Chapter 5
1203 Words
Something changed after Adrian and I had a conversation..
Not loudly. Not dramatically.
Just enough to be cautious of everything and everyone around.
I found myself thinking about Adrian at weird times.He isn't bothering me or teasing me like he used to. Now,he just watches me closely.
I was starting to give in to him.
While all this was going on, Noah saw right through me. He noticed everything and he wasn't taking it so well.
It started small.The time Adrian asked me out on a date with him, I didn't even get a chance to give a reply when Noah showed up next to me before I could even make a choice.
"You promised you’d help me with something”, Noah said gently,his hand was already on my elbow.
I frowned. “I did?” “What's that?”
"You forgot?".Noah said.
Adrian stepped back. Even though he was trying to be polite, you could tell he felt really uncomfortable. "Another time then. Bye Nat.”
I thought that maybe it was just a coincidence.
Then another time, Adrian sent a text,asking if we could meet up later to talk about something.
But…you guessed it. I never received it because Noah took my phone and ”accidentally” deleted the message. I found out later when Adrian called later that afternoon.
Noah showed me his phone that evening. His eyes were full of concern.
“What's wrong…?”, I asked,
"I didn't want to bother you Nat but Adrian’s been asking questions about your dad. He wants to know about your dads schedules and his meetings."
My heart skipped a beat. "Why?" I asked.
Noah stopped and thought for a moment it please.
“You know how people like him think, Natalie.Power recognizes power that is how it is with people like him and don't even think of defending him Nat. You're so gullible. I overheard your conversation with him last night —when he told you he wanted you to help him out by fake dating him. What is wrong with you? Can't you see he's using you?! Think Natalie–Think!” Noah said sharply.
I paused. For a moment, I thought it was Noah being jealous as always and in as much as I hate to say this, but a seed was planted.
Then the rumors started to spread. These were quiet rumors that followed me everywhere I went, even in the big marble halls and the quiet rooms. People said that Adrian was being very smart about things. They said that he didn't come back by mistake. They said that rich men like him don't chase love but influence.
Every time I had doubts, Noah always showed up for me.
One night while we were sitting in the garden, Noah said to me;
"You don’t have to choose him." He said softly.
Too late, I was already in a lot of pain.
The breaking point came at a fund raising event my dad organized.
Adrian stood beside my father. I saw the way he spoke to my dad in such a respectful tone.He listened to my father a lot more than he spoke to him. This should have made me feel better about the situation…but still, It didn’t.
Noah's voice was still stuck. I could hear it clearly. His words echoed really loud, in my mind.
“He’s only earning trust from your dad. He didn't come back for you.He only came back for more influence ever since your dad gained more power.”
I decided to speak with Adrian later after. I felt my chest tightened. Later, we met at my balcony.
Adrian… I said quietly.
“Yes Nat” He answered gently.
“Why are you here exactly?” I whispered, dread and longing tangling in my throat.
“What? Natalie, I told you the reason already.” He continued, “Is something wrong?”
“I just…I stopped midway, now in tears
He wrapped his hands around me, giving me a tight hug. Deep down, I wasn't sure if this was the end of us but why did it feel so right…
Adrian took me to my room and he kissed me on the forehead before leaving but just when he was about to leave, I held him back. At this point, I was drunk and sad. I couldn't watch him leave. “Adrian” I called out softly.
Adrian looked at me with so much passion rested in his eyes…I could feel the tension building up between us. “Yes Nat”. His gaze lingered at me– quiet but consuming like he was studying me before crossing a line, like he'd been waiting for this all night.
The way he looked at me, his eyes filled with love,concern and uncertainty. Right then and there, I knew something was definitely gonna happen between us that night and before I knew it, I kissed him…and to my surprise, he kissed me back then suddenly, he pulled away.
My heart ached. Never in my life, did I ever think I'd be refused a kiss by a man. Not just any man but Adrian. I felt my whole world crumbling. “Why'd you stop?” I asked quietly.
“Nat…you're in a very vulnerable state right now and I don't wanna take advantage of it…” He said, gently.
I'm very much aware of everything I'm doing right now.” I said, my voice shaking with uncertainty if he would give in.”
I didn’t recognize myself at that moment—the way my defenses fell so easily, the way my chest ached with things I’d buried for years. I stood there pretending I was strong, when all I wanted was for him to see me.
Adrian came closer and pushed a strand of my hair. My heart melted…I couldn't hold myself any longer. “Are we doing this?” I asked softly.
His gaze softened towards me and without a word he kissed me. My stomach did back flips. I felt like my heart was about to explode and without thinking I kissed him back.
“Are you sure about this Nat?” He whispered softly into my ears
I nodded as I was too overwhelmed to speak.
“If I start touching you, I won't stop Nat.” He said, while caressing me.
“Then go ahead.” My voice trembled.
The air felt heavy.
Before I could process everything, I found myself on my bed with Adrian–he was slowly taking off the handle of my dress while kissing my neck.I knew this was wrong but why did it feel so right?”
“Nat I want you…I need you”. He said while staring at me with those beautiful blue ocean eyes that I couldn't resist.
We kissed.
Passionately.
And just like that, we had the best night of our lives. That night he took my flower but I didn't mind. If anyone was going to make love with me, it had to be him.
For the first time in years, I wondered if I had ever hated this man or was it just all in my head?
- Writer
