Chapter - [ 2 ]

[ Adeline Linwood ]

Walking aimlessly on the deserted streets of the city in the earliest hours of morning, I could barely feel anything on my numb body, the chilly air brushing my cold skin, I tried to focus on the road not caring about the surroundings.

I was alone and anything might happen to me, from robbery to rape, anything but at this point, I didn’t care.

While strolling absent-minded, my feet tumbled on a stone and I lost my balance. I roughly hit my forehead on the sharp edge of a stone flake on the lamppost base. I winced as I felt red liquid on my finger tips. Sighing, I looked around. I thought I had to find a shelter for the night.

Suddenly, I heard deep footsteps approaching me. I was near a river bank and no one around. My heart begun to beat loudly in fear.

“Do you usually go out alone for a late night walk or tonight is special?” A deep, smooth voice came from behind me, one I recognized. I slowly craned my neck and came face to face with the familiar figure of my brother-in-law, Xavier Linwood.

His silhouette was intimidating in the dim streetlights yet I felt somewhat safe around him. He was mysterious but a gentleman whom I met only a few times during family occasions. My soon to be ex-husband and Xavier weren’t on good terms.

“Get up, we need to leave. This area isn’t safe to walk alone.” Be stretched his large palm for me to hold and stand up.

Hesitantly, I placed my trembling hand on his palm and he gripped it protectively before pulling me up. I was about to lose my balance but he held my waist and helped me to stand steadily.

“Thanks.” I chipped in a barely audible voice while trying to hide my face from him. I must be looking horrible with red and swollen eyes and tear stricken cheeks.

“Come with me, I know what happened between you and Arthur. I may not be living much in the city but I know whatever happens in the Linwood family. I couldn’t expect least from him but you should be feeling lucky that you got your freedom from him on the mean time.” He said in a bold manner like he appreciated my separation.

“It hurts, Mr. Linwood. I loved your brother for two years in my marriage and what I received in exchange? Betrayal and a mistress who is my own sister.” I chuckled bitterly.

I heard him drawing a deep breath.

“I am sorry if I made you feel offended, Adeline. Please, come with me. You look tired and pretty homeless.” He said and I thought being straightforward is natural for him because he’s harmless.

I nodded and followed behind him. At this hour of the night or I say morning, he looked fresh in his black suit. In the pale light of the street, I observed his facial features. He was handsome without any doubt but also wears a mystery in his personality.

“A penny for your thoughts, Ade?” I heard him asking and he tilted his head slightly so I could see his honey brown eyes.

“What are you doing at this late? I left my home, that’s my case but what was with you?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking him.

“I was at a club. I don’t go there usually but my friends dragged me to celebrate one of their success.” He answered.

I nodded my head and slipped on the backseat of the car which he parked a hundred meters away under a tree.

“You were stalking me?” I threw him a glance.

“You can say this, I did stalk you but only because I recognized you and it made me curious and worried. A call to one of the staff at your dear husband’s house, I knew the whole story. “ he said as the car ran smoothly on the deserted road. I leaned on the glass window and saw the familiar buildings and streets passing swiftly.

Seated in the luxurious living room of Xavier Linwood, I leaned on the comfort of the leather chair. It was gorgeous but I could barely notice my lavish surroundings as my heart sank, exhaustion consumed me. My mind was haunted by Arthur’s memories, eyes burning to insomnia . I felt emotionally damaged.  My stomach twisted as I recalled the events of last two weeks. Arthur has been distant towards me but I never thought he’d actually cheat on me.

I felt completely foolish for weaving some dreams that in reality never existed.

I didn’t realise when sleep took over my senses and for a few hours, I forgot about my miserable life.

“Good morning, Damsel.” I heard the same familiar voice reaching into my ears and I forcefully tore my eyelids open only to meet the handsome face of Xavier Linwood who was holding a mug of aromatic coffee.

I felt embarrassed, I slept on his couch in the living room.

“I am sorry, I slept here.” I looked down.

“It’s okay, it was my mistake. I should have assigned you a room.” He said handing me the mug and I sipped the hot, bitter liquid to fight the throbbing in my head.

“Let’s talk.” He said.

“Talk about what?” I gave him a quizzical look.

“Arthur is going to submit the divorce papers in the court today and seeing the situation and Linda’s connections in the legal system, it will be approved in less than a week. You can’t do much and I won’t advise you to fight for a dead marriage.” He told me.

I felt a pang in my heart.

“Don’t you want to avenge them for ruining your life? It has been going behind your back even before your marriage. Believe me. He married you for the sake f the deal that your father was proposing to his company. Our father saw this chance to change the friendship with your father into something more. Arthur seized the opportunity and used you to save his own ass and his sinking company.” He proposed something I didn’t expect him to come up with.

“I don’t think I want to do anything with them. They don’t exist for me.” I looked away.

“Then I think you’re actually weak and damsel who needed Arthur to protect you. You let him use you.” He said crudely, his words fuelled my anger.

“What will you get if I help you to avenge on them? What’s your catch?” I asked him because I wanted transparency.

“The same as you, my honour and everything which Linda made my father to give to her son.” He said. I felt bad for him. Linda is the second wife of Arnold Linwood and Arthur was the step brother who received everything on a silver platter.

I had to do it for my self-respect. Arthur never respected me because I quit my job at my father’s company, even refused to complete my masters because I was too excited to be his ideal wife whereas Addison was successful and confident in everything. The reason of his betrayal was crystal clear, he picked the best out of us.

I gazed at my wedding ring which I hadn’t returned since Addison wanted the same jewel to wear on her wedding. I couldn’t give her the satisfaction of walking over my shattered dreams. So, I put off the ring and giving it one last look, I threw it out of the window not caring where it fell.

“Good bye, Arthur Linwood. I hope we’ll meet again very soon. Ocean of tears won’t be enough to mourn your drastic fall.”

“Are you ready to become a new Adeline?” Xavier asked slipping a big diamond solitaire on the same place where I wore a despicable man’s symbol like a fool.

I was shocked because I never expected him to come up with such plan.