Adrian walked back into his room quietly. He had gone out for a while to clear his head. So much was going on, and he just needed some air and this time, be made sure to stay away from alcohol.But when he opened the door, he stopped.Someone was on his bed.He stepped in slowly and walked closer. It was Olivia. He had almost forgotten she had moved into his room.But the way she was lying on the bed made his heart skip.She was wearing a red see-through lingerie which did very little to cover her body. The thin red fabric hugged her body tightly, showing off every curve. The thin straps of her lingerie hung carelessly on her shoulders. Her full breasts were barely covered, her waist looked even smaller, and her round hips were perfectly arched as she lay on her side, like she had positioned herself on purpose. One leg was bent slightly, and her smooth thighs were exposed. Her hair fell softly around her face, and her lips were parted slightly as though she was pretending to be asleep
Betty ran down the hallway as soon as she left Adrian's room, her eyes brimming with tears that spilled down her cheeks. She needed a quiet place— a place she could freely pour out her heart and cry without worry—and where else could that be, if not her father's room?She pushed the door open gently, not wanting to wake him even in her moment of distress.The in-house nurse, Lilian, who had recently moved in to take care of Mr. Charles full time, was sitting beside his bed. As soon as she saw Betty’s tear-streaked face, she quietly stood up. Without saying a word, she gave Betty a respectful nod and left the room, gently closing the door behind her.Betty stood still for a second, staring at her father's still form on the bed.She walked over and slowly lowered herself beside her father. He looked peaceful in his sleep. But that calm expression didn’t comfort her one bit, instead it only made her feel worse.She slowly reached out and held his hand, squeezing it gently and carefully
Betty took a deep breath and looked between Adrian and Olivia, her face was calm but her eyes were filled with disappointment.“I understand,” she said slowly. “Maybe Ria did something wrong… to both of you. I’m not here to argue that.”She took a step forward.But what you two are doing right now—is it any better?”Adrian drew his brows together in irritation.Betty continued, her voice steady but sharp. “You don’t like Ria’s behavior, fine. But tell me—what makes your own actions different? What makes you any better than her? Because to me… this is just as low.”Her words were sharp and judging.Olivia looked away, her lips twitching slightly in annoyance.“You claimed you're not like Ria?” Betty continued, her eyes now focused on Olivia. “Then stop doing the same thing you are hating and accusing her for.” she said, turning to look at her brother.Olivia lifted her brow slightly.Betty turned back to Olivia, eyes narrowing slightly. She shook her head slowly, like she was still try
After Ria fell asleep, Betty sat still, her mind racing. She couldn’t understand what had gotten into Adrian lately. He wasn’t acting like the brother she used to know. Something was off. And she was done wondering—she was going to confront him and find out exactly what it was.She quietly stood up and left Ria's room and headed towards Adrian's.Meanwhile, inside Adrian’s bedroom, Olivia was trying so hard to keep the conversation going. She had been talking for a while, but Adrian wasn’t paying attention. “Adrian?” she called softly. “Did you hear me?”He didn’t reply.“I was saying,” Olivia continued, trying to keep her voice light, “that we could go out tomorrow. Maybe take a walk. You’ve been under a lot of stress lately.”Still, no response. Adrian’s eyes was opened but his mind was elsewhere. Far away. He sat on the chair near the window, staring outside. His hands were clenched together, his jaw tight. He didn’t even notice Olivia was speaking to him.His mind went back to w
“Bend down… I want to watch you pick every broken piece up… with your bare hands.”Betty's eyes widened in surprise. “Adrian!—”Ria turned to stare at him, stunned. Her mouth opened in disbelief but the look in Adrian's face told her he meant every word.Ria slowly dropped to her knees. Her hands shook as she reached for the first shard.“Ria, stop,” Betty said, rushing over. “What are you doing?! Don't—don’t touch that, you will cut yourself.” Ria didn't respond, she just focused on picking up the broken pieces.“Don't tell me you are listening to what he said. Adrian is only joking.” Betty panicked.“And what gives you the impression I'm joking?” Adrian replied coldly.“What?” Betty turned at him, stunned.He didn't reply, his eyes cold.Ria smiled bitterly as she continued picking up the shards. Betty turned her attention to Ria again. “Ria you know you don't have to do this.”“I do,” Ria answered in a soft voice, her eyes never leaving the floor. “I was the one who dropped the d
Olivia and Adrian’s head snapped immediately towards the sound.Ria was on the floor, her body trembling as she struggled to get up. Her legs had failed her; she just couldn’t hold on any longer.Adrian’s expression flickered for a split second, concern etching across his face—but just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished. His jaw tightened, and his voice turned ice cold.“Get up,” he barked. “Are you so lazy you can’t even stand for thirty minutes?”“I… I’m sorry,” Ria muttered, trying to steady herself, wincing as she pushed herself up from the floor.Olivia stood up halfway, her voice coated in false concern. “Ria? Are you okay? Do you need help?”Ria lifted a weak hand. “Dont worry, I'm fine,” she muttered breathlessly.Olivia sneered inwardly. Worried? As if I really care. Her eyes drifted to her plate—still half full. She had been eating slowly on purpose, trying to keep Ria there longer. But who knew the girl would collapse so early? Ria finally managed to get back on her fe