Echoes Of A CEO's Hidden Love

The Past

I was used to Adrian's unpredictable personality, so I sighed and headed straight to the shower. The warm water did little to wash away my headache. When I finished and dried off, I went back to the master bedroom.

Knocking softly on the door, and there is no response. I hesitated for a moment, then gently open the door and stepped inside. Adrian had already finished his shower and was lying on the bed, deeply asleep.

I quietly got into bed, and the familiar scent of his cologne surrounded me. The headache caused by working overtime eased a bit. I sank contentedly into the soft, warm bed, looking at Adrian's sleeping face. I traced the outline of his face with my finger over and over again until I fell asleep.

When the alarm rang the next morning, Adrian was no longer in bed. After I freshened up, I went downstairs and saw Adrian in a formal suit, about to leave. I liked the way he looked in a suit; he seemed so gentlemanly.

“Morning, sweetheart. I asked Mary to prepare your favourite avocado toast. It should be ready in a minute. I have a meeting with my father and the board this morning… you know I can’t escape if my father is there.”

He looked as if the conversation last night had never happened.

“Thank you, bae. Why don’t you have your breakfast first?”

Adrian kissed my forehead gently. "I’ll have my coffee in the meeting." After saying that, he went out.

The nanny, Mary, served me avocado toast and a cup of coffee, and I drank the coffee while thinking about last night's conversation. Was Adrian mad that I didn't take the initiative to pick him up? Or did he hope I would be jealous of Selena? I shook my head, thinking these thoughts were ridiculous and that Adrian was probably just drunk.

My thoughts wandered back to college, before Adrian and I were together.

(*5 years ago)

Adrian had everything my life no longer possessed: wealth, a carefree life, and undeniable popularity. But Adrian was an enigma, like a prince—seemingly untouchable. Yet, to my surprise, he soon showed an unexpected interest in me.

At first, I didn't dare to entertain the idea of Adrian's pursuit. He was the sole heir to the vast FT Enterprise, while I was just a Cinderella, my family having fallen into decline after my father’s accidental death. I couldn’t believe a prince would rescue me from the basement.

During that time, I faced numerous setbacks in school, largely because I lacked both wealth and the protection of a strong family name. I struggled to rise above it all, but the reality was far from kind.

In my second year of college, Adrian formally confessed his feelings for me. My mind raced. I thought about the company my father had built, now taken over by my uncles, and the innovative technology he had always dreamed of bringing to life. His dreams, his legacy, and my inability to continue them on my own weighed heavily on me. Adrian's influence and resources could be the key to achieving those goals—things I couldn’t accomplish alone.

Conflicting thoughts swirled in my mind, tormenting me. Taking a deep breath, I looked Adrian in the eyes. "Yes," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I'd like to be your girlfriend."

I told myself I was making a practical choice, but deep down, I knew I had a special feeling for this man.

As Adrian and I became a couple, my life changed drastically. Suddenly, doors that had once been closed to me began to open. Tutors who had previously dismissed my efforts now praised my work, and offered me opportunities to participate in projects typically reserved for elite students. I was also invited to high-level gatherings and numerous occasions where I could meet influential people.

My life seemed to be taking a positive turn. As the days turned into weeks, my relationship with Adrian deepened. On my birthday, Adrian invited me to his home, promising a special surprise. When I arrived, I was greeted by an exquisite birthday setup and a humble chocolate cake.

"I remember you mentioned that your father used to make a chocolate cake for you every birthday..." Adrian said, with a rare hint of shyness in his voice. "It took me all day to make this. I don’t know if it tastes the same, but I hope you like it."

I was stunned. I hadn't expected Adrian to remember such a casual remark. He lit the candles with great anticipation, sang "Happy Birthday," and we made a wish together before cutting the cake. As I tasted a piece, it wasn’t perfect, but it was the sweetest cake I had ever had.

After a while, Adrian handed me an envelope, saying it was a birthday gift. "Eleanor, this is for you." I opened it, confused, and found a 5% share certificate of my father's company. "I know you've always wanted to reclaim your father's company. I managed to acquire these shares... It’s not much for now, but don't worry. When I take over FT Enterprise in the future, I'll make sure to buy back the rest of your father's company for you."

I was overwhelmed with surprise and emotion, tears welling up in my eyes. Adrian gently wiped them away and whispered comforting words. Moved by his sincerity and the gesture, I mustered the courage to kiss him initiative for the first time. He seemed momentarily stunned, then pulled me into a warm embrace, kissed me back passionately, and pulled me down onto the sofa. . .

From that day on, I faced my heart and admitted that I had fallen in love with Adrian.