Chapter 10

Adrian’s POV

Tossing the file to the table, I rubbed my face in frustration. I couldn’t have been imagining things could I? That lady looks so much like my Briar and they bear the same name. Meeting the new project lead for the design team has had me in my head all day. Fate has to be playing the silliest trick on me to make me employ someone who bears the same name as my late wife.

But she is dead, her car was burnt to ashes. Even though we got no body to bury, I do not think anyone could have survived such a fatal accident. The truck driver who rammed into her died too. I cursed loudly, balling my fist in rage. I don’t think I like this lady. Her appearance brings back memories that I have struggled to bury for over five years. Briar is dead and that is the cold truth. Many people have the same first name, that is not a new thing.

Putting that in mind, I tried to focus on work, but I couldn’t. Checking my wristwatch its almost time to round up work. Sucking my teeth, I grabbed my phone and jacket. I really need to get out of here. I thought I was past this of having my entire day ruined just thinking about her. This is why I bury myself in work to avoid sinking into the depressive thought. Stepping out of the elevator, I caught a sight of Miss Smith laughing along with her colleagues as they headed for the exit door.

The image of Briar flashed in my head making me lose my footing for a split second. Looking over at the reception, they were gone. I swallowed hard, taking a deep breath. I need a drink. Getting into my car, I sped off to my usual hangout spot. Ordered a bottle of whiskey to cool off the heat clogging my mind. I closed my eyes, leaning into the couch while sipping on my glass slowly.

Even though half a decade has passed since Briar’s death, I can’t seem to get rid of the guilt I feel. She had come to me that day and bared her heart to me. But the monster I was wouldn’t let me see beyond my ego. She walked out and never returned. It dawned on me after the accident that she was actually running away. Her travelling bag was in the car.

The only reason they could contact me about the unfortunate incident was the plate number of the car. It was the first gift I got her the moment we got married. She had left her phone and most of her belongings behind at the house. I guess the plan was for me not to notice she was gone, only to get into the accident.

My chest tightened thinking about the pain she must have had to endure with a child inside her. Tears burned my eyes causing me to chug down the glass contents. Burning my throat in the process. I deserve this; the pain. It is the least I should endure for killing my woman and child. for pushing her away because of something that I could have asked and maybe resolved. I should have been more forgiving. It's not as if she killed anyone.

This is all the new lady’s fault. Why does she have to have such a striking resemblance to Briar? Or is there a chance that Sophie birthed twins? But then even if they were, she couldn’t have the same first name as her late twin. I sucked my teeth in annoyance, I must be losing my mind.

“I knew you would be here,” Eric said, sitting next to me.

I sighed, sitting upright. “How did you know I would be here?”

“Because I just left your office and your secretary told me; you left without leaving any message. I just knew you couldn’t have headed home. What's wrong? family trouble?” he inquired, gesturing to the bar attendant to take his order.

“They are the least of my worries.”

“So what has you drinking whiskey before dinner?”

“Is it weird?”

“It definitely is. You won’t hang out with me unless I drag you out of your house. But here you are sitting with an entire bottle to yourself. Are you trying to drown in barley?”

I dipped a finger in my ear to clean it out. “Stop talking stupid.”

Eric snickered. “So grumpy. What is it?”

I put my glass down on the table, combing my fingers through my hair. “Something strange happened today and I still think I am wrong. Is it possible that someone dead can suddenly show up years later?”

He poured the vodka he ordered into the ice-filled glass. “Unless the person never died in the first place.” He uttered absentmindedly.

My lashes fluttered slowly “What? Is that possible in a fatal accident?”

Eric arched his brow, “What is this about?’

“Remember the interior design partner that AS Real Estate recently partnered with?”

“Yeah, aren’t they supposed to resume today?”

“Yes. The project lead’s name is Briar and she could almost pass for my late wife.”

Eric paused with his glass halfway to his mouth. “What are you saying?”

“I am saying, I met a lady who practically looks like Briar.”

“And she is also named Briar? Could that be her?”

“No. Her surname is Smith, and according to her, this is her first time in Atlanta. My Briar is from here. Born and bred here before she passed away.”

Eric chugged down his drink in one go, almost choking on an ice that slipped down his throat. “That is quite a tale. But then, many people bear the same name. So that doesn’t count.”

“And the look?”

He stared at me for a moment before exhaling slowly. “I am sorry to bring this up right now, Adrian. But you remember how you were practically seeing Briar’s face on every lady that has the same hair as hers? Therapy was the only way you got over that. Are you sure you aren’t slipping again? It's not like you have been visiting frequently.”

I threw him a hard glare and kissed my teeth. “Are you calling me crazy?”

“Is that how it sounded?” he retorted.

“You are the worst friend anyone can have,” I muttered.

“Trust me, I am the best of any bunch.”

My phone rang saving me from his rant. A frown crossed my face at the caller ID. “Hi.” I mouthed with disinterest, refilling my glass.

“Hi, Adrian,” Isadora called out in an excited voice. “How are you, honey?”

“Why are you calling, Isadora?” I asked impatiently.

“I just thought to update you about my trip. The clients and I just had a productive lunch, I think we would be in charge of that project faster than we envisioned.”

“You can write this in your report when you arrive. Why do you have to call me to say that?”

“Adrian, why are you being so impatient? You wouldn’t even ask me how I am doing?” she drawled.

Ruffling my hair, I pinched my nose bridge. “I am not in the headspace to have this kind of conversation, Isa. I will talk to you later.” I replied, ending the call.

“Ohhh, that is cold, man! Where the hell is your conscience?” Eric mocked.

“Mind your fucking business.” I hissed, picking up my glass again.

By the time I returned home, I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep a wink tonight. As always, she has occupied my mind. The first place I went to was her room. It became my routine to go in there just to stare at her picture and also sniff her clothes. I know it is a crazy act, but I can’t help it. A part of me died along with Briar that day. I have been told to get rid of her things, however, I can’t bring myself to. It’s the only means to be close to her. throwing anything out will no doubt feel like erasing her existence in my life.

Belching, I sat on the floor reaching for a frame of her during her graduation from college. Her beautiful smile will light up a room. trailing my finger down her face, I furrowed my brows when I caught sight of the birthmark on her neck, just down the ear line. I remember seeing that on Miss Smith’s neck too.

I sat up quickly, reaching for her other picture frames. The mark is very visible, it's hard to hide. My heart skipped a beat when my brain clicked. This can’t be! How is it possible? If it truly is the case, will she stand in my face and deny me? act like she doesn’t know who I am? I ruffled my hair as my mind raced crazily.

Clenching my fist, I gritted my teeth. This had better just be me losing my mind. She had better not be Briar. Because if it turns out otherwise, I really can’t promise what I would do.