The Vow we break

Chapter five

Shattered Facade

Adrian's POV

The penthouse's large windows let morning sunshine flood in, highlighting the sharp differences in my life: the glittering skyline and the tortured feelings within me. I had always taken great satisfaction in my capacity for control and black and white viewing of everything. But everything has turned into a muddy gray tint when Maya entered my life.

I filled a cup with coffee, the strong scent momentarily centering me. I sipped, enjoying the familiar bitterness, then proceeded to my office determined to immerse myself in work. I wanted a diversion, a means of escape from the persistent thoughts of the woman who had lately become so vital in my life.

"Maya!" As I passed the living room, I gave a call but got no answer. The location seemed rather still. I looked about, attempting to get the uncomfortable sensation that had crept into my stomach under control.

Contractuals to examine, negotiations to complete, a new endeavor hovering over me like a rain cloud waiting for me as I walked into my office. Still, my brain kept returning to her.

My phone buzzed just at that moment. Laura, my assistant, sent me a note saying: The Bennetts are requesting an emergency conference. About the agreement, they are terrified.

Leaching back in my chair, I ran a hand over my hair. Though I knew better than to disregard it, the last thing I wanted was to cope with more of their anarchy. Not only for my company but also for the family I had recently married into this agreement was vital. I quickly composed a response: *Plan it for this afternoon. I will be present.*

Ready to get through my day, I stood and heard a sweet voice behind me. Adrian?

Turning to see Maya waiting at the entrance, I could see her face conflicted with doubt and will. She wore a basic white dress that fit her body exactly; the sunlight caught her hair and highlighted the brilliant green of her eyes. A weird reaction to someone I hardly knew, I felt my chest tighten automatically.

"Maya," I said, keeping my tone objective. "What are you in need of?"

Her eyes drifted to the floor then back to me. Can we chat?

I stood back. My gut feeling was to keep the door closed and stay far apart. But she had something in her voice that drew at me. " Regarding what??"

About ourselves. About this marriage, she stated while entering the room. "I have to know where we stand.

Leant against my desk, I crossed my arms. You know what this is, too. We have a contract and arrangement.

Her eyes shone with annoyance. It feels more like a cage. I cannot simply pretend Adrian, this is not normal. I chose not this life and have no idea how to negotiate it.

Her comments really connected with me. "Maya, you are not the only one that skipped this choice. I signed up not to be your rescuer. I work on relationships not here. I conduct business.

Is that all I am to you? She urged, her voice gently increasing. " Just another transaction?"

I moved forward, the distance between us electrifying. "You were entering something quite different. It was you that embraced this marriage.

"Yes, because I had no choice!" she said, her voice faltering with feeling. "Drowning was all around my family. Though for me it's my life, you may consider this as a commercial transaction.

I started to reply but discovered I had nothing to say. The fact was, I never gave any thought to how that contract would affect her life the minute I signed it.

"What from me, Maya, do you want?" At last, I asked, lowering my voice. "I am unable to provide you what you seek for. I'll not. cannot.

Her voice quivering somewhat, she added, "I want honesty." "Is there any part of you that would be eager to try? If this is only a commercial agreement, then I should know.

I looked at her, caught between the flutter of something else I had buried deep and the brutal reality of my nature. "You have to realize I am not capable of what you are asking for. I don't feel it. I have no love.

Her face dropped as unspoken words filled the air between us. Then what are we doing here? she said, eyes glittering.

"Surviving," I muttered, the word like a slap to my belly.

The tense moment was broken just then by my phone ringing. Heart dropped, I looked at the screen. Again, it was Laura. Desperate to keep my cool, I responded, "I need to take this," backing away.

"Adrian," Maya started, but not wanting to hear what I knew she would say, I raised a hand to quiet her. Turning aside, I answered the call.

Laura, what’s happening? I asked, using a calm voice.

"Adrian, things are terrible. The Bennetts are probably going to break off the agreement. About their debts, they are terrified. I cannot get them to cool off.

I felt my pulse speed up. What do you mean back out?

"Talk of them wishing to sell their share to another person exists. You must come here; I am trying to prevent them from acting impulsively.

I hung up and said, "On my way." I glanced back at Maya, who was observing me warily. We had to leave. Not now.

She wrinkled her eyebrows and questioned, "Where?"

I said succinctly, "To meet your family." "They are going to screw something.

Tension sat thick between us as we entered the elevator, unsaid words whirling about. Her eyes were staring at me, looking for something underneath my tongue façade that would help her to understand.

I hesitated and then said, "Maya." I—

The elevator dinged, cutting off me just as the doors opened. The foyer was in disarray and people were hurrying in every direction. But the anxiety of what the Bennetts may do going forward already distorted my ideas. Taking her hand, I guided her out.

She objected, dragging slightly against my hold. "Adrian, wait."

"We don't have time," I said, desperation pouring from my mouth. But the air changed as I cleared the glass doors.

A black SUV waited outside, and as we got closer the driver came out with a sad face. "Adrian, we have a problem."

"What sort of scenario?" I insisted on it.

"Your workstation. It's shattered into pieces.

As the ramifications hit in, my heart pounded. "What were they Searching for??"

"We have to go there right now; I'm not sure exactly. Your data was scattered all about.

Panic flooded me. "Maya, stay close," I whispered, squeezing her hand. "Whatever is happening could be dangerous."

I felt as though everything was falling apart as we got inside the car. Not simply my company but also the unstable equilibrium of my life with Maya. This menace eclipsed the link we had begun to create.

The driver shot off, and I turned to check Maya. Her look combined anxiety and concern, and for the first time I understood exactly how profoundly everything was influencing her. The words didn't flow when I opened my lips to comfort her—that I would guard her.

Rather, the tension between us thickened as we traveled toward the future and the shadows of peril closed in.

Would we be on time? At my office, what would we find?

Though I had no answers, one thing was evident: the stakes were growing and our delicate relationship was about to be challenged in ways I never would have imagined as the city blurred by.