Chapter 24: A King's Collection

"Tell me about your mother," Renee asked.

Adrian smiled, his eyes showing a hint of sadness as he said, "My mother. Her name was Freya. I loved her very much -"

"Loved?" Renee inquired. Minutes passed, and Renee questioned Adrian about his background.

Adrian answered, "She passed away years ago."

"I'm sorry. What about your father?" Renee sought.

"My father, Anthony King, our relationship is... complicated. It began when he decided to remarry. His intentions were good at the start, to provide me with a mother figure, but our blended family dynamic was far from harmonious," Adrian explained. "Over time, my stepfamily seemed to win his favor, while I felt myself slipping away from him."

"I'm telling you this so you won't be surprised when you meet my family in the future," Adrian admitted. He knew his father would oppose his plans to marry Riley, so he had to be upfront about his relationship with Anthony King.

"I envy Riley for having you until this day. You have raised Riley well as