CHAPTER 9 — THE OTHER WOMAN
533 Words
Victoria approached Adrian the next morning.
He was leaving his office when she stepped into his path.
“We need to talk.”
“No, we don't.”
“Yes, we do.”
He continued walking.
She followed.
“You're embarrassing your family.”
Adrian stopped.
“I don't care.”
“You will.”
“What do you want?”
“I want you to understand something.”
“I understand perfectly.”
“No, you don't.”
Victoria stepped closer.
“Elena doesn't belong in your world.”
Adrian's expression became cold.
“Don't talk about her.”
“Why?”
“Because you don't know her.”
“I know enough.”
“You know nothing.”
“She'll leave you eventually.”
Adrian stared at her.
“Are you finished?”
“She'll realize she can't handle your family.”
“Then that's her choice.”
“You'll lose everything.”
“If that's the price of loving her, I'll pay it.”
Victoria's expression changed.
For the first time, she realized he was serious.
“You really love her.”
Adrian didn't answer.
He didn't need to.
Victoria stepped back.
“You'll regret this.”
“Maybe.”
She turned and walked away.
That evening, Adrian went to Elena's apartment.
But Elena wasn't there.
He called.
No answer.
He called again.
Still nothing.
Then he received a message.
Unknown number:
You should stop looking for her.
Adrian's heart dropped.
He immediately called Elena again.
Nothing.
He grabbed his keys.
Something was wrong.
He drove to every place she usually visited.
The café.
The bookstore.
The park.
Nothing.
Finally, at midnight, his phone rang.
Elena.
He answered immediately.
“Where are you?”
There was silence.
Then her trembling voice.
“Adrian…”
“What happened?”
“I think someone followed me.”
His entire body went cold.
“Where are you?”
She gave him an address.
“I'll be there.”
He drove faster than he ever had.
When he arrived, Elena was standing beneath a streetlight.
She ran toward him.
He pulled her into his arms.
“Are you hurt?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
He held her tighter.
“I was scared.”
“So was I.”
She looked up.
“I don't know what to do.”
Adrian gently touched her face.
“You don't have to do anything.”
“What?”
“I'll handle this.”
“No.”
“Elena—”
“I don't want you fighting everyone because of me.”
“You're not the problem.”
“Then what am I?”
He looked into her eyes.
“The person I'm protecting.”
She shook her head.
“I don't want to be someone you have to protect.”
“Then stand beside me.”
She stared at him.
“Together?”
“Together.”
She nodded.
“Okay.”
Adrian kissed her forehead.
For the first time, they understood that their relationship was no longer just about two people falling in love.
It was about two people choosing to stay together despite everything trying to pull them apart.
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