I had been too busy working and repaying his debts. I had never had time to check his location.

I opened the app and found where Adrian was now.

The most luxurious restaurant in the city.

When I arrived at the entrance holding my daughter's hand, Adrian was standing not far away.

There was a baby in his arms, and he was gently rocking the child, teasing him into laughter.