Five Years as His Secret Lover

Chapter 8 The Husband I Chose

The joy on Adrian's face after his successful proposal vanished instantly. His expression shifted between dark and pale, an almost comical sight. I pretended not to notice.

Vivian took my hand with a bright smile. "I'm so happy for you. When did it happen?"

"J-just… a few days ago."

"Then congratulations, Ms. Hartwell."

Vivian's cheerful voice blended with the faint cracking sound of Adrian's knuckles. He frowned, rotating the ring on his thumb, clearly irritated. When he saw me chatting calmly with Vivian, he finally lost his patience.

"Ms. Hartwell certainly moves fast," he said with a trace of sarcasm. "You managed to secure a wealthy husband without anyone noticing. Which lucky man is it?"

He emphasized the word "lucky" heavily, as if he wanted to devour someone alive.

Meeting his sharp gaze, I smiled faintly. "J-just… an ordinary man. N-not worth mentioning. But he treats me very well. I'm… satisfied."

The ring in Adrian's hand looked as if it might shatter under the pressure. The hostility in his eyes felt hot enough to burn through me, yet my heart remained strangely calm. Instead, I lifted my gaze to the sunrise spreading across the sky behind him. Bright and radiant, just like my future.

Adrian stepped closer, his presence icy. "Even ordinary people have names. There's no one in Harborfell City I don't know. Why not tell me? I can help you check his background."

For a moment, I was speechless. I had only glanced at that man briefly that night and had already forgotten his name. The only thing I remembered was that his surname was Mercer.

My silence seemed to ease Adrian slightly. "Don't tell me you've already forgotten your new husband's name."

His eyes were like a venomous snake as he leaned closer, clearly trying to humiliate me. But he underestimated me. I would never be as weak as before.

"N-none… of your business."

The anger in his eyes disappeared the moment Vivian linked her arm through his. She spoke gently. "Adrian, let it go. Don't make things difficult for Ms. Hartwell. It's been a long day. I had the kitchen prepare the red bean pastries you like."

Then she turned to me again. "Ms. Hartwell, why don't you join us?"

I wanted to refuse, but my weakened body betrayed me and I nearly lost my balance. Vivian quickly guided me to a seat at the table.

Breakfast was lavish. Before I could reach for anything, Adrian broke off a piece of red bean pastry and placed it in front of me.

Adrian loved red bean pastries, but he never liked the sweet filling inside. During the five years we were together, he always gave me the center piece, the part full of filling.

Habit was a frightening thing.

The atmosphere suddenly turned strange. Vivian's expression darkened slightly. Seeing the change in her mood, I quickly explained with a smile, "H-he doesn't like… sweet things."

Without changing her expression, Vivian instructed the staff to remove my plate. Then she looked at Adrian calmly.

"If you don't like it, I won't have them make it again. But next time, please don't give unwanted food to Ms. Hartwell. If her husband finds out, he might feel bad for her."

Adrian snapped his fork in half. He seemed not to hear Vivian at all. Instead, his gaze locked onto me.

"I just helped you out," I thought silently.

Not wanting to cause trouble, I ignored Vivian's polite invitation to stay and left quickly. Checking the time, I realized it was almost time to go to Harborfell Detention Center to pick up Tessa.

While I was waiting for a taxi by the roadside, Adrian's car suddenly stopped beside me.

"Get in."

I had no idea what he wanted. One moment he looked ready to strangle me, and the next he was offering me a ride.

When I didn't move, he continued calmly, "It's hard to get a taxi here. I brought you here, so it's only fair I take you back."

I shook my head and said it wasn't necessary.

Instead, he stepped out of the car, walked over, and suddenly lifted me into his arms.

"Don't move," he said lightly. "If you fall, I won't take responsibility."

He loosened his grip slightly, and instinctively I wrapped my arms around his neck. A satisfied smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

After placing me in the passenger seat, I stopped struggling and gave him the address of Harborfell Detention Center.

He started the engine. "I've already arranged for someone to pick her up. I'll take you to Vermilion Tower first."

"I… won't go."

His tone softened, the same way he used to coax me. "I know you said you were married just to get my attention. Don't worry. Even after Vivian and I get married, I won't abandon you."

He spoke as if he were granting me an enormous favor.

When I remained silent, he reached over and gently tapped the tip of my nose with his long finger.

"Be good, Lucia. You already gave up your apartment. You obviously want to move into Vermilion Tower, right? I'll allow it. I'll even arrange a room for Tessa."

He paused slightly before adding, almost generously, "At worst, I'll suffer a little and take care of both of you for the rest of your lives. Deal?"