Terms and Temptations

Chapter 4

Adrian pov

My eyes kept drifting from Serena, who looked like she was about to pass out, to her father, who looked like he was about to start bringing out fumes or probably explode.

But he didn’t say anything else. Instead, he walked away giving her a look. She didn’t even look at me; she just started walking towards the exit of the hall.

“Serena,” I chased behind her. She wouldn’t stop until we were outside. I expected her to shout, scream, but instead, she said, “Take me home,” before turning around and walked towards where the car was parked.

Her voice wasn't raised it was low, and it carried a lot of sadness. As she staggered to the car, I rushed to her side, helping her balance.

The drive back to her place was quiet. She was completely drunk because her head was rested on my shoulders and a sober Serena would never.

I tapped her gently. “Hey… we are at your place.”

“Carry… me,” she whispered sleepily, and I didn’t wait to hear anything else. I swiped her up into my hands and carried her into her house.

Ever so gently, I dropped her on the couch. She looked so peaceful as she slept, but I knew it wouldn’t last, because when morning came, so did reality.

I slowly and hesitantly tucked a strand of hair behind her eyes. God, she was beautiful. I never stopped loving you, Serena, even when I tried, I whispered before standing up to leave.

She wasn’t the only one who had explaining to do. I saw my father at the gala, but I chose to ignore him. What’s the worst he could do? It was high time this stupid rivalry ended.

When I got home, I walked straight to the guest room. I didn’t want to wake up Juliette. I was tired, but I couldn’t sleep.

It was hard getting the image of Serena’s smile from my head the few moments she was truly herself, even though it didn’t last.

As I closed my eyes, letting the darkness seep in, notifications started buzzing on my phone. I knew exactly what it was about, so I did what any sane person would do ignore it.

The next time I opened my eyes again, sunlight was already streaming in. It was a new day. Reluctantly, I got out of bed and walked downstairs.

“Good… morning.” Juliette sprung herself into my arms, giving me a kiss. “I made breakfast.”

I only gave her a small smile, not wanting to hurt her feelings.

“I’ve asked you not to cook, Juliette. That’s what the helps are for.”

She shrugged, not at all bothered. “I wanted to. Besides, I know you like your eggs a certain way. And I was hoping maybe we could talk… about last night.”

Of course, I knew this would come up.

I pulled out a chair and sat, pinching the bridge of my nose. “What about last night?”

“I didn’t know when you got in. And why didn’t you come straight to bed?”

“I didn’t want to wake you. I figured you must have been fast asleep.”

“You are so thoughtful,” she smiled, reaching for my hand.

That wasn’t what I was expecting—she probably hadn’t seen the news.

“Okay… so,” she started, taking a sip from her cup, “I’m really busy planning out the wedding. I can’t believe in three months we’ll be walking down the aisle together.” She seemed so excited. “I’ve even hired the caterers for the cakes.”

I nodded, offering another tight smile, but inside I was spiraling. Wedding. Cake. Aisle. Juliette’s voice was full of excitement so much that it nearly drowned out the deafening silence of guilt inside me.

“That’s great,” I muttered, forcing my voice to stay steady.

She grinned. “I’ve sent you a few color palettes, by the way. Maybe later you can tell me what you think.”

Color palettes. Cakes. Flowers. Meanwhile, all I could think about was Serena asleep on that couch last night, the way she whispered for me to carry her, and the way her sadness clung to the air like it belonged there.

“I’ll check them later,” I said, standing.

Juliette looked up from her coffee. “Where are you going? It’s Sunday. You don’t work on Sunday.”

I hesitated. “There’s something I need to take care of. I won’t stay long, I promise.”

She just gave me a smile. As I walked away, I quickly freshened up, got dressed, and left the house. It felt like I was being suffocated.

I drove down to my family’s beach house because I knew that was where I was going to find my father.

I didn’t even knock I just walked in.

The beach house hadn’t changed. Same polished marble floors, massive art pieces meant to intimidate, and the scent of his cologne mixed with power. Every inch of it screamed Moreauxs blood built this.

And right on cue, he was there.

My father stood by the glass windows overlooking the ocean, a glass of whiskey in hand, dressed in one of his pristine white shirts, sleeves rolled up just enough to make it look effortless. Controlled. Dangerous.

“You’re late,” he said without turning.

“I didn’t know we had a meeting,” I replied, shutting the door harder than necessary behind me.

“You ignored my calls,” he turned slowly now, that same arrogant smirk on his face. “That’s disrespectful. But what is even more disrespectful is you bringing disgrace to your family by bringing a Calloway as your date." The disgust in his voice couldn’t be missed.

I didn’t reply. I just stood there, both hands resting in my pockets so effortlessly.

“Do you know what the Calloways did to this family? Yet you choose not just to destroy our family name but our reputation as well.”

“Father, that was over ten years ago. I think it’s time you get over it and move on. Serena and I are friends.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” I said firmly.

It was a lie. A weak one. And from the way his eyes darkened, I knew he saw right through it. I wanted it to be true, but I wasn’t sure Serena would ever consider me a friend.

“Friends?” he echoed with a mocking scoff. “Is that what we’re calling it now? That’s not what it looked like in the photos. You looked like a man seconds away from throwing away everything.”

I clenched my jaw but stayed silent. There was no point arguing with a man who never listened only dictated.

“You are a Moreaux,” he said, stepping closer, his voice low and sharp. “You carry this name on your back whether you like it or not. And Serena Calloway is poison to it. She’s a walking scandal waiting to happen. Her family disgraced ours. Her father—”

“I’m not here to debate with you, Father. I want you to know that I am not getting married to Juliette.”