Marked without a word.
788 Words
Adrian did not like returning to places he had already outgrown. That morning, his driver stopped in front of the family house, a place that still carried his surname but no longer felt like home. Adrian stepped out calmly, dressed in black, posture straight, expression unreadable. The staff greeted him with careful respect. Nothing here had changed. That was exactly why he did not visit often.
His father was already seated at the dining table when Adrian walked in. Breakfast was neatly arranged, untouched. Adrian took the seat opposite him, like a guest rather than a son.
“You came,” his father said.
“You asked,” Adrian replied.
They studied each other for a moment. Two men who understood power in different ways.
His father folded his hands. “We need to talk.”
Adrian reached for his coffee. “Then talk.”
His father exhaled slowly. “The board is restless.”
Adrian raised an eyebrow slightly. “They always are.”
“This time is different,” his father continued. “They want reassurance. Stability.”
Adrian took a sip. Calm. Controlled. “The company is stable.”
“They want you,” his father said. “Settled.”
The word hung in the air.
“I’m not interested in marriage discussions,” Adrian replied evenly.
“You don’t have to be interested,” his father said. “You just have to understand the pressure.”
Adrian leaned back in his chair. “Pressure does not work on me.”
His father nodded slightly. “I know. Which is why I’m speaking to you privately.”
He paused before continuing. “The Martins are offering a partnership extension. Their daughter has been very… hopeful.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened. “No.”
“She has connections. Influence,” his father added.
“She has an obsession,” Adrian said coldly. “And I’m not a solution to it”.
Silence followed.
“If you don’t choose,” his father said carefully, “choices will be presented to you”.
Adrian stood. “Then I’ll choose.”
He left without waiting for a response.
Ivy’s phone vibrated for the third time before she finally picked it up.
“Mia,” she said, already tired.
“Don’t hang up,” Mia rushed. “Please.”
Ivy closed her eyes. “I just got back from work.”
“I know,” Mia said softly. “You sound like that.”
There was a pause.
“You okay?” Mia asked.
Ivy wanted to say yes. She always did. Instead, she said nothing.
Mia exhaled. “Come out with me tonight.”
“I don’t do clubs,” Ivy replied.
“I know,” Mia said. “That’s why I’m asking. Just one night. No thinking. No responsibility.”
“I have Noah,” Ivy said.
“He’ll be asleep,” Mia replied. “And you deserve one night where you’re not holding everything together.”
Ivy looked around the small apartment. At the quiet. At the weight she carried daily.
“…Just for a while,” she said finally.
Adrian didn’t go to clubs for fun.
He went when his thoughts became too loud.
The music helped drown things out. The alcohol slowed the pressure. And no one asked him questions he didn’t want to answer. The club was predictable. People knew who he was. They stayed in line.
That night, he stood at the bar, untouched drink in front of him, mind elsewhere.
Then he noticed her.
She didn’t belong there.
She stood awkwardly, eyes scanning the room like she was searching for exits instead of excitement. Her discomfort was obvious. Adrian’s gaze lingered without intention.
Until a man stepped too close, trying to touch her inappropriately. He was obviously drunk and not in his right mind. Ivy got uncomfortable trying to walk away, only for him to drag her obviously stirring up something. Ivy scanned the room, looking for mia, only to find her nowhere. She knew she had to do something before it got worst. Before she knew it, Adrian moved without thinking.
He didn’t speak. He didn’t raise his voice. He simply stepped into the space between them. The man recognized him instantly.
Fear replaced arrogance, he stepped back. Adrian didn’t look at him again.
Ivy stared up at the stranger, confused, heart racing.
Their eyes met briefly.
Adrian’s held no warmth. No threat either. Just authority.
Then he turned away.
Ivy left the club shortly after, heart racing, unaware of what she had just walked into. Adrian watched her go.
He turned slightly toward the man standing behind him. “Find out who she is”, the man nodded.
- Writer
