mThe Cole mansion felt different that morning
Not louder, not quieter, just heavier in atmosphere
Adrian Cole stood by his office window
Phone pressed tightly against his ear
His expression had not softened all morning
Not even once since sunrise broke
Vanessa’s name flashed repeatedly on his screen
He finally answered after the fourth call
His voice came out flat and controlled
You should not be calling me repeatedly
Vanessa laughed softly on the other end
I think I deserve more respect than that
Adrian turned slightly away from the window
Respect is earned not demanded from me
There was a long tense pause between them
Then Vanessa spoke again in sharper tone
So this is how it becomes now
You ignore everything we planned together
Adrian exhaled slowly through his nose
T
