Adrian's POV:

After Emma left, I dropped Aria off at her place.

She asked me to stay, but I refused. I couldn't shake the image of Emma’s heartbroken face.

Sitting in my car, I silently smoked a cigarette, letting the sharp burn settle my restless mind. Then, I told my driver to head to the Blue Room.

The Blue Room, one of the hottest bars in town, and tonight it was packed.

As soon as I walked in, I spotted Nathan Reynolds and Connor Mitchell.

The three of us had been buddies since we were kids.

Nathan jumped right in as I approached. "Did you see Emma?"

"Yeah." I replied, signaling the bartender for a whiskey.

"You're really going through with the divorce?" Nathan pressed, watching me carefully.

"Yeah." I muttered, lighting another cigarette.

"Emma agreed?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Then why do you look so miserable?"

‘Why indeed?’ I exhaled a smoke ring, my thoughts swirling.

Despite pushing Emma away, I couldn't deny what my heart knew - Emma was even more captivating than she was three years ago.

She wasn't that young girl anymore.

She'd grown more elegant, more sophisticated. Those three years abroad had given her a vibe of mystery, an alluring quality.

She'd transformed from a tiny rosebud into a stunning bloom.

But soon, this rose wouldn't be mine.

Years ago, Aria had sacrificed her health to save me.

She got cancer, and her only wish was to marry me. How could I refuse? I had to take responsibility.

Just then, a message popped up from Emma: "Adrian, have you set up the meeting with the lawyer? When are we signing?"

I turned off my phone and downed my whiskey in one shot.

The thought of "divorcing Emma" felt like nails on a chalkboard. I could only numb myself with alcohol.

Emma's POV:

After leaving the Michelin restaurant, I went home. On the way, I texted Adrian about rushing the divorce. Loving him hurt too much - I just wanted to get away from him. Maybe I'd be alone after the divorce, but it couldn't hurt more than this.

He never replied or came back to our marital home.

For the next few days, he seemed busy. I didn't see him or get a chance to bring up the divorce again.

I couldn't keep dwelling on this - I also had to focus on my job interviews.

My three years studying in the Kingdom of Merida had given me valuable experience, and now I was looking to work in television.

I had an interview at a company called Pinnacle Press.

"Ms. Reed, we've reviewed your resume. With your qualifications, you could apply to better companies. Why did you choose us?" the interviewer asked.

"What really drew me to this field is delivering content that actually matters to viewers. The media should open people's eyes to the truth, not deceive them. I believe Pinnacle Press has the courage to do that, and to take responsibility for it." I replied.

The interviewer studied me for a moment before giving an approving smile and passing me through.

There's more to life than chasing Adrian, right?

I checked the time and decided to head home to make dinner. As soon as I walked in, I noticed Adrian's shoes on the rack.

I remembered that unanswered text – and now I was sure he was purposely stalling the divorce.

If he loved Aria, and they were engaged and even planning their honeymoon, why hadn't he signed the papers?

Was he enjoying watching me heart break over and over again?

I took a deep breath and walked into the living room, hoping to find some hint of malice in Adrian's eyes.

But as soon as I entered, I saw him clutching his stomach in pain.

"My stomach... it hurts..."

The strong smell of alcohol hit him. He'd been drinking heavily.

I quickly found his stomach medicine, grabbed a glass of water, and handed them to him.

After taking the medicine, he closed his eyes, leaned back on the sofa, and hugged a pillow.

No one is made of steel.

Even the usually cold Adrian was vulnerable as a kitten when he was sick.

I couldn't help but steal a few glances. Despite everything, I preferred this vulnerable side of him – so different from his usual arrogant, domineering self.

I went to get a blanket from my room for him.

When I laid it over him, he barely acknowledged me, just a quick glance, not even saying thanks.

I thought maybe I could talk to him now, when he was at his weakest.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my courage. "Have you arranged the meeting with the lawyer? When are we signing?"

"Why are you in such a rush to divorce? Is it because of that Meridan artist?" Adrian's gaze hardened, anger flashing in his eyes. "I sent you to study in Merida, not to mess with men!"

"Messed around? Adrian, do you even hear yourself? You know exactly what this is about!" In that moment, anger flared up like a flame inside me, making my body tremble. "You're the one who wanted the divorce, yet you're the one stalling. What exactly is it that you want?"

He fell silent. I shook my head and stepped back. "I won't let you keep insulting me. I'm moving out today-"

Before I could turn away, he suddenly yanked me back toward him.

He pinned me against the sofa, and before I could process what was happening, his warm lips were on mine, kissing me passionately.

I was completely caught off guard. "...Adrian Thorne, are you insane?"

But he didn't give me a chance to resist. He locked both of my hands above my head with one hand, while the other quickly began undressing me.

His kisses trailed down my collarbone and breasts, his wet tongue teasing my nipples, sending a jolt of pleasure through my entire body like a surge of electricity.

"Mmm..." I moaned involuntarily, my heart pounding, and under his touch and kisses, my body melted completely, turning into a puddle in his hands!