Chapter 8

Narrators pov…..

(present-day) 

The soft hum of the engine and the air conditioner blowing on the car did nothing to calm Adrianna's raging thoughts. She felt worn out from a long day of work, and the upcoming shareholder meeting weighed heavily on her mind. 

A notification pops up on her screen. How can she forget? Her Father has arranged another blind date for her, who would it be this time around?? A son commander?? President?? A CEO? Or maybe an old mafia this time around. She was tired of her Father's demands but what could she do?? Who could have taught that for the past five years, she would remain his puppet?? 

Adrianna quickly made a U-turn, driving to the most popular and exquisite designer store in the whole of California. To get some dresses. 

“Pretty dresses make a pretty girl's day!” She chuckles at the thought of that and pushes the door open to the upscale designer store, the sound of soft music and hum of conversations enveloped her. She makes her way to the reception. 

“Welcome, Miss Houston?? The tall lady behind the desk greeted me. 

Adrianna flashes her a cheeky smile. “How are today's sales going??  Adrianna asks the lady, from their countenance, one could tell they were casual towards each other. 

“Most of the fashion brands launched their newest collections, and are all available at the store.” she pauses to stabilize her fruity voice laced with excitement. “You know what that means Adrianna?? She wiggles her eyebrow. 

Adrianna lets out a chuckle, “ More clothes! More coins.” and collects  the VIP card from the receptionist.” 

“‘The right wing” she informs Adrianna, who in turn nods. 

Upon reaching the right wing, Adrianna's eyes scanned the room, taking in the exquisite on display. She felt her body boost with energy as if she hadn't been worn out some minutes ago. 

Her gaze landed on a familiar figure, Sitting beside a lady. 

She lets out a gasp. Lance Hamilton! What was he doing there?? Millions of questions raced through her mind. 

Lance sat on a plush couch, sipping a glass of champagne, beside sat a stunning woman, with porcelain skin and curly hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall.  Without further introduction, everybody would know she came from money. Like the “old-money- daughter- kind-of-shit!!”

The woman's eyes sparkled like diamonds, she held the latest Chanel bag on her lap. And seems to be laughing at something Lance said. Her other hand was casually fitted in that of Lance. She wore a red fitted dress that hugged her curves, accentuating her slender waist and toned physique. 

“Since when did Lance ploy his way into the words of this class of women?? She mutters to herself. The lady was shamelessly flirting with Lance. Her hands brushed against his chest, obviously leaning closer to him. Sending a pang of jealousy through Adrianna’s chest. 

“I need to leave here”. She reminds herself but why is her body rigid? At that moment she felt goosebumps all over her body. Lance!! Their eyes locked, she could swear for a second she saw excitement in them before they became cold.  And his attention returns to the lady beside him. 

Adrianna took a deep breath and then forced herself to continue shopping.  Her eyes scan the racks for perfect dresses. That's when a white off-shoulder, knee-length silhouette dress caught her attention. The perfect dress for a perfect date. 

As she reached for the dress, the woman with Lance swooped in, snatching it from the rack. “Oh, I will take this one,” she said, flashing a fake smile at her. 

“I was about to take the dress,” Adrianna tells her but the woman rolls her eyes at her. “Sorry, how's that supposed to be my business?? The lady snorts. 

Adrianna's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing. She was going to start up an argument or even a fight over a dress. She shifted her gaze to the sales rep standing beside the woman. “Can I get the same dress?? She asks but the lady shakes her head. 

“I’m afraid Miss Houston, “This is the only design from Dior but I believe there are other dresses with similar designs and patterns. Do you mind if I show you?? She proposes. 

“Don’t worry, I will check them out myself,” Adrianna replied, she glanced at the dress and the proud smirk on the lady’s face before leaving…. 

Adrianna scanned through the rack to find a similar black dress, but it had a floral design and an armless. “This will do the job.” with that she made her way to the changing room. 

**************

As she stood in the changing room. She removed her shirt, but couldn't help but sigh at her reflection in the mirror. She had lost weight and it was quite obvious on her protruding collarbones and cheekbones. 

Suddenly, an approaching footstep caught her attention and her eyes widened in surprise as Lance walked in, the white dress draped over his arm. He smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement, and Adrianna felt a surge of anger and guilt. “What was he doing here?? Why was he gazing at her like a predator ready to devour his prey? She needs to get out of here. 

Well, well, well,” Lance said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Look what we have here. The ice queen is melting away,” 

Adrianna's face flashes with embarrassment, and she quickly tries to cover herself with her arms. “ What are you doing here, Lance?” she demanded. 

Lance chuckled, his eyes roving over her body and then locked with her eyes, she could see the anger and lust in them. He takes a menacing step forward causing her to shiver and step back. 

“Oh, I just wanted to return the dress to you, who knows? Your daddy..yy might have instructed you to pick this dress.” He taunts her, holding out the white gown. 

“I don't want it anymore, give it back to your girlfriend,” She tells him off. 

Lance won't risk harming me here, will he?? The thought of that erupts goosebumps on her skin. Lance. “I think I will leave this here with you. But you look like you could use a little…..distraction.” 

Adrianna shakes her head, she takes a step back, trying to create some distance between them. “You have no right to be here.” she drawl. 

Lance shrugs, his eyes not leaving hers. “I have every right.” He smirks, his voice dripping with arrogance. “ I have all the connections and power across the whole state, Adrianna. No one can stop me! Not even your shit-hole of a father!” 

“Shut the fuck up, Lance, that's a lie!” Adrianna barks, her voice cold. 

“A lie?? He laughed, the sound sending shivers down her spine.  “Oh, have you forgotten who the liar is between us?” He pushes her back, her back pressed to the mirror and he closes the distance between them. 

Adrianna felt a pang of guilt, and she looked away, trying to avoid his gaze. “I didn't have a choice, Lance,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. 

"Oh, didn't you?" he said, his voice teasing. "I think you did, Adrianna. I think you chose to betray me, to lie about me, to ruin my reputation."

Adrianna's eyes snapped back to his, and she felt a surge of anger. "You don't understand, Lance," she said, her voice rising. "My father...he threatened me. He said he would hurt you, that he would kill you in jail if I didn't testify against you."

Lance's expression didn't change, but his eyes seemed to bore into her soul. "And you believed him?" he said, his voice incredulous. "You believed him, and you chose to betray me?"

She felt a tear roll down her cheek, and she nodded, her voice cracking. "I'm sorry, Lance. I'm so sorry."

Lance's expression softened slightly, and he took a step closer to her. "Sorry?" he repeated, his voice low and husky. "You're sorry? That's not enough, Adrianna, Not nearly enough."

As he spoke, he reached out and took the dress from the hook, holding it up against her body. "Stripe and try this on,” His voice commanded “Now!”