[ Adeline ]I closed the door of my mother’s room once I gave her medicines and we talked about our lives. She was in a vulnerable condition, she tolerated my father’s shitty behaviour and kept quiet for my and Addison’s sake.I broke my heart but when I saw Xavier’s stand to protect my mother from my father’s torture. I am under his debt now.“Some sherry would do?” Xavier’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.I looked over him. He had two glasses and a bottle of sherry.“I think I need one right now.” I said as a lot was going inside my head.He poured some in my glass once we sat in the living room in complete silence.“Thanks.”“For what?” He raised his eyes above the glass.“For what you have done today. Going against my father and wedging a direct enmity with him isn’t something that everyone do.” I said honestly.“You don’t need to thank me for anything I do for you, Ade. You are my wife and it’s my duty to always keep you and your loved ones happy.” He answered, he was speak

[ Adeline ]“So, here is our final proposal, for next two years, Skylark Group will bear 67% of the total cost on manufacturing on the interest rate of 7%, we’ll use our resources to lay down the base of our collaborative cruise ship making. The total number of the ships will be ten in the initial three years because we are yet to expand ourselves overseas and the current economy indicates that we must not exceed this number because the customers in our country aren’t keen to buy private cruise ship with the next generation luxury. They have their private jets and ships. Our aim should be the East Asian countries where we can find a potential market.” I paused with my presentation to see if anyone had any query.“Mr. Cowper?” I raised my eyes at the middle-aged man.The meeting room was silent with tension. As much as I hated the man’s cocky attitude, this deal was very important for my company as it could be proved a milestone in company’s growth.“Your idea is radical, Ms. Linwood

[ Xavier ]The last night was bliss for me after a long, painful week. Adeline finally crumbled down the invisible wall she made between us. We spent most of the night, awake and cuddling in each other’s arms. We didn’t talk much. Only I knew how I restrained myself from having her but she might regret it later.I have to wait until she is ready to mend the ridge between us or should I say, I must choose a path as soon as possible. I have to give Emily what she needs to live her life independently. And I am going to start by giving her a job in our Boston branch so she’d be away from spotlight.My phone vibrated and it showed my father’s number. We hadn’t talked much in recent days since he had been taking his treatment and he needs rest from worries.“Hello, Dad. How are you?” I asked him.“What am I hearing, my son?” Came his flat voice from the other side, I could detect traces of shock in his words as well.“What are you hearing, Dad? Can you tell me in detail so I can give you a

[ Xavier ]“What were you doing at a public place despite my warning to stay low profile, Emily?” I asked her very calmly but I was far from being calm. My already messed up life has been thrown into another storm and I must act fast to save us all from humiliation which may lead to our downfall both in profession and in personal life.“I am sorry, Xavie. I know you are mad at me right now but trust me, it was my friend Candace who insisted me to join her. I met her to discuss the rent. She is living in a big apartment and she offered me to stay with her until I get settled and have a decent job to pay off my rent. Please, believe me, I had no intentions to get caught in public’s eyes. You know I never went in that jewellry store. My new hair style helped me to not come in anyone’s eyes until Adeline caught me and confronted me in front of everyone.” She sobbed at last.I clenched my jaws. She had audacity to blame Adeline for her recklessness.“It’s not her fault. Anyone would have a

[ Adeline ]To say, I wasn’t uncomfortable around the richest and most influential personalities of the city, would be an understatement. They had regal persona and each of them stood out. I inched closer to my husband who seemed my safety wall right in the moment.“There are Mr. and Mrs. Williamson. Let’s meet them first.” He said in my ear and led us to the couple who stood out among the others.“Mr. Williamson, Mrs. Williamson, my heartful wishes on your fifty years of togetherness. I wish you see more years together.” Xavier shook his hand with the man and kissed the woman’s cheek.“Oh, my young boy, Xavier. I thought you won’t be coming tonight.” Mr. Williamson said, his wrinkled eyes gleamed.“And this pretty lady must be your better half?” Mrs. Williamson scanned me from top to bottom, her gaze was intimidating but in a positive way.“Happy wedding anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Williamson. Yes, I am Adeline Greyson, his wife.” I introduced myself and handed her my gift.“Oh My, swe