//Ch 3//

[Isabella Hayes]

Later in the day, I met up with my best friend for a chat and some drinks to help me process my embarrassment.

“You didn’t call him out?” Naomi shouted, alerting other people in the cafe to our table. She was acting like I’d committed a cardinal sin.

“I…” I fumbled over my words, feeling nervous. I didn’t want anyone here to recognize me. But it was hard to be ignored when the ring on my finger was given to me by a freaking Cole. “I didn’t want to do that. You know how I am. I’ll cry if I start arguing. And I thought he had a good reason.”

“Even if his mother was dying, he shouldn’t have done that. Why wasn’t his phone on silent to begin with? Does he have any idea how the public is laughing at you right now? I’m going to slap him the next time I see him. This is why I hate millionaire men. He’s not being dragged for being a fucking asshole, but you are! When you didn’t do anything wrong. I mean, I will slap him.” Her voice was getting louder, so I reached across the table. Planting my palm over her lips to silence her.

“Please stop. It’s fine.” It wasn’t fine, but what could I do?

The thing that was bothering me the most was the nonchalance of it. It was so unlike Adrian. He should have noticed I was upset by now. Whenever I’m angry and trying to avoid making a scene or crying, he’d dote on me. Send me flowers, call me every hour, and try to do his best to cheer me up until I finally opened up.

But this time… it was like all the things I appreciated about him had been shut off.

Naomi brushed my hand off. She did not look impressed.

She folded her arms, flexing her sleeve of tattoos to the light. “I think you messed up. If you give a man room to embarrass you, he’ll do it over and over.”

Now that is excessive. Am I supposed to disregard everything that I know about Adrian just because of the night?

We’ve been married for four years. In those years, he’s been nothing but amazing. I refuse to believe this night isn’t just a one-off.

I finished off my drink, deciding not to continue this conversation. I can tell she’s not going to listen. Much like the people judging my marriage online, Naomi doesn’t know what Adrian is like on the inside.

She never liked him. She doesn’t like any rich person. I’m the exception, and I wonder if that means I’m a poor person putting up an act… I’m not going to finish that thought. My point is, I won’t lash out at my husband over one mistake.

We sat in silence for another few minutes before I headed home to get ready for dinner with my family.

My life is pretty dull when I’m not attending events or hosting. I quit my job as an interior designer after marrying Adrian. No, I’m not one of those girls. I wasn’t looking for a rich guy to take away all my problems. I was bullied into it by my parents and his. They wouldn’t stop harassing me at work until the pressure forced me to quit.

I’ve made peace with it, but back then it was hard. Adrian chased those fears away. He made sure I knew that he was on my side if I ever decided to return to work. He’d be right there chasing away our families and supporting me.

It was sweet. That’s the man Naomi doesn’t know. Last night was just an error. I’m sure it’ll never happen again.

I was dressed by the time six rolled around. The house was abuzz with maids, butlers, and other staff, all ensuring the place was clean and functional. They greeted me as I walked past the halls.

“Date night?” The head maid asked. I heard the others coo like they were expecting some hot gossip.

I bit my lip. “No, sadly just dinner with the family.”

She dragged her eyes down, going over the satin blue gown I’d chosen and the shimmering crystals on my heels.

“I envy your closet. Look at you, so beautiful. Have a good night, madam, you deserve it.”

That’s so nice of her. I love the people here. They’ve made these four years of my life amazing.

I was full of nervousness and excitement. I mean, it’s my family we’re eating with. His parents are… well, they’re not my biggest fan. They believe he let his real love get away.

That was the girl he dated through high school and the first two years in college. She dumped him over text and moved overseas. I don’t know why they’re still hung up on her.

Adrian has moved on. He shuts them down whenever they bring her up.

My family is no better. My stepfather thinks of me as a parasite that refuses to leave him alone. The only reason he associates with me is because of Adrian. Both he and my mother are hoping they can convince him to cheat on me with my older stepsister.

It’ll never happen. Adrian despises cheating. His best friend was cheated on, and it almost broke him. Watching someone he considered a brother almost die from being betrayed in the worst way makes him intolerant of cheaters.

Isn’t he amazing?

Speaking of… he should be here by now.

I pulled out my phone from my purse to type out a message.

Me: Adrian, where are you? We have to be at my parents' in thirty minutes.

I waited. Nothing. It showed that he’d read the text, but I got no response. My stomach tensed. Did something happen?

Me: Adrian, is everything okay? Are you going to be late?

A minute went by, and he read the text, but once again, I was left without a reply. My heart started pounding, making noise against my ribcage. I cannot go to the Bennett house by myself. My mother… my stepfather… my stepsisters… they would…

I just can’t.

Panic slips in, and I’m reminded that I called Adrian an obscene number of times last night, and he answered none. What is this new behavior? Why is he acting like this?

I decided to call his personal assistant. Something in my gut told me he wouldn’t pick up if I called him directly.

She answered on the very first ring. My number had been added years ago under special contact. It meant no matter what time I called, I needed to be given special priority.

“Mrs Cole, how may I be of help?” The cheerful voice of the assistant only served to fuel my panic.

“London, where is Adrian? Is he still stuck at a meeting?” My voice came out tight and strained even to my own ears.

“No, ma’am. Mr Cole left four hours ago with a 'Miss Olivia Hart.' He said they were going for lunch at The Olive Vineyard.”

I must be hearing things. Did she just say… Olivia Hart?