When His Love Was Revenge

Chapter 3: Closer Than Expected

**Adrian’s POV**

The event hall buzzed with excitement. Students chattered, professors moved briskly, and camera flashes punctuated the air. My eyes immediately found her—Elara. Small, fragile, yet commanding attention in a subtle way.

She was the top student, known for her brilliance. But my focus wasn’t on accolades alone. I had come prepared, calculated every step, ensuring that I would meet her up close without revealing my intentions.

When I entered, a wave of attention swept past me. Every girl seemed to notice my height first, then the sharpness of my brown eyes, the confidence in my stride. Whispers floated: *“He’s so handsome…”* and *“Who’s that?”*

I didn’t care. My eyes were fixed on her. She was standing at the far end of the hall, cheeks flushed as she spoke with her classmates. When a professor approached, she politely murmured, “Sir…” Her tone was respectful, shy, and careful—hesitant but full of decorum. The word struck me, not because of formality, but because of the gentle cadence threaded with nervousness.

When it was her turn, I handed her the award personally. The applause around us was deafening, but all I noticed were her ocean-blue eyes.

“You’ve done exceptionally well,” I said, presenting the plaque. “Your dedication is impressive. Keep this up, and you’ll go far.”

She blinked, cheeks coloring, voice soft: “T-thank you, sir. I… I’ve worked hard.”

“Yes, I can see that,” I replied with a faint smile. “Talent like yours deserves recognition.”

After the ceremony, students streamed out, chatting excitedly. Elara, absorbed in reading a note, stepped backward without noticing a post. I caught her by the waist before she could fall.

“You’re the girl I gave the award to,” I said steadily, holding her. “Elara, right?”

She blinked, startled. “Y-yes… that’s me, sir.”

“You’re impressive,” I said softly. “Tell me… how are things for you outside college?”

She hesitated, then quietly admitted, “I… I work part-time to support my family. It’s… not easy, sir.”

I nodded thoughtfully. “I have an idea. You should come work with me—my office. Full-time while you’re on semester leave, and weekends after classes resume. You’ll learn, earn, and gain experience.”

Her eyes widened. “Me? Work… with you, sir?”

“Yes,” I said firmly. “I’ve seen your dedication. You’re talented and capable. Don’t overthink it.”

She hesitated, then nodded slowly, curiosity and cautious excitement mingling in her expression. “I… I’d like to try, sir. Thank you.

**The First Day at Work**

The office was sleek and modern. Elara entered cautiously, eyes wide, taking in her new surroundings.

“You’ll start with organizational work,” I said. “Diligence is expected, and you’ll learn fast if you focus.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you for this opportunity,” she said softly, timid but determined.

As she worked, I observed her—the careful precision, subtle gestures, and determination in every action. She handled tasks efficiently, proving herself invaluable.

During a brief break, her phone buzzed with a message from her older brother.

A playboy, careless, and charming—a man who had caused harm indirectly. Her connection to him was why she was now part of my plan. Her only fault: being related to him.

Even as I focused on the revenge plan, I found myself drawn to her resilience, intelligence, and gentle personality.

Weeks passed. Semester leave allowed her full-time dedication; weekends after college, she returned to assist in the office.

We spoke more—about projects, studies, ambitions, life. She remained cautious but polite, continuing to call me “sir” despite our daily interactions. I found it endearing, though at times it tested my patience.

Finally, after a long day of work, I said softly, “Elara… you can stop calling me ‘sir.’ Just… Adrian.”

Her eyes widened. “O-oh… Adrian?” She sounded uncertain, hesitant, yet a faint blush warmed her cheeks.

“Yes. It’s simpler. We work closely—you don’t need to maintain distance with a title,” I explained, carefully measuring my tone.

She nodded slowly, adjusting to this small step in our new dynamic. It was subtle, but a step closer—trust, familiarity, and the start of something delicate, though fraught with hidden tension.

We settled into a rhythm. She worked efficiently; I guided subtly. Professional trust grew. Occasionally, she asked questions about projects, company structure, or my own experiences. I answered selectively, letting her see enough to trust me without revealing too much.

Her curiosity was genuine; her determination admirable. I had to keep my feelings contained. She was part of the plan. My revenge depended on careful manipulation. Yet every step revealed more of her talent and character, making control increasingly difficult.

Weeks passed, and Elara worked diligently, gaining confidence, trust, and skill. She remained unaware of the true reason I brought her into my life.

Every smile, question, and careful interaction built tension. I reminded myself constantly: revenge was the goal, her brother’s recklessness warranted it.

But even as the plan progressed, a quiet, dangerous thought lingered: could I truly use her without risking everything?