CHAPTER 52: 52: THE GLITTER IN THE BAG

The dining table was filled with chattering, none of it from Adrian as he quietly sat beside Alexander.

Chloe did her best to keep sounds coming out of her mouth just so she could hold Alexander’s and his mother’s attention.

Adrian was grateful to her for the first time as it took him away from the limelight and allowed him to think about what was going to happen tonight.

What did Alexander mean by explaining a moan? Did he not know what a moan was or what causes it?

’Who talks that way?!’ Adrian clenched his hand under the table.

’I need you to relax for me, Adrian...’ Adrian sank his teeth on his bottom lip and closed his eyes as he imagined other scenarios where Alexander could use such phrases and he would happily obey.

"Adrian, are you okay?" Mrs. Devereux’s caring voice asked from across the table.

Adrian froze, his cheeks heating up instantly as he hus teeth sank harder on his bottom lip.

He’s been caught! And in broad daylight fantasising about his boss in a way a secretary shouldn’t.

He feared opening his eyes as he believed that everyone would see his thoughts through his eyes.

He was embarrassed!

If he could just crawl under the table and remain there until everyone left.

"Mr. Cole, are you alright?" Alexander’s deep voice asked beside Adrian.

Before Adrian could even try to shift away from the object of his fantasy, he felt Alexander’s hand on his thigh, gently patting him.

’Act normal, act normal, act normal!’

He slowly opened his eyes, his eyes landing right on Mrs. Devereux, "I’m fine, Ma-Mother. Just a little headache." He lied as his hand went under the table to remove Alexander’s hand from his thigh.

"Headache? My son must have made you work late nights, right?" Mrs. Devereux questioned, her voice filled with concern.

"I didn’t, mother. You never told me you had a headache," Alexander’s tone softened, his hand easily manoeuvring Adrian’s under the table and lacing their fingers together.

Adrian was hyperventilating. He used his free hand to pick up his glass of water and downed it in a gulp. He needed something to cool the fire in his body. The fire Alexander’s thumb over his wrist was casually fanning.

"I..." he cleared his throat and glanced down at the way Alexander’s thumb continued to draw lazy circles on the inside of his wrist, "It just started. I’m not overworked. I’m sure it will stop with a little rest." Adrian said, his heart beating quickly as he glanced around the table. Everyone was staring at him with different expressions on their faces.

"Oh, dear. You’re just returning from the office, and I here I am forcing you to sit through a long lunch with us –"

"No, no. I’m fine, really. Please, enjoy your meal, I’m happy to meet such an astounded woman like yourself. It’s an honour to dine with you," Adrian smiled genuinely.

Take away the drama Alexander and himself. Everything else was great. It’s not every day someone gets to meet a renowned, and talented family like the Devereux family, and even the popular model, Chloe, even though he still hated her, she was good at what she did.

"Aww, I’m flattered, such a kind soul. Eat up, then, before the food gets cold," Mrs. Devereux encouraged with a smile.

"Yes," Adrian nodded and picked up his fork, ignoring the way Alexander held his hand under the table.

Act normal, right? That’s exactly what he was doing.

"If you’re really tired or sick, I can take you to the hospital and have you checked up –"

"Oh, Alexander, but you just heard him. He said he was fine... You really do care for your employees," Chloe suddenly chipped in, her voice high.

She could take it no longer. She had tried her best to keep Alexander’s and Mrs. Devereux’s attention on herself since the beginning of their lunch. But the moment Adrian pauses and closes his eyes, everyone turns their undecided attention to him.

She was boiling with jealousy and anger, and her resolve to hurt Adrian only intensified.

"She’s right, I’m fine," Adrian subtly snatched his hand from Alexander and crossed his legs so Alexander didn’t return his hand to his thigh.

"If you say so," Alexander stared at Adrian’s face for a little while longer before he resumed eating his food.

"Alexander, you shouldn’t leave your wife at home because you’re working. Adrienne is such a sweet soul. You should bring her to the penthouse next time you plan on staying longer than a day for work. Who knows, she might come in handy since she has an idea or two about your job," Mrs. Devereux suddenly suggested, her eyes going from Alexander to Adrian.

Adrian forced his hand not to pause mid-air since it would only heighten Mrs. Devereux’s suspicion if she had one.

He forced his food into his mouth and forced his hand back to the table. Sweats trickled down his forehead, and his throat suddenly went dry.

’Why did she have time to bring Adrienne up?!’ He panicked.

If they dared to ask his two personas to appear at the same time, he was afraid a drama was about to unfold. He had to think fast before anyone decided that.

Alexander cleared his throat, glancing at Chloe, who had an idea of the deal between him and Adrienne, "That’s a great idea, Mother. My wife would definitely love to spend time with me at the penthouse, too. It’s about time the house had a touch of a woman." He smiled.

"Perfect, then when do we meet? You don’t have to keep your wife away from your work. Your father worked side by side with me till the very end. Set a date, just you, Adrienne, Adrian, and me," Mrs. Devereux said, sipping her wine.

Adrian chuckled, "Oh, that’s great, but u don’t want to meddle in family affairs. Maybe you can invite Chlie to this date. She’s been a family friend for years and is more familial than I am –"

"Don’t worry, Adrian, Chloe will meet Adrienne when the time comes. For now, I just want to see the most important people in my son’s life sitting together. As a mother, I want to make sure his work-life balance is perfect," Mrs. Devereux cut Adrian off with her reasonable explanation.

’Oh, shit... shit is really getting real!’ Adrian thought dreadfully.

"But, I’m not that important to Mr. Devereux, I’m just his secretary –"

"And that’s why you’re important, Adrian. You heard my mother the first time, you’re the first one to last more than a month... you are important," Alexander interjected calmly, nodding gently at Adrian.

’Devil! Stop with all the act!’ Adrian cursed inwardly.

"If you say so, boss," Adrian slowly nodded.

Chloe watched with a frown, her malicious intent climbing lighter and higher.

’Important to Alexander, right? I’m just the stupid, loud, Chloe. Fine, I’ll make sure you have no one but me in your life, Alexander. I’m the only one you should love and desire!’

"Chloe, are you listening?" Mrs. Devereux asked in a gentle voice.

Chloe snapped out of her evil mind and turned to the woman, "I’m so sorry, Mother, Angelica’s cooking is so perfect, I get lost in the taste," She laughed softly, covering her hand over her mouth like a proper lady.

"It’s alright, darling. I was asking if you’re ready to follow me to the mall. Since you selected such amazing vegetables and fruits for Alexander, I need your eyes for fresh fruits. Do you mind?" Mrs. Devereux asked Chloe.

"I don’t mind, mother. I’m done eating anyway," Chloe smiled, wiping her mouth with her napkin and glancing nervously at Adrian, hoping he wouldn’t call her out on her lie about the vegetables.

"We will meet again, Adrian. I have high hopes for you," Mrs. Devereux said and stood to place a kiss on Adrian’s head.

Adrian blushed, "See you, soon, mother," He replied, waving at her and totally ignoring Chloe behind him. He didn’t need to call her out on her lie, not yet.

"I’ll walk you –"

"Don’t worry, son. Chloe is with me, she is such a sweetheart," Mrs. Devereux hooked an arm on Chloe’s, leading her towards the exit.

"Goodbye, mother," Alexander said, smiling.

Adrian sat stiffly and watched the women leave, the moment the door slid shut, he sprang to from the chair and released a loud sigh.

That was one he’ll of an uncomfortable dining.

He had to call in for an excuse for either himself or Adrienne. It was just humanly impossible for him to appear as a secretary and a wife. It felt like a trap.

Alexander turned to Adrian, his eyes steady, "Couldn’t wait to get away from me?" He asked calmly.

"Yes, boss," Adrian answered without thinking.

He couldn’t lie, indeed he was eager to leave Alexander’s side, no need to act normal now that it was just the two of them.

Alexander nodded and slowly stood to face Adrian.

"Your headache?" He questioned.

"I’m fine, boss. If you have no duty for me at the moment, I will be in my room," he said and turned away.

But his wrist was suddenly grabbed by Alexander’s hand, stopping his steps.

"But I haven’t dismissed you, secretary," Alexander countered slowly, striding over to block Adrian’s path.

Adrian balled his fists, "What do you want, boss?" His professional mask was back.

Alexander gritted his teeth, hating the way Adrian reverted to his cold ways.

"Do you really hate me?" Alexander found himself asking before he could shut his mouth.

Adrian laughed, shaking his head and gently taking his hand out of Alexander’s hold. He lifted his face and stared right at Alexander, his eyes clear.

"You want me to answer honestly or as a professional secretary?" He asked seriously.

"As Adrian," Alexander said, pushing his hand into his pocket.

Adrian nodded, "For four months, I didn’t hate you. I admired you as a cool, smart, handsome boss –"

"Handsome?" Alexander asked, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"I’m just stating facts, boss," Adrian cleared his throat and continued, "But, the moment I asked for a loan and you coldly turned me down, I started to despise you from then on. You’re unempathetic, controlling, wicked, cold," Adrian frowned as he thought of all the hard times he’d faced because of Alexander.

"But then, I’m grateful to you because you have suddenly cleared all my debt, but I hate you again because you did it with the intention to own, to control. Yes, you’ve stated many times that you do not run a charity organisation and I understand, but the way you command me, the way you try to encroach on my personal life, the way you treat and speak to me... It’s starting to look like you’re running a slave organisation," Adrian inhaled shakily, swallowing down his anxiety as Alexander kept staring at him with an unreadable expression.

He cleared his throat again and glanced away, "All I’m saying is, treat me right. I know we’re of different status and I’m not asking for friendship or more, I’m just saying you treat me like a human, not a slave. I have my life to live outside working for you, and you don’t have to worry, I promise to work and pay off my debt, even if it’s for the rest of my life. Just, let me have a life outside you." Adrian finished and slowly turned away, heading toward his room.

Alexander stood alone, his eyes narrowing at Adrian’s disappearing figure.

Out of everything that was said, Adrian’s last words were what stuck in Alexander’s head.

’A life that doesn’t involve me?’ He frowned, imagining what he would be doing for those periods when Adrian would be living his life without him.

’Who would he be spending it with? Sebastian? Jacob? Or even Nolan?’

For whatever reason was behind Alexander’s possessiveness, he didn’t care, he needed to keep Adrian by his side, willingly or Adrian said, the slave method.

He moved, heading to Adrian’s bedroom. Maybe, he could find ways to make Adrian admire him again. He had been so nonchalant these first four months, acting like he didn’t notice his busy secretary.

He wondered if things would have been different between them if he had actually developed a good relationship with Adrian during that period.

Well, he could start now.

Adrian had run right into his bathroom the moment he entered his room, splashing cold water on his face to reduce the heat.

"Shit. That was too much!" He covered his face and groaned.

"No, I should have been quiet, what have I done? Is he going to take it well, or hate me more? Damn, I fucked up –"

"Mr. Cole," Alexander’s voice called from Adrian’s room.

Adrian froze, staring at his wet, flushed face in the mirror with widened eyes.

"No, he can’t be on here," He murmured, biting his lip.

"Mr. Cole?" Alexander called again, his voice approaching the bathroom.

"Yes, b-boss, I’m right here. I’ll be out in a second, just doing, um... doing my business," Adrian hurried to explain, clenching his shirt tightly.

"You have three minutes. I’m waiting out here, we need to talk," Alexander replied calmly.

"Jerk," Adrian mumbled, frowning at the door.

’Can’t you just go?’ He sighed, his pulse racing with the thought of the unknown.

In the room, Alexander walked away from the bathroom door and stood by the side of the bed, noting how the room seemed unlived in. Adrian was trying his best not to get comfortable in Alexander’s home. He barely touched anything in there and the bed was neatly made except for the half-unzipped backpack on the bed.

He sighed, about to turn away and leave, but something caught his eye in the backpack.

Alexander froze, his blood turning cold as his heart raced with many impossible thoughts.

Slowly, he turned back to the bed and moved closer.

He picked up the backpack to ensure he hadn’t mistaken. And, as he looked into the backpack, his heart and whole body shuddered with disbelief and anger.

He would recognise that glitter anyway, he had purchased it himself!

He wasn’t crazy after all, he had only given his secretary less credit than he deserved.

Alexander’s hand trembled as he pulled the box, the diamond catching the light and twinkling brightly.

There it was — the same ring that had clung to Adrienne’s ring a few days ago. The same faint scent of her perfume still whispered from the box.

A slow, dangerous smile spread across his lips.

"So it was you all along..." he murmured, his voice low, almost reverent. "My sweet little liar."

He closed the bag and straightened, the calm mask sliding back into place.

Three minutes. That’s all Adrian had left before the truth came knocking on his bathroom door.