Chapter 12

Adrian’s POV

I stormed into my office, slamming the door shut in anger. What the hell? Did she just mock me to my face? I clenched my fist and punched the wall, unable to contain the annoyance I felt. That lady just took me for a fool and I am not going to let it slide.

Being up close, I know for certain that she is Briar. Those eyes are the same. It would be crazy of me not to recognize her. Even if it has been five years, my memory hasn’t been altered. I remembered what she looked like perfectly. My thoughts got jumbled together just trying to figure out why she would choose to act indifferent.

My entire world turned dark when I was called to identify the burnt car. My contact was obtained from the license plate tracking. The accident was so severe that no one involved survived. I was in shock for weeks. I blamed myself for not going after her that day. I felt horrible for not paying attention to her. Nothing seemed to matter anymore after her death.

But seeing her right in my face after so long. I am still in disbelief. Plopping into the couch, I grabbed a fistful of my hair. What if I am wrong? There is no way Briar would have survived that accident. I would be glad if she did. But it doesn’t make any sense that she stayed away without coming in search of her family.

If it turns out that I just harassed my employee for nothing. I would be in deep shit if the media got hold of the story. They would seize the opportunity to dig their hungry claws into me. Still, I have a strong feeling that it is her. Even though the eyes I am staring at now are colder with a distant emotion, not the same as the ones Briar used to have five years ago. A part of me can’t shake off the fact that it is her.

A light knock came from behind the door. I exhaled slowly, mumbling a response. “Come in.”

My secretary, Anita walked with her hand folded behind her like she was about to say something I wouldn’t be pleased with. “Sir?”

“What is it?” I retorted with a hiss.

“I got a call from your home. They have been trying to reach you but you aren’t answering.” She explained.

I arched a brow, reaching for my phone in my chest of drawers. There were indeed several missed calls on it from my mum. I didn’t realize the phone was on silent.

“I have seen it. You can go.” I replied.

“Sir, Mrs Sterling said to inform you to find your way home by lunch.”

“Is that a joke? Did you not tell them that my schedule is tight?”

“I did sir. But she told me to clear it out.”

“And you did without informing me? Do you know how important the meetings are? Were you employed by my mother or me?” I questioned in a raised tone.

Anita swallowed hard. “Actually sir, you only have one meeting today and it is with the head of departments.”

“So they aren’t important enough?”

“Sir….”

“Just get out,” I ordered, rubbing at the side of my aching forehead.

She scurried off, leaving me with my thoughts. It is too early for me to be this disoriented. I am really pissed at myself for letting myself get carried away. I should have been patient for the report to be sent to me before making any hasty move. But I wasn’t expecting to see Briar in the elevator this morning. The sight of her greeting me casually when she might be my wife that I thought I lost years ago made me act out of character.

My phone message notification popped up, pulling me out of my depressive episode. I cursed inwardly at the message in block letters saying I shouldn’t miss lunch if I know what is good for me. I do have the free will to ignore her, but that would only leave me to deal with more petty things later on.

Taking a deep breath, I headed to the restroom to wash my face and get started for the day. Standing by the faucet, I noticed the bruise on my knuckles. I didn’t even realize I had hurt myself when I punched the wall. Maybe I deserve it for being so stupid. I chose to ignore it and just get to work.

“My goodness, Adrian! Who have you been fighting with?” Mum questioned in a raised tone just as I stepped foot in the house. She grabbed my hand, peering intently at the bruised knuckle.

“It’s nothing, mum,” I replied, easing out of her grip.

She frowned in displeasure, “How is that nothing when you have such a fresh bruise during the day?”

Sighing, I gave her a stern look. “I get that you are just concerned, Mum. But if you keep pressing me like that, I would have no other choice but to leave. I still don’t understand why you have to call me out of work like this. If you needed to eat with me, we could have set a date.” I whined.

“Why are you always in such a bad mood?” Mum inquired, a smile popping up on her face. I immediately felt suspicious as she wrapped her hands around my arm. “Actually, I have a surprise waiting for you in the dining room.”

Before I could protest, she dragged me along with her. I was slightly amused and disturbed at the same time when I found two guests seated at the table. One young lady who seemed to be in her twenties and an older lady who is no doubt her mother.

“Hello, ladies. Meet my son, Adrian Sterling. Adrian met Darcy and her mother and my good friend, Dorothy.” Mum introduced in an excited voice.

“Hi, Adrian. It is nice to finally meet you. I have heard quite a lot about you.” Darcy said shyly, tucking a loose hair behind her ear. I can already tell she is trying too hard to act cute and that is getting on my nerves.

“You are so handsome, my dear. Your mother’s bragging rights just went up.” Dorothy added.

Mum nudged me on the side, squealing like a child. “Take a seat, baby. Lunch is ready. I am sure you have a lot in common with Darcy. She has quite the keen eye for architectural design.”

“I own an architectural firm.” Darcy chipped in. Her eyes were sizing me up like some dessert on display.

I kissed my teeth, cursing inwardly. I can’t believe she had my schedule cleared out for this bullshit.

“Can I have a word with you, mum?” I requested walking away from the dining room.

“What is it, baby?” She asked, still grinning from ear to ear.

I inhaled sharply, flaring my nose at her. “What in the world do you think you are doing, mum?”

She snorted. “Introducing you to a potential partner, that is what it is.”

“So you called me out of work to play matchmaker?”

“It is not going to waste if it will help your life.”

“In what way will it help me?” I questioned.

She huffed, glaring at me. “Listen, Adrian. Are you not going to make me look guilty okay? It’s been five years since we lost Briar, God rest her soul. When are you going to have a family of your own? How long do you want the board to hold your bachelorhood against you?”

“I have proven myself in many ways more than I can count. I even went ahead to start up a company under my name before it was brought under the Sterling corporation just to show that I am in fact more than able to make the corporation's future brighter than they can ever imagine. So if that isn’t proof enough, I don’t know what else is.”

“The company was founded on the roots of family. It is only right that you continue the legacy.”

“Well pardon me for trying to breathe and grieve in peace.” I seethed.

“Adrian, please.” Her voice softened. “You have mourned Briar enough. She would have definitely wanted you to move on. Also if you don’t want me to keep setting you up with different ladies get married to Isadora. After all, she has been in your life longer than anyone else.”

My phone vibrated just as I was about to speak. I reached for it and frowned at the message display. “I need to go, mum. Tell your guests that it was nice meeting them and let this be the last time I would be forced to see them again. I love you.” I kissed her forehead and hurried out of the house.

Getting into my car, I read through the message sent to me again and sucked my teeth loudly before turning the car ignition. Briar obviously hates the idea of me ever moving on.