Chapter 12

"I have an uncanny ability to turn a profit in any situation, even the most challenging circumstances," Adrienne stated once more, her gaze fixed on the view outside the window.

"What's the matter? First, you show up unannounced, and now you keep repeating that statement. What's going on?" He questioned, extending a glass of wine towards her.

"Someone once said that to me. I can't seem to get it out of my head. It keeps replaying, and I don't understand why," Adrienne replied, her shoulders drooping with sadness.

"Don't force yourself to remember, alright? Let it come naturally," he reassured, positioning himself behind Adrienne. His hands circled her waist before gently massaging it. Their eyes remained fixed on the view outside.

Adrienne accidentally knocked her wine glass onto the window sill and turned to face him. Her hands found their place around his neck as she pulled him closer, their noses now touching. As his breath caressed her face, Adrienne closed her eyes.

"Why won't you tell me what happened? I can handle it, I promise. I hate these fleeting moments or glimpses of past memories. They're scattered and incomplete. I need to know the truth," she pleaded, her breath and words hanging in the air between their lips.

"Let's not rush it, okay? You just need more time," he responded, pressing her body against his. In a tender moment, their lips brushed together, sharing a soft, fleeting kiss. Their bodies melded in a comforting embrace as he gently patted her back.

"It's been over two years. How much longer will it take?" Adrienne sobbed lightly against his chest.

"It's alright, Babydoll. Just a little longer, I promise," he whispered, tightening his embrace.

He released her from his grip and lifted her effortlessly into his arms. Carefully, he placed her on his bed, tucking her in with tenderness. He planted kisses on her cheek and forehead and toyed with her fingers for a few moments.

"I'm going to call your doctor. Rest here, and I'll wake you when he arrives. I'll take your phone so you won't be tempted to use it while I'm away," he informed her, giving her one final peck before exiting the room, allowing her to find solace in peaceful sleep.

Descending the stairs, he settled onto a couch in the lounge. His phone buzzed, and he answered promptly, as if expecting the call.

"Have you checked on it?" he inquired, his voice laced with anticipation.

"Yes, just as you suspected. She has been under surveillance since yesterday evening," the caller confirmed.

"Alright. Let's keep a close watch on them for the next few weeks," he instructed before ending the call. Lost in thought, he sat with his hands folded, contemplating their next move.

*

Ryan woke up on that sunny Sunday to find Juliette absent from their bed.

"Jules? Are you in the bathroom?" he called out, but received no response. Just as he was beginning to worry, the door swung open and Juliette walked in. She was wearing one of Ryan's button-up shirts, which happened to be white and slightly transparent. She had chosen not to wear any underwear, and her hair appeared slightly damp. Walking barefoot, she approached Ryan's side of the bed.

"Good morning," she greeted him shyly.

He took hold of her left hand and smiled. "You look incredible. I love what I'm seeing," he playfully teased.

Juliette blushed slightly. "You do realize it's transparent, right?" she asked him.

"Yes, and it doesn't make me uncomfortable at all," Ryan reassured her with a smile.

"When did you wake up?" Ryan asked curiously.

"About an hour ago. I took a quiet bath so as not to disturb your sleep. I can't believe you slept longer than me. You fell asleep before me last night, and yet I woke up before you this morning," Juliette replied.

"Well, it's because I had an amazing time with you last night," Ryan admitted with a grin.

Juliette chuckled. "Oh please," she laughed.

Ryan pulled her closer, placing her body on his lap. He cupped her left breast and gently teased the nipple, while planting soft kisses on her neck.

"Morning sex?" he playfully suggested.

Juliette laughed as his kisses tickled her neck. "How about some breakfast first?" she responded, pulling away from his kisses.

"Go take a shower, I'll be in the dining room. I've prepared something simple for breakfast," Juliette suggested, making her way towards the door.

"Hey," Ryan called out.

"Downstairs!" Juliette shouted back with a laugh.

She prepared toast for breakfast and served it with just a glass of orange juice. Ryan joined her in the dining room fifteen minutes later.

"Let's stay here until tomorrow morning," Ryan suggested.

"Um...we don't have any clothes here, I need to water my flowers today, and we have work tomorrow," pointed out Juliette.

"We can figure all that out. You're just coming up with silly excuses," Ryan said.

"Okay, you caught me," Juliette admitted, a hint of discomfort in her voice.

"I understand it's not the most convenient situation," Ryan confessed.

"But It's alright. I get it. Let's leave before noon, okay?" Ryan replied, playfully pinching her cheeks, which made Juliette smile.

"Oh...someone called you while you were still asleep," Juliette informed him.

"Really? Who?" he asked.

"It was Adrienne according to the caller ID. I saw her name for the first time on your phone. She called around 7 am," Juliette revealed.

"Oh, really? Where's my phone? I should call her back. I didn't expect her to call," Ryan said.

"Um...I answered the call," Juliette disclosed.

An awkward silence filled the dining room.

"You answered it?" Ryan asked, surprised.

"Yeah, I did," Juliette confirmed.

"Oh. You didn't have to do that and go through the stress," Ryan said, attempting to conceal his annoyance.

"You don't like that? I'm sorry for answering it," Juliette apologized.

"Nah, it's okay," Ryan lied.

"Really?" Juliette questioned.

"Yes, dear. What did she say?" Ryan inquired.

"She said she would like to see you at the office tomorrow to discuss business," Juliette shared.

"Oh, business. Okay then, thanks," Ryan responded.

*

It was Monday morning and Adrienne was preparing to go out, carefully selecting her outfit. She opted for a knee-length, form-fitting sheath dress crafted from a luxurious emerald green fabric that had a subtle sheen. This dress was designed to accentuate her curves while still maintaining a professional appearance. Adding to its allure, the dress featured a sleek V-neckline that added a touch of allure while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic.

What truly made Adrienne's dress stunning, however, was its striking asymmetrical cut. The left shoulder was adorned with a beautifully intricate metallic brooch, showcasing her attention to detail and introducing an edgy element to her overall ensemble. This brooch was adorned with emerald green gemstones, matching the dress color perfectly.

To complement her dress, Adrienne opted for a sleek and fierce hairstyle. She wore her hair in a sharp, angled bob that fell just above her shoulders. Her jet black locks were enhanced with subtle emerald green highlights, creating a mesmerizing effect. This precision cut added structure and sophistication to her overall look.

To complete her ensemble, Adrienne chose to wear black patent leather stiletto heels, elevating her height and boosting her confidence. She also carried a sleek black leather tote bag, adding a touch of sophistication and ensuring functionality.

"Dressed to impress," she complimented herself, admiring her reflection in the mirror. Daniel walked into her room.

"Heyyy... wow. Someone is looking amazing this morning," Daniel teased.

"Tch!" Adrienne smirked.

"Aren't you overdressed for a hospital visit? A simple dress and flats would be more appropriate," Daniel commented.

"Who said I was going to the hospital?" Adrienne questioned.

"I texted you two hours ago to prepare for the hospital. You promised we would visit the doctor today," Daniel reminded her.

"Do you remember what I told you on your last birthday when I promised not to wear that skimpy outfit?" Adrienne asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh..." Daniel said, shaking his head as he recollected.

"Well, promises are meant to be broken, right? I actually have a meeting with someone. Goodbye, I'm off," Adrienne declared, walking away.

"Adri!" Daniel called out, and she paused.

She turned back to face him.

"You've never called me that before," she said.

"Adrienne, your health means more to me than anything else. Seeing you neglect your well-being is slowly killing me. Do you plan on taking those pills for the rest of your life? Can't you see that it's hurting me?" Daniel pleaded, his voice filled with concern.

Adrienne stared into his eyes, her hand tenderly cupping his cheek. She absentmindedly rubbed his cheek with her thumb.

"Your eyes," Adrienne observed, a hint of uneasiness in her voice. "The look in your eyes right now is unsettling. Why does it make me feel uncomfortable?"

She released her hold on his cheek, paused for a moment, and assured him, "Trust me, I won't do anything reckless."

With that, she walked away, leaving Daniel with a whirlwind of emotions swirling in his heart.