OLIVIA’S POV
I saw how Julian’s expression changed the moment I mentioned Adrian’s name. His relaxed posture stiffened, and he slowly raised a brow, setting his laptop aside as he turned his attention fully to me.
“Adrian called you?” he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.
“Yeah, a few minutes ago,” I replied, shifting slightly under his gaze.
“And what did he say?”
I hesitated for a brief moment, choosing my words carefully. “He said he wants to talk to me.”
Julian’s eyes narrowed. “All of a sudden?”
I nodded. “I was shocked when I saw his call too.
He leaned back against his chair, crossing his arms. “And what did you tell him?” For a moment, I considered telling Julian everything–how Adrian had threatened to pull his funds from my parents‘ company if I didn’t meet him. But I knew that would only make things worse. Julian would never let me go if he knew the full extent of Adrian’s manipulation.
So instead, I straightened my shoulders and said, “Well, he’s still my husband, and I want to hear what he has to say.”
Julian’s expression darkened instantly. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah, I am,” I said, holding my ground.
“This is the same guy you’ve been doing everything to stay away from, and now you suddenly want to hear what he has to say?” His voice had an edge to it now, a mix of frustration and concern.
-I sighed. “I know what I’m doing, Julian. I have my reasons.”
His jaw tightened, and I could see he was struggling to keep his emotions in check. ” Liv, what possible reasons could you have for willingly walking into a conversation with him?”
I glanced away, trying to think of a way to ease his concerns without revealing too much. “Look, just trust me, okay? I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think it was necessary.”
Julian studied me in silence for a few moments before finally exhaling sharply “Alright. If you say so.”
Successfully unlocked! i …
That was easier than I expected. ught commy him would take longer. Maybe
he realized there was no point in arguing with me about it.
“So, when are you going to see him?” he asked.
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CHAPTER 131
“By 7 p.m.,” I replied.
Julian frowned. “Tomorrow?”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Tonight.”
His gaze snapped to me. “Tonight? That’s in less than an hour, Liv.”
I nodded, checking the
time on my phone. “I should probably get ready.”
I walked over to my room and brought out a casual top and shorts jeans, and white sneakers
I
Not like I was trying to impress him or anything.
I I
About 20 minutes later I was done, I walked down to inform Julian I was leaving.
Julian didn’t say anything for a few seconds, but I could tell he was thinking. Then, as ! turned to leave, he spoke again.
“My driver will take you there.”
I hesitated. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“It’s safer,” he said firmly.
I hadn’t thought of it that way, but he was right. If I took an Uber, I’d be completely alone once I arrived. With Julian’s driver, at least someone would be waiting for me.
“Okay,” I agreed.
“I’ll escort you outside,” he said, closing his laptop as he stood.
As we made our way outside, I saw the black Mercedes–Benz already parked in front of the house, the driver waiting. Julian stopped beside me before I could get in.
“If he tries anything, my driver will call me,” he said, his voice low.
I nodded, appreciating the concern. “I’ll be fine.”
Julian’s eyes searched mine for a moment before he finally pulled me into a brief hug. Then, without another word, I slid into the car, and the driver started the engine. The ride was quiet. I kept my gaze fixed on the window, watching as the city lights. blurred past. Despite my earlier confidence, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease creeping up my spine. What did Adrian really want? Was this just about our marriage, or was there something more?
Before I knew it, we arrived at the location Adrian had sent me.
I stepped out of the car and took in my surroundings. It was one of Adrian’s favorite bars, a place he often visited with James when he wanted to drink and clear his head. But something felt… off,
The bar was empty.
Usually, this place was packed, buzzing with the sounds of conversation and music. But tonight, there was nothing.
20
CHAPTEROOTT
I swallowed hard, my instincts screaming that something wasn’t right.
As I walked inside, my footsteps echoed in the silence. My eyes scanned the space, searching for Adrian, and sure enough, he was there–in the VIP lounge, seated
comfortably as if he had all the time in the world.
The bouncer at the entrance gave me a brief nod before stepping aside, allowing me to pass.
Adrian looked up as I approached, his dark eyes unreadable.
“You’re late,” he said.
I glanced at my watch. 7:02 p.m.
“It’s just…”
“Two minutes is a lot of time,” he cut me off, his tone sharp.
I bit back a retort. He hadn’t changed. Still obsessed with control, still unwilling to let anything slip beyond his grasp.
He flicked his hand, and within seconds, the bouncer returned with a bottle of wine, pouring him a glass before stepping away again.
“I noticed thes
place is empty,” I said, crossing my arms.
“That’s because I rented the whole place,” he replied, taking a slow sip from his glass.
I suppressed a shiver. He’d planned this meeting carefully, ensuring no one else would be around.
“Good to know,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “Now that I’m here, can you tell me what you wanted to talk about?”
Adrian set his glass down and leaned forward slightly. “What else would I want to talk about if not our marriage?”
I scoffed. “I’ve told you before…there’s nothing left between us.
-Instead of responding, he reached into his suit and pulled out a tablet, placing it on the
table between us. The screen lit up, revealing a photo.
My breath caught in my throat.
It was a picture of Julian and me, standing outside his house hugging.
I felt the color drain from my face. This was taken just earlier today.
“How did you get this?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper,
Adrian smirked. “Don’t underestimate me, Olivia. I have eyes where you think I don’t.”
A cold shiver ran down’my spine.
Was he behind the men who tried to kidnap me? Did he lure me here to bait me?
This wasn’t good at all.
