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ADRIAN POV
I never knew it would hit her this bad.
I even had to request for a paper bag for her to vomit in it.
She looked very sick and pale.
"Drive to the nearest chemist, Logan". I told my driver as he replied.
''Yes boss".
I watched her pathetically and a pang of guilt rushed my mind.
'Well, It's not my fault she couldn't say no to the Chinese meal'.
Another say, 'Oh! C'mon, if you hadn't tugged her into it she wouldn't have tried".
"Damn it!". I knocked the window.
"Are you okay sir?". She muttered slowly and weakly.
"It's fine ". I replied through gritted teeth.
After getting her meds, I insisted to drive her home all the way to her house even though she refused.
As I stepped into Rose's home, I was taken aback by its humble nature. The furniture was worn, the decor minimal, but despite the simplicity, the space felt warm and inviting.
Just then, a tiny ball of energy burst through the door, throwing herself into Rose's arms. "Mommy!" she squealed, her bright blue eyes sparkling.
I couldn't help but smile at the sight of the beautiful child. She was a miniature version of Rose, with the same striking features and radiant smile.
But as I looked at Rose, I noticed she seemed...off. Her usual vibrancy was dulled, her skin pale. And then I remembered the Chinese food incident again.
"Hmm, you can have the day off?" I said, concern etched in my voice.
She nodded weakly, still clinging to her daughter. "Yeah, thanks for the meds."
I nodded sympathetically. "Welcome ".
But the little girl, seemingly sensing my presence, turned to me with curiosity. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice dripping with innocence.
I knelt down, smiling. "I'm Adrian, your mom's boss. And you are...?"
"I'm Noel!" she declared, her eyes sparkling.
"What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl". She blushed lightly.
Her eyes most especially was captivating, it was like a blue sea or ocean.
As I interacted with Noel, I couldn't help but feel a pang of affection for the little girl. She was precious, and Rose was clearly devoted to her.
As I prepared to leave, Rose thanked me for understanding, her voice still weak. I nodded.
As I walked out, Noel waved goodbye, her smile etched in my memory. I couldn't help but wonder what other surprises Rose life held.
....
Mom had invited me to a family dinner, not so surprised to see Rachel, my younger sister who just flew back from the states.
We sat around the dinner table, the tension palpable. My sister, Rachel, refused to look at me, still blaming me for the past. My mother, trying to keep the peace, chatted nervously about Rachel's trip to the States.
But when Kira's name came up, Rachel's expression changed from anger to surprise. "Wait, Kira? As in, your girlfriend, Kira?"
I nodded, unsure where this was going.
Rachel's eyes lit up. "Oh, I know Kira! We met at a conference last year. She's amazing! Even with the dirty past between you two"
I felt a pang of unease, unsure why Rachel was suddenly so enthusiastic about Kira. She knew about the past and she's acting pretentious.
My mother, sensing an opportunity, pounced. "See, your sister likes her! You should marry her, son."
"Forgive and forget ". She added.
I hesitated, feeling trapped. "Mom, I need time to think."
Rachel, still chatting with my mother, turned to me with a sly smile. "Don't worry, brother. I'm sure Kira will keep you in line."
I forced a laugh, feeling like I was losing control of the conversation.
Why does everyone seems not to understand this...this...or this whatever between Kira and I can't workout.
As the dinner dragged on, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my family was conspiring against me.
I needed to get out of this situation, but I didn't know how.
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ROSE POV
After a day off from the office, I recovered soon enough.
As I walked into the office, I was taken aback by the sea of smiling faces and the "Welcome Back" signs plastered everywhere.
Anna, my best friend and partner in crime, was beaming at me with a bouquet of flowers in hand.
I felt a lump form in my throat as I took in the thoughtful gesture. "Guys, this is so sweet of you!" I exclaimed, hugging Anna tightly.
I couldn't help but notice Sir Adrian standing off to the side, looking pleased but also a bit awkward.
I smiled at him, and for a moment, our eyes locked in a way that made me feel like he was trying to say something more than just "welcome back".
But then, Anna thrust a cupcake with a lit candle into my hands, and the moment was broken. "Make a wish, Rosie!" she chimed.
I closed my eyes, made a wish for things to finally start looking up, and blew out the candle. As I opened my eyes, I caught sir Adrian looking at me again, this time with a hint of a smile on his face.
I felt a flutter in my chest, and suddenly, I was wondering if maybe, just maybe, my wish was already starting to come true.
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