Adrian leaned back in his office chair, flipping through files with a satisfied smirk.
"Hm. My company is doing well this year," he muttered to himself, his tone filled with pride.
His eyes drifted toward an old photo frame sitting on his desk. It was taken in 2022, the year he first became CEO at the age of twenty-four. In the picture, he stood between his father, Mr. Cole, and his so-called rival, Luke Lancestor. Adrian chuckled softly, brushing the dust off the glass.
"Well, this one's ancient. Four years already… 2022 to 2026," he said with a grin.
But then his eyes narrowed, and a cocky smirk spread across his face.
"I don't care if you've already sold your company, old man. You'll always be my rival. And soon… we'll see what's so special about your daughter." He laughed under his breath.
Suddenly, his phone buzzed. His father's name flashed across the screen. Adrian picked up lazily.
"Wassup, Dad?"
A thunderous voice came from the other end. "Where are you? Why are you late? They're here already! Don't you remember the date?!"
Adrian froze. His stomach dropped as he glanced at the calendar on his desk. The family meeting. Tonight.
"Shit," he hissed under his breath, immediately grabbing his coat. He turned to his friend and assistant, Ryan, who was hovering nearby.
"Hey, Ryan, I need you to handle the office data. I've got something important."
Ryan raised a brow but smirked knowingly. "Yeah, dude, go. I'll take care of it. Don't crash that fancy car."
Adrian didn't bother replying. He dashed out, jumped into his luxury car, and drove through the city lights, his mind racing faster than the engine. Almost thirty minutes later, he finally pulled into his parents' estate.
A sleek black car was already parked outside. He recognized it instantly.
"Well, well. My rival is here," Adrian muttered with a sly grin. "Let's see just how beautiful his daughter really is."
He entered the house, adjusting his tie and calling out, "Mom, I'm here—"
But his voice trailed off. His eyes widened.
Sitting gracefully on the living room sofa was a young woman with blonde, curly hair that shimmered under the chandelier. Her delicate hands wrapped around a teacup, her posture elegant yet nervous. Adrian's heart skipped a beat. His chest tightened, and his cheeks warmed.
She's… beautiful.
"Ah, Adrian, here he is," his mother said cheerfully, gesturing for him to sit.
"Hello, Mr. Luke. Mrs. Lancestor." Adrian greeted politely, though his gaze kept flickering back to the girl.
Luke smiled faintly. "This is my daughter, Olivea."
Olivea's lips curved into an awkward smile. "Ah… hello."
As the families exchanged conversation, Adrian found himself unable to look away. His eyes lingered on her every gesture, every flicker of expression.
What is he doing? Freak, Olivea thought nervously, sipping her tea and avoiding his intense gaze.
Finally, Mrs. Cole leaned forward, her voice playful but loaded with meaning.
"Well, Miss Olivea, are you truly ready to be my son's future wife?"
Olivea's hands trembled slightly as she set her cup down. She forced a small smile.
"Y-yes, Mrs. Cole. If that's what my parents want, I'll… make the process smooth."
She added the last part with a joking tone, but her voice cracked. Both sets of parents laughed, but Olivea's heart wasn't laughing at all.
When the meeting ended, the Lancestors stayed the night at the Cole residence, as the wedding ceremony would be held in New York. Sabella and Luke took the master guest room, while Olivea was given another room of her own.
Later that night, Olivea grew restless. She had just finished her university assignment but boredom gnawed at her. She slipped out quietly, wandering through the halls until she found the garden. It was glowing under the lamplight, filled with blooming flowers that swayed gently in the night breeze.
"Wow… this is so pretty. What kind of flowers are these?" she whispered to herself, running her fingers across a petal.
Suddenly, a shadow moved. She gasped, her body tensing, ready to scream.
"Hey, hey, calm down," a deep voice said smoothly. "It's just me. Your future husband."
Olivea's heart nearly leapt out of her chest. She clutched her dress, glaring at him. "You scared me half to death!"
Adrian chuckled, his smirk playful. "Sorry. I just thought you might need company."
They walked together to the garden hut, settling on the wooden bench beneath the lantern light. The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of roses.
Olivea sneaked a glance at Adrian. Damn… he's hot. My parents really know my taste, she thought, her cheeks warming.
Catching her stare, Adrian grinned. She quickly looked away, embarrassed.
"So… Olivea, right?" Adrian said casually.
"Yes. It's Olivea. Why?" she replied cautiously.
"What do you do for a living?" he asked, leaning closer.
Olivea blinked at him, then burst into laughter. "What? I'm a student, of course. What about you, Mr. Future Husband?"
Adrian froze, his face reddening. "Wait… a student? How old are you?"
"Twenty-six. Don't look so shocked," Olivea teased, biting back another laugh.
Adrian ran a hand through his hair, a little flustered. "Great. I'm about to marry a college girl."
"Don't worry," Olivea shot back with a smirk. "Your crazy rich status will save us both, right?"
Her sarcasm made him laugh, though she didn't seem to believe his words. The mood grew lighter until suddenly, a rustling sound broke the silence.
Olivea's head snapped toward the bushes. "Wait… what was that? Do you have a dog?"
Adrian frowned. "No… we don't."
The sound grew louder, closer. Olivea's eyes widened in panic. Without warning, she bolted. Startled, Adrian ran after her. In their rush, Adrian tripped over a foot cleaner near the back door, falling forward.
"Ah!" Olivea shrieked as she stumbled right into him, crashing onto his chest.
The world seemed to freeze. Their faces were inches apart, eyes locked in shock and something deeper neither dared to name.
Adrian's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smirk. "Your body is so small… and soft."
Olivea's cheeks flamed crimson. She shoved him away, stammering, "G-get off me!" before running back to her room, her heart pounding wildly.
Adrian sat up, watching her retreat, his hand lingering where she had touched him. His heart thudded against his ribs, uncontrollable. A grin spread across his face.
"Damn… she's going to drive me crazy," he murmured, smirking into the night.