Even Aurora sensed that something was wrong and offered, âDad, why donât you take me along?â
Bringing a child to social gatherings ensured that no one could complicate matters for Adrian.
Nevertheless, Stephen consistently chose the evening hours to stir up trouble, while Aurora needed her rest. âThank you, Aurora, but thereâs no need. Just go to bed, and I promise I wonât leave,â Adrian reassured her. Aurora climbed onto the sofa, swinging her legs. âBut Mom will feel bad. We have to fix this problem, donât we?â
Despite Auroraâs rational argument, Adrian stood firm in his decision.
However, he couldnât turn down every invitation indefinitely.
The following evening, Adrian had no choice but to venture out. Stephen had extended a personal invitation, claiming he wanted to discuss matters regarding Adrianâs parents. Adrian suspected that declining would only lead to multiple follow-up attempts. It was better to handle the situation once and for all.
As Adrian prepared to leave, Aurora, already dressed in her pajamas, ran over and wrapped her arms around his leg. âDad, I want to come with you!â
âBe good, Aurora.â
Joelle had just finished her bath and was getting ready to tuck Aurora into bed.
She gave Adrian a meaningful glance. He looked particularly dashing in his suit.
Being excessively handsome wasnât always a blessingâit often led to troublesome romantic entanglements.
âCome on, Aurora, letâs go to bed,â Joelle urged.
Adrian stepped into the cool night air.
Just twenty minutes ago, he had been in the warmth of his home, surrounded by his family. Now, while they rested peacefully, he was headed to a nocturnal meeting with a cantankerous old man.
Fuming with frustration, Adrian arrived at the hotel.
As soon as he stepped inside, a burst of confetti filled the air, showering the room in a riot of colors.
Stephen stood on stage, grinning. âWelcome, my future grandson-in-law!â
Only then did Adrian realize that the attendees were all distinguished gentlemen, likely longtime acquaintances of Stephen.
Adrian was the only young person in the room. However, from the second floor, the melodic sound of a piano drifted through the air, presumably played by Mila. Adrian understood that Stephen had cleverly orchestrated the situation, hoping to make the elderly gentlemen believe he and Mila were romantically involved.
âAre you Milaâs boyfriend?â
A group of elderly men surrounded Adrian, bombarding him with questions about his personal life.
âHow old are you?â
âHow long have you been romantically involved with Mila?â
âThis young man is undeniably impressive, but why does he seem so familiar?â
They examined Adrian with the intensity of avid readers scanning the latest news or art collectors appraising a rare masterpiece.
âMove along; give him some space!â Stephen pushed through the crowd to stand beside Adrian.
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