Chapter 29
The morning air carried a crisp freshness as Adrian's sleek car pulled up a little distance from the H Star building. Lila stepped out gracefully, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. She had chosen a pale blue dress that complimented her skin tone perfectly, her hair neatly styled, her lips painted with just a touch of gloss. Adrian leaned from the driver's side window, his eyes warm on her.
"Remember," he murmured, "you don't have to force yourself today. Just be yourself."
Lila smiled faintly, her nerves fluttering in her stomach. "I'll be fine. Go on before anyone recognizes your car."
Adrian smirked but didn't argue. He watched her walk away until her figure disappeared into the flow of workers streaming into the building.
Just as she was about to step inside, a luxury car—eerily similar to Adrian's—rolled up in front of the company. It gleamed under the sunlight, turning heads effortlessly. Lila slowed her steps, curious. When the door opened, a tall man stepped out. His aura was striking, his posture confident, his features sharp yet refined.
Who is that? Lila thought, her eyes widening. For a second, she almost whispered "Adrian?" but quickly realized this man was different. He had a slightly softer look, yet his presence was magnetic.
Then she heard someone call his name. "Tristan!"
The name echoed in her mind. Tristan.
Lila's heart skipped a beat. Why is he so handsome? she wondered, quickly lowering her gaze. She turned hastily and rushed toward her office floor.
"Hi, Lila!" a cheerful voice interrupted her thoughts.
She looked up to see Lisa, her colleague, already seated at their usual row.
"Good morning," Lila replied, forcing a smile.
Lisa tilted her head curiously. "You look… distracted."
Before Lila could answer, the tall man she'd seen downstairs entered the office floor. His confident stride turned every head. Murmurs spread among the employees, and Lisa leaned close to whisper.
"Oh, I guess you don't know him," Lisa said knowingly. "That's Tristan—one of the biggest artists out there. He normally doesn't visit casually, but I heard Madam Claire Bennett invited him for the new project. Can you believe it? A star like him here?"
Lila blinked, stunned. "A… star?"
"Yes," Lisa said, nodding eagerly. "He's a top-tier actor. Claire must have plans. Maybe he'll be part of the upcoming movie adaptation."
Lila's curiosity grew, but before she could press further, a staff member interrupted.
"Madam Claire Bennett asked to see you," the person said directly to her.
"Me?" Lila pointed to herself, surprised.
"Yes, you," the staffer confirmed before walking away.
"I'll be right back," Lila murmured to Lisa, who only grinned and mouthed, Good luck!
---
Moments later, Lila knocked on Madam Claire's office door.
"Come in," a firm voice called.
Lila entered cautiously and was startled when her eyes immediately landed on the same man from earlier. Tristan was seated across from Claire, his striking gaze lifting toward her. She swallowed, feeling her cheeks warm.
"Good morning, ma," she greeted softly.
Claire motioned to a chair. "Sit down, Lila."
Lila obeyed, her fingers twisting together nervously.
"This is Tristan," Claire introduced. "He's one of the artists joining our upcoming project. Although we have many candidates, he stands out—and he'll likely be cast among the lead movie characters."
Lila nodded respectfully. "Alright, ma."
Tristan studied her with a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I've heard you're good with story plots," he said casually, his voice deep but smooth. "We'll see about that."
Claire chuckled lightly at his bluntness. "She is good, Tristan. You'll see her talent soon enough."
Lila dipped her head politely. "Thank you, ma. I'll do my best."
The meeting wrapped up shortly after, and Lila was informed she'd need to draft the story outline for the next meeting, where she'd be expected to explain further.
---
An hour later, Lila sat in the cafeteria with Lisa. Her plate of rice sat barely touched in front of her as she fiddled with her spoon.
"Are you scared?" Lisa asked, sipping her drink.
"No," Lila replied quickly, though her hesitant tone betrayed her nerves. "Just… it's my first time handling something like this. A real movie project."
Lisa smiled reassuringly. "You'll do great. I believe in you."
Lila felt a spark of encouragement at her friend's words.
---
Meanwhile, across town, Adrian was seated in a conference room with company stakeholders. The meeting was tense, and one of the shareholders finally broke the silence.
"Adrian," the man asked boldly, "are you truly married? Or is this a ploy to make people believe you're not… into men?"
The question struck like a whip. Adrian's jaw tightened, and he leaned back, eyes narrowing. Another shareholder smirked and added, "If you are married, then introduce us to her. Why hide her?"
For a moment, Adrian said nothing. Then his lips curved in a cold, dismissive smile. "She doesn't want to be known for now. And I respect that."
With that, he stood abruptly, cutting the conversation short, and left the meeting room. His assistant Nathan quickly followed him out.
Back in his office, Adrian loosened his tie and turned to Nathan. "Find a nice apartment for Lila's family. I want them to move out of that old house. Somewhere comfortable, safe."
Nathan nodded. "Yes, boss. I'll get on it right away."
---
Later that evening, Lila was gathering her things to leave when Manager Collins announced, "Everyone, listen up. We'll be having dinner together tonight. It's important Lila gets to know the team better and gain some courage for her new project."
"Yes!" the employees cheered. Lisa immediately grabbed Lila's hand. "Come on, you can't say no."
Reluctantly, Lila agreed.
---
At Adrian's mansion, he walked into the living room expecting to find her. But the house was silent, empty. He frowned, removing his jacket. Why isn't she home yet?
He tried calling her, but the call went unanswered. His brows furrowed deeper.
---
Meanwhile, at a lively restaurant, Lila sat with her colleagues and Manager Collins. The table was full of food, drinks, and laughter. Someone raised their glass, "Cheers to the new project!"
Lila, trying to match the atmosphere, lifted her drink and took a gulp. "Cheers," she said softly, though the alcohol burned her throat.
Hours passed quickly, and soon, Lila felt her head spinning. The laughter around her blurred. She leaned closer to Manager Collins. "Sir, I think… I have to go now."
But some colleagues protested. "No, we're here because of you!" one teased. Another, already drunk, asked crudely, "Are you married? Or is that just a rumor?"
The table went silent, all eyes turning to her.
"Yes," Lila said firmly, her words slurring slightly. "I am married. So I have to go."
"Ohh, really? Married so early?" another teased, but Collins quickly waved it off. "Let her go."
Lisa helped her into a taxi, and Lila managed to mumble her address before dozing off against the window.
---
Back at Adrian's mansion, Adrian stood outside in the garage with Nathan, ready to drive out and search for her, when the gates finally opened. A taxi pulled in, and the sight that greeted him froze him in place.
Lila stepped out, swaying unsteadily, her hair messy, her cheeks flushed from alcohol. She clutched her handbag weakly, her eyes half-shut.
Adrian's eyes widened. "What is this?" he muttered under his breath.
In two strides, he reached her and caught her before she stumbled. The smell of alcohol hit him sharply, and something inside him twisted.
"Lila," he whispered, half-angry, half-worried. "What happened to you?"
But she only mumbled something incoherent, resting her head against his chest. Adrian exhaled heavily, scooping her into his arms. He carried her inside, ignoring Nathan's raised brows, and laid her gently on the couch.
As he watched her breathing softly in drunken sleep, Adrian's expression hardened. He had so many questions, but right now, only one thought circled in his mind:
Who let her drink this much?