Emma's POV:

"You're really enjoying this, aren't you?" he whispered in my ear, his voice deep and magnetic.

Shock, anger, and shame filled my heart...

While my mind wanted to get away from him, my body betrayed me with his touch.

Tears rolled down my cheeks, and Adrian paused, kissing them away. "Why are you crying? Don't you like this?"

"Adrian, what are you trying to do..."

My voice cracked, thick with tears. "Don't tell me you're just drunk – you're supposed to be with Aria..."

Adrian opened his mouth to speak, but just then, a sharp ringtone interrupted our conversation.

It was his phone.

I saw Aria's name on the screen, and so did Adrian. He immediately pulled away from me, murmuring, "Aria..."

He gave me one last look before walking out with his phone.

I sat there, laughing through my tears. Of course - he'd abandoned me again. Maybe he thought I was Aria, or maybe he was just drunk and needed someone to satisfy his desires. I was just a convenient distraction.

Adrian always made me feel worthless.

But I wouldn't allow him to hurt me again. I had work tomorrow, and after that, I'd find a place nearby to move into.

The next morning at ten, I walked into the office. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. After a brief meeting, I started writing my interview script.

After finishing the script, I went to get my makeup done. By afternoon, I was in front of the camera, interviewing an entrepreneur.

I was a bit nervous, but today's guest was an energetic and lively entrepreneur. His engaging manner helped me relax.

Half an hour later, filming wrapped up.

The director and crew seemed happy with my performance.

There was a team dinner, but I skipped it since I needed to find an apartment.

I planned to take a quick walk around, grab a bite, and then get to apartment hunting.

I walked into a nearby restaurant alone. A few minutes after sitting down, I heard a familiar voice behind me, "Emma?"

I turned to see Aria and Adrian standing a few feet away, arm in arm.

Out of nowhere, Aria gently grabbed my hand.

"Hey, Emma! What a coincidence running into you. It's your first day at work, right?" Her voice had a touch of excitement. "Adrian and I were just thinking about celebrating with you." Then without asking, she pulled Adrian to sit down.

I couldn't believe my bad luck. I just wanted to focus on work, so why did they keep showing up?

Aria ordered several bottles of wine and some expensive dishes.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the sunset painted everything with a warm red glow, making the view breathtakingly beautiful.

After ordering, Aria excitedly pulled out her phone to show me a photo.

"Emma, what do you think of this wedding dress?"

I glanced at it quickly and replied casually, "Looks nice."

"Really? But it's so expensive, right? Honestly, I'm not sure about spending $100,000 on a dress I'll only wear once," Aria hesitated.

I turned to Adrian and said, "If that's what you want, Adrian will definitely buy it for you."

As soon as I said that, Adrian gave me a blank stare.

Aria wrapped herself around his neck like a vine, kissing his cheek affectionately.

"Adrian, really? Can I get this wedding dress?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement, like a kid at Christmas.

Adrian smiled and nodded at her, and in that moment, Aria shot me a smug look.

My wedding with Adrian had been simple and private, but Aria's wedding dress would cost a small fortune.

Clearly, this was why she had insisted on treating me to dinner.

This dinner was unbearable. I gripped my knife and fork tightly, barely touching my food.

Now, I just wanted this tedious dinner to end as quickly as possible.

Just then, I spotted Jonathan Harrison, our TV station's department head.

He was dining with a group, and when he saw me, he said something to his companions before walking quickly toward me.

"Hi, Emma. I was going to invite you to join us, but I see you already have plans," Jonathan said, flashing a smile.

"I'm sorry, maybe next time," I politely declined. "I wouldn't want to interrupt your time with your family."

"No worries, I'm actually single and don't have any family commitments."

When Jonathan revealed his single status, the atmosphere suddenly took on a more flirtatious vibe.

Jonathan held my gaze until he seemed to realize it might not be the best move.

"Well, I shouldn't interrupt your dinner," he said with a smile. "If you need any help with work, just let me know - I'm always happy to help."

"Thank you," I replied gratefully. Having a boss who was so friendly and supportive would definitely make my job easier.

I waved goodbye with a smile, but when I turned around, I met Adrian's cold, stern gaze.

"When did you get a job?" he asked, his tone icy.

"Day before yesterday."

After a long pause, Adrian suddenly stood up. "Emma, let's talk outside."

He stared at me for a moment, barely giving me a chance to refuse before turning to leave.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Aria clutching her phone, glaring at me. But I knew I had to follow him and get this over with.

Adrian stood under a maple tree outside the restaurant. The setting sun filtered through the leaves, casting shadows on him, adding to his mysterious aura.

No one could ever guess what he was thinking.

His handsome face could charm any woman - that's what had drawn me to him in the first place.

Unfortunately, he had broken my heart without a second thought.

I stopped a short distance from him. "What is it?"

"Quit your job," Adrian turned to face me and said sharply, clearly not planning to give me any chance to refuse.