Complicated past

Chapter 10

“Wait, hold up. Do you mean to tell me that the man you dumped for his property is Roderick?” I asked in disbelief, the puzzle finally starting to make sense. No wonder Roderick had been so adamant about stopping my marriage. But still—why did Sisi look that way?

She lowered her eyes and nodded slowly. “Yeah. Although, Camila, I want you to understand… Roderick and I have a very complicated past. But I’ll try as much as possible not to get in the way of your marriage, okay?”

That strange look of sadness and regret crept back into her face. I didn’t know why, but something about her expression stirred a deep curiosity in me. I had known Sisi for five years, and never—not once—had I seen her look so fragile.

What kind of past did she and Roderick even share?

“I have to go, Camila. Oh, and by the way, I’ll be traveling again soon,” she added, already heading for the door.

“Wait, hold on. Traveling again? You just got back a week ago, and now you're leaving again? Is it for the same business meetings?” I asked, my tone slightly sarcastic, just enough to show I knew she was lying.

She paused. Her silence spoke volumes.

Sisi had always been mysterious with her so-called trips. For as long as I’d known her, she constantly traveled outside the country with vague explanations—business meetings, emergencies, family visits. None of it ever added up. And although I’d always been tempted to dig deeper, I respected her privacy. At least until she was ready to open up.

“Good night, Sisi,” I said softly, the remorse in my voice surprising even me.

She gave a faint nod and stepped out. I watched her leave, then closed the door behind her. I collapsed on Grandpa’s favorite couch—the one that always felt softer when I was stressed or trying to piece things together.

“Oh Sisi… what a day,” I whispered to myself.

As I lay there, memories of the day rushed in. From the heated conversations to emotional revelations, everything felt like a whirlwind. And just before I drifted into sleep, a final thought clung to my mind.

“Adrian and Roderick actually cried for me?” I murmured, then let darkness take me.

The next morning, I woke with a splitting headache, thanks to the obnoxious alarm I’d set. It rang louder than usual—probably because I had barely slept.

“Oh no. I hardly have time left. I need to get ready,” I groaned.

I sprang up and dashed into the kitchen to whip up something quick for Grandpa. After breakfast was set on the table, I bolted into the bathroom, freshened up, got dressed, and was out in record time.

“Good morning, Grandpa. See you later!” I called out, kissing his cheek and grabbing my car keys.

“Good morning, my lovely Camila. Wow, you’re all set for work. I’ll see you this evening at the Clastus’, okay?” he replied with a knowing smile.

I froze in my tracks. “Oh shoot, I forgot I’m supposed to meet them today,” I mumbled under my breath, waving him off quickly.

Outside, I flung my bag into the passenger seat and jumped behind the wheel.

But the car wouldn’t start.

“No, no, no... Come on, you worked just fine yesterday! What’s the problem now, you stupid tin can?” I shouted, banging the steering wheel with my palm.

In frustration, I jumped out, ready to flag down a taxi.

“Yo, what’s up Camila?” a familiar voice called out.

I turned to see Peter pulling over beside me. He was my coworker—and although technically under me in position, he was someone I could rely on.

“Oh my gosh, Peter! I’m so glad to see you. You came just at the right time,” I said, sliding into the passenger seat of his sleek BMW M3.

He gave me a quick glance. “Looks like someone had a rough night.”

I grabbed the side mirror to apply my makeup. “Yesterday was… a lot. Very stressful.”

“Drama?” he asked with raised eyebrows.

I froze, realizing my slip-up. “Well, um… you know—house chores, noisy neighbors, the usual.”

Peter chuckled and nodded, but I knew better than to say more. He was a good person, but his open mouth had a reputation for traveling faster than the speed of light.

For the rest of the drive, we kept our conversation strictly business. Still, my mind wasn’t cooperating. It kept drifting to Adrian—his piercing blue eyes, the way his cologne still seemed to linger in the air around me.

“All I know is that I don’t wanna see him at work today,” I whispered under my breath, trying to snap myself back to reality.

“Well boss, we’re here,” Peter announced, pulling into the company’s parking lot.

“Thanks for the ride,” I said, stepping out and watching him head inside.

I was just about to follow when something caught my eye.

A sleek black Bugatti Chiron was parked across from Peter’s car. My stomach flipped. The air around it felt different—tense, commanding.

It was Adrian.

He stepped out in a black suit that hugged every muscle of his toned frame. He looked effortlessly powerful.

I froze for a second, heart pounding. Then, quickly, I turned and walked toward the workers' entrance. I knew his office had a separate entrance, so I could avoid him.

Or so I thought.

“Camila, wait,” his deep voice commanded.

I halted. My heart skipped a beat.

Slowly, I turned toward him. His sea-blue eyes locked with mine, and I could feel the tension simmering between us.

Was he about to scold me for being late?

“Who the hell dropped you off—and why?” he asked, his voice calm but laced with authority.

I blinked, caught off guard. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

I crossed my arms. “Peter gave me a ride. My car wouldn’t start this morning.”

Adrian’s jaw clenched. “Don’t let him drive you again.”

My eyes narrowed. “Why? He’s my coworker.”

“He’s also under you. And that’s unprofessional,” he said bluntly, walking past me.

I stood there, stunned. It wasn’t just about professionalism. I coudn't help but wonder. "Was it really that wrong or was he just angry I came with peter". I whispered. But why?.