81 Going Home Together
Turning towards Adrian, I could see that he was also interested in what was being presented. His vivid green eyes were focused on the presentation and his face was thoughtful. I liked the serious expression that he had on his face right now. It made him seem so mature and trustworthy for some reason that I couldn’t explain.
My thoughts wandered to the words of women who were busy gossiping together in the women’s toilet just now. Honestly, I didn’t know what to make of the rumors surrounding Adrian. My first reaction was that it obviously wasn’t true. Adrian just didn’t seem to be that type of person. Well, not that you could judge a book by its cover all the time.
Then again, even if it was true that really didn’t have anything to do with me. Sure, it would mean that I’m such a bad judge of character and I would be sorely disappointed because I had come to really like the guy as one of my clients. Apart from that, I guess it doesn’t really concern me who he sleeps with, who he impregnates, and who he dumps.
As his contract wife, I could be gone the next day as well. The contract can be terminated anytime. He could have me gone exactly when he decided that he no longer has any use for me. I knew that but I still couldn’t help but wonder if those rumors about him was true. A playboy doctor who messes around with the young and pretty nurses. I glanced over at Adrian who was still paying close attention to the presentation as I tried to picture him in that role. Well, for sure, he’s got the looks and the monetary and social status for it.
“Elena...” I heard Adrian calling my name softly.
“Y-yes?” I replied, stuttering a little as I snapped out of my thought.
I looked up from my seat to see him standing right in front of me and we were now the only ones in the room. I guess the meeting had ended and everyone had already left. Did I space out for that long thinking about the rumors?
“I guess you must be tired. Sorry for today, I know the meetings must have been boring for you,” Adrian said apologetically before smiling down at me.
“It’s ok. I actually enjoyed the presentation about the international expansion plans,” I replied truthfully.
.....
“I don’t know, you seem tired and a little down today. Are you feeling well?” Adrian asked with unmasked concern.
“I’m fine. Is this your last meeting?” I asked, quickly changing the subject.
There was no way that I could tell him that I had an emotional breakdown pretty much last night and that my worst nightmare returned as well.
“Yes, it is. Finally, the day is over. Shall we head home?” Adrian asked casually.
It was casual and the way he smiled invitingly at me seemed so natural. I nodded and smiled at him while my mind noted his choice of words. He did just invite me to go home with him, right?
He offered me his hand and I slipped my hand into his shyly before I offered him one of my best smiles. He smiled back before gently pulling me up from my seat. Adrian didn’t let go of my hand until we reached his car in the parking lot. He opened the door on the passenger side of the car for me before he got in on the driver’s side.
“Let’s take my car. You can leave your car here, I’ll drive you home...” he suggested kindly.
“You don’t need to. I’ll get a cab or something for the way back,” I quickly refused.
“I won’t let you do that. I’ll drive you,” he insisted firmly.
Yeah, well, I don’t want you to find out that I live in a run-down building. It wasn’t because I couldn’t afford a better place right now, but I was satisfied with my small little apartment. I didn’t want to have to explain that to him or anyone else though.
“It’s against my policy to have men drive me home so what about you drop me off at the closest intersection? It’s not far off and I can walk the rest of the way,” I said, trying my best to compromise while holding my ground.
“Seriously?” Adrian asked as he turned to look squarely at me. I could tell that he was concerned.
“Yes, I’m sorry. Let’s compromise?” I asked with a small smile.
Adrian hesitated and I could tell that he was far from fine with my proposal. However, after a moment of struggling with himself he heaved a sigh.
“Fine...I’ll do things your way this time,” he finally agreed.
...
It was a short drive to Adrian’s house. Actually, house wasn’t the right word to describe his place. A semi-palace or a huge ass mansion would be more accurate. I stepped out of the car after Adrian had parked at the entryway to his mansion. Immediately, a man dressed in a butler uniform appeared and took the car key from his hand. Adrian smiled kindly to the man as he handed the car key over before turning to me.
“Welcome. I know that it’s your first time here but there’s no need to be nervous. Just act at home. I want you to feel at ease here and of course, I’m looking forward to welcoming you here often in the future,” Adrian said warmly.
“Thank you. You’re too kind, really...” I replied with a smile.
The mansion that I stood in front of was located right at the city center and I couldn’t imagine how much the land alone would cost. In the space where people could hardly afford to buy a small apartment, Adrian owned a massive mansion with a large garden that seemed to stretch on forever around it. It had been a drive from the main gate to the mansion itself.
The garden was very beautifully organized and decorated. Many flowers were in bloom, displaying their wonderful colors. The mansion was in what is probably referred to as the Greek revival style. The building was mainly white and had outstanding decorative pillars matching the Greek style. Overall, it was breathtakingly beautiful and impressive beyond words.
–To be continued...