CHAPTER 010
ADRIAN’S POV
Flipping through what felt like the 100th file of the day, I paused and pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling the stress of everything so far, getting on my nerves.
I leaned back and took a glance at my watch, my stomach growled as I realized I hadn‘ t eaten anything since my morning breakfast and I didn’t want to eat dinner alone.
Pulling out my phone, I scrolled through the contact list, only stopping when I saw the name of the person I was looking for James my best friend, or at least, the person closest to me, to be dimmed a best friend.
We’ve been in at it farther than I could remember, though we stopped talking for a while after he left the country that was years ago and now he was back, we got talking again, and as the brother I considered him to be he was always there. I shot him a quick text, letting him know that we should meet up.
The city lights flickered outside the tinted windows of my car as we drove toward my favorite restaurant. James sat beside me, scrolling mindlessly through his phone, the screen illuminating his face in the dim interior.
“You know,” he muttered, not looking up, “we come here so often it’s basically your second home.”
I smirked, glancing at him. “Maybe it is.”
It didn’t take long before the familiar sight of the upscale restaurant came into view. The sleek, golden lettering above the entrance shimmered under the glow of streetlights.
My driver smoothly pulled up to the curb, and without hesitation, I stepped out, adjusting the cuffs of my suit. James followed, stretching his arms lazily.
–
The moment we entered, the warm ambiance wrapped around us a soft hum of conversations, the clinking of silverware against fine china, and the rich aroma of gourmet dishes wafting through the air.
The place was packed as usual, filled with people dressed in their finest attire, yet the moment they noticed me, the room subtly shifted.
A staff member, barely able to mask his nervousness, quickly went toward the back, no doubt going to alert the owner. I merely sighed, already used to the reaction. It wasn’t surprising.
I had invested a significant amount into this place when it was nothing but an idea, and now it was one of the most renowned restaurants in the city. Every time I stepped inside, I was treated like royalty.
James nudged me as we made our way toward our usual table. “Still not used to all the staring?” he teased.
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I ignored him, casually adjusting my tie as we took our seats. Moments later, the owner himself approached, his usual broad smile stretched across his face.
“Mr. Adrian, Mr. James,” he greeted with an air of respect, though there was a slight tremor in his voice. “A pleasure to have you both dining with us tonight.”
James leaned back, resting his arm against the chair. “We’ll have the usual,” he said
without hesitation.
The owner hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. “Ah, it may take some time, sirs. You didn‘ t book an appointment for us to prepare it in advance.”
I glanced up at him, my expression stern. “And so what? I can come anytime I want, I don’t need to book an appointment all the time.” My voice was calm, yet laced with an unmistakable coldness.
The owner swallowed hard, his hands slightly fidgeting. “O…of course, you’re right, sir. I’ll bring some wine and appetizers to keep you occupied while the main course is prepared.”
As he scurried away, James let out a chuckle, shaking his head. “You gotta give the guy a break, man.”
I scoffed. “The moment you do that, they start forgetting where they belong,” I said, picking up my phone. “Just like Olivia.”
James‘ eyebrows rose in amusement. “You still haven’t given me the load down brother, What did she do this time?”
I exhaled sharply, my fingers scrolling through social media aimlessly. “She got pregnant. Then lost the baby. Not that I care.” I said bitterly. “She was reckless while carrying a child.”
James tilted his head slightly, his brown eyes popped out clearly surprised. “Pregnant? Was she still with you when she found out?”
“No.” My tone was dismissive. “And I don’t care. She wanted a divorce, and she’s not going to get one.”
James studied me for a moment as if trying to decipher something beneath my words. “If you don’t want to divorce her why not try fixing things between you two.”
“There’s nothing to fix, James.” My voice was devoid of emotion.
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, I’m not taking sides here, but she did. catch you cheating.”
I shot him a sharp look. “Correction, it was a misunderstanding. Dora spiked my drink, and Olivia walked in at the wrong time.”
James let out a low whistle. “That’s messy, bro.”
Before I could respond, the restaurant doors swung open, and my attention
instinctively shifted as Dora walked in with effortless grace. Her presence
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commanded attention as she always did.
Even though I was still angry at her for what she had done, it had been a while since I spoke to her face to face, but still, I couldn’t deny her beauty. She knew how to turn heads how to make people stop and stare. It was almost like an art form for her.
She took a seat at a nearby table, unaware of my presence yet. My eyes lingered on her longer than they should have, my emotions torn between indifference and intrigue. Some part of me hoped she wouldn’t notice me, but another part of me… wanted her
- to.
James followed my gaze and smirked. “Speak of the devil.”
His words snapped me back to reality.
I had introduced her to this restaurant once, and since then, she had been coming here often, though not as much as I did. I wondered if it was a coincidence that she was here tonight or if she had planned this.
The owner returned with a group of waiters trailing behind him, each carrying multiple dishes. The sight caused murmurs to spread through the restauránt.
People probably assumed the food was meant for several different tables, but soon enough, their whispers turned into silent shock as every single dish was placed in front of me.
I smirked, relishing their reactions.
However, the commotion drew Dora’s attention. I felt her gaze before I even looked up. When I finally did, a small smile tugged at her lips.
She knew I had seen her, and without hesitation, she pushed back her chair and stood. And just like that, she started walking toward me.
James chuckled under his breath. “Look who’s coming over.”
I leaned back in my chair, letting out a deep sigh awaiting what would come next.
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