Five Years as His Secret Lover

Chapter 9 The Man I Was Meant to Meet

His arrogance made me laugh. He was certain I would never leave him. In his eyes, canceling the apartment lease was nothing more than a trick to force him to give in.

But he was wrong. This time, I truly didn't want him anymore, and I had no intention of ever looking back.

I turned my face away. "N-no."

My repeated refusals finally exhausted his patience, and his voice turned cold.

"Don't push your luck. In all of Harborfell City, who besides me would tolerate you like this? You've already been expelled from your family. Without me, who would dare take you in?"

If Harborfell City wouldn't accept me, then I would go to Northhaven City. Somewhere in this world, there had to be a place for me.

I didn't bother arguing. I simply asked him to drive me to the airport.

He let out a cold laugh. "So you've suddenly grown a backbone? Trying to threaten me by leaving Harborfell City? Your acting is terrible. You didn't even bring Tessa with you. How am I supposed to believe you're actually leaving?"

I shook my head. "I'm not… that bored. I'm going to the airport to p-pick—"

Before I could finish, he suddenly grabbed the back of my head and kissed me.

I struggled desperately. Even when my tongue was bitten hard enough for the taste of blood to spread through my mouth, he refused to let go.

Through the haze, I heard him murmur softly.

"I don't know what's wrong with me. The way you speak always feels strangely familiar. It makes it impossible for me to resist you."

His words made my heart tighten painfully. Had he recognized me?

Before I could process the thought, he deepened the kiss. Five years of familiarity made my body respond instinctively.

The traffic light turned green, and angry horns blared behind us. Only then did he finally release me.

He wiped the blood from the corner of his lips and smiled with satisfaction. "Your body is much more honest than your words. Alright, Lucia, stop throwing a tantrum. Let's go back to how things used to be."

I looked straight at him. "W-what exactly am I to you? A t-tool for when you're lonely? A s-secret lover you can't show anyone?"

He pressed his lips together without answering.

"So… I'm both," I said quietly. "If there h-had never been Ms. Vale… would you—"

"No."

He cut me off immediately. It sounded less like an answer to me and more like he was trying to convince himself.

"Vivian is the woman I promised to marry," he said after a pause. "But I don't want to let you go either. Lucia, be good. Don't force me."

I laughed softly, laughing at myself for still expecting something from him.

"I'm not f-forcing you," I said as I turned away. "Just take me to the airport. My h-husband… should have arrived."

The screech of brakes tore through the car as Adrian slammed his fist against the steering wheel, the horn blaring wildly. I had never seen him lose control like this, and the sight frightened me into silence.

"Husband? Hah!"

He slowly turned to look at me, his expression dark.

"Lucia, you forced this. If you're so eager to get married, then I'll help you. Remember Julian, the man I mentioned before? He just returned to the country today. It's time you two met."

"There's n-no need. I already have a husband."

He ignored my refusal completely and turned the car toward the city center.

Soon the car stopped in front of the Crown Regent Hotel, the most luxurious hotel in Harborfell City.

"He should arrive around noon," Adrian said calmly. "If you manage to impress him, I'll give you ten million dollars as your wedding gift."

I tried once more to explain. "I told you… I'm already married. There's n-no need for you to waste your connections introducing someone."

His temper flared. "It's just a meeting. You're not losing anything. Trust me, he'll definitely be better than that worthless husband of yours."

"Crazy."

I refused to argue anymore and turned to leave, but he quickly caught up and pinned me against the wall.

"Angry?" he asked coldly. "You keep using other men to provoke me. Did it ever occur to you that I might get angry too? Before he gets here, just admit you were wrong. If you do, I'll take you home."

His grip was too strong for me to break free. Just as I was trying to think of a way to escape, the door opened.

A pair of long, well-shaped legs stepped inside first. My gaze lifted slowly, landing on a striking face—sharp, unforgettable, almost dangerously handsome.

The moment I recognized him, I froze. How could it be him?