June 27, 2024. Chapter 2-2. What would happen if Brian meets Riley at the grand opening of ADLEY?
At Halliport Mega Mall's newly rented space, elegant flowers and large white ribbons decorated the area. Cocktail tables stood evenly outside the store, and attendants served expensive champagne and canapes. "Today, we gather to witness a special moment: the grand opening of Adley & Co. Ladies and gentlemen, honorable guests, dear shoppers, we embark on this exciting journey together in three two one!" a host announced as she stood before the store's entrance. Adrian and Riley cut the long ribbon at the front, and the host declared, "Congratulations, Adley & Co.! And for everyone who celebrated with us, Adley & Co. is giving away a 20% discount on all items until tomorrow! So, come on and shop now!"Riley still could not believe this was real. Her dreams were crushed not long ago, but now, she was back to chasing them again. She had a big smile, and her eyes were brimming with tears as she turned to Adrian. He hugged him and said, "Thank you, Hun. Thank you so much. I love you."Fr
Brian and his manager-employee arrived at the Mega Mall at about 1 p.m. Although they knew the opening ceremony was in the morning, they avoided the crowd. Anyone could quickly identify them. Brian did not want their new competitor to discover how they were checking their items. Also, Brian was uncertain if he was ready to see Riley again. He hid in one mall area with a perfect view of the store. In his mind, he read, 'Adley.'From afar, he saw Riley walking in the direction of the store. The sight of her made Brian's heart gallop. 'Was this Riley?' To his surprise, Riley looked very happy and confident. It reminded him of the Riley he once fell in love with. Her beauty radiated, and she looked refined in her white business attire. The men around her stared at her in awe. Brian felt his throat become dry. For a fleeting moment, he felt jealous. He wanted to punch the men who were eyeing Riley! "Fuck, what am I doing?" When he realized what he was thinking, Brian closed his eyes a
"I'm going to kill him," Adrian declared."Adrian? Brian is not worth our time," Riley scolded. She put her hands on her waist and suggested, "What would happen to our children if their father is locked up in jail for murder."The two were discussing Brian's unexpected visit inside the store's mini-office. Clint was with them, listening to their discussion. "Why would I go to prison?" Adrian turned to his assistant and suggested, "Clint will do it for me."Hearing that, Clint choked on his spew. He coughed violently before proposing, "Ah, Mr. King, me? It doesn't have to be me. I know a guy who knows a guy that definitely knows someone who has connections with the mafia."Riley narrowed her eyes at Clint before a laugh escaped her lips. She commented, "Clint is so funny.""I did not think it was funny," Adrian said. "Big secrets should only be kept within people we trust. In any case, Brian needs to learn his lesson. He is going to ask about Adley for sure."He instructed Clint, "Tel
"How did we overlook this, Clint?" Adrian demanded. They were inside Adrian's study, discussing Brian at eight in the evening. "Sir, I apologize. We focused on your stepfamily," Clint said regretfully. "But I'll have someone follow Brian from now on.""Do that and monitor the entire Martin's," Adrian instructed. And how are Brian and Claire? How did they progress to getting married? Haven't you tipped off Mr. Barlowe about Claire's location?"Initially, Adrian intended to let Brian believe he had struck gold with Claire. He planned to make Brian suffer longer by making him marry Claire and raise his debatable child. Why? Because Adrian was still trying to win Riley's love and didn't want Brian to come running back to her.However, things had changed. Adrian was now confident of Riley's love. Consequently, he could accelerate his plans to ruin Claire, Brian, and his family."Yes, Sir. Mr. Barlowe already knows about Claire's location. One of my contacts is the security guard at Mr. Ma
What would happen if the legal wife confronted her husband’s mistress? Riley imagined she would remain composed. After all, she was in the right, and she had every reason to fight, but her body unknowingly shook from anger. It was challenging to contain the hatred she harbored for this woman before her. “What are you doing here?” Claire Monet, the young mistress, asked.Riley Allen Martin, twenty-seven, the legal wife and accomplished jewelry designer, responded fiercely, “I decided to fight for my marriage.”“But you've already agreed to the divorce,” Claire reacted, her big blue eyes narrowing and her face darkening.Ignoring Claire, Riley attempted to walk past her, but Claire grabbed her wrist and pointed out, “I’m pregnant with Brian’s child.”Pulling her arm away, Riley curtly said, “I need to talk to—”"Ahhh! Miss Riley? What did I do to you?” Before Riley knew it, Claire was sprawled on the floor, calling, “Brian, she pushed me! Help! Our baby!"Stupefied, Riley was shocked
"My baby!" Riley woke up with her hand on her belly, her heart beating wildly. "My baby -""Riley, calm down—" Riley turned to a man who was calling her name. She was shocked by his presence and initially could not grasp what he was saying.Next to her hospital bed was Adrian King, the first son of the wealthiest family in the city of Halliport. Though there was a noticeable change in him, Riley immediately recognized him. He was a figure from her past, someone who had become a stranger to both her and her husband.On a normal and happy day, Riley was like a ray of sunshine. She possessed long, wavy blonde hair, a heart-shaped face, and dazzling green eyes. However, that day, Riley did not have to look in the mirror to know she was a mess. Hours earlier, she had been crying her heart out in her car, only to be saved by a stranger. After undergoing medical evaluations and treatments, she passed out due to emotional stress. And now, she found herself back in her miserable state, panicki
In another hospital, Brian Martin held his mistress' hand. Claire was crying in bed, assuming her situation had gotten worse."Brian, I might lose our baby. Your wife, she–she tried to kill our baby," Claire's tear-streaked face bore a look of anguish as she said."I should have just left the city and raised this baby on my own! I'd rather my baby live a peaceful life than be hated by your wife," Claire added. "Why did you have to make me a mistress, Brian? Why?”"I'm sorry, Claire. This was my fault." Brian embraced Claire tightly. He stayed by her side until she cried herself to sleep. Seconds turned into minutes, and Brian continued to stroke her back until he lay her flat on the bed. Brian wiped the tear stains on his lover’s face, feeling helpless. He thought back to the time when he first met Claire.A few months ago, Brian had a business meeting with a VIP client named Mr. Leopard in a high-end KTV bar. They rented a private room, and Claire walked in as the main food attendan
"At six in the morning, Zia came to see Riley first. She reported, "Brian asked me to help check on his... on his..."Zia's words were cut off because Riley resumed, "Claire? He asked you to check on Claire?"Riley frowned, thinking about how Brian blamed her last night. He wouldn’t even listen to her. Then she softly replied, "You should help in any way.""I hate him, and I hate that innocent-looking lover of his even more, but it doesn't mean an unborn child should be deprived of the best medical help. I know you are one of the best new doctors right now, Zia," Riley said. "So, you should. At least he would get off my back, I hope."Riley saw Zia's complicated expression. Zia sighed and replied, "You really are a good person, Riley. My cousin doesn’t deserve you.”Zia took a few steps back and said, "I better go.""Zia?" Riley asked.Looking down, Riley paused and pondered. Then she decided, "I don't want to have anything to do with Brian anymore. I—I don't think you need to tell hi