Unmasking the Heart

Adrian's proximity made me uneasy. His piercing gaze, his chiseled features... I couldn't shake the feeling. Every time he was near, my senses went on high alert, and I felt like I was walking on eggshells. I tried to remind myself that he was my boss, that I needed to maintain a professional distance. But my heart refused to listen.

As I reflected on my life, I realized that I'd envisioned a different path for myself at 23. I'd hoped for marriage, stability, and happiness. Instead, I found myself drawn to my enigmatic boss, a man who seemed to embody the very opposite of stability.

But I wasn't ready to give in to my feelings just yet. I'd been hurt before, and I wasn't eager to reopen those wounds. Adrian's mood swings only added to my confusion. One moment, he'd be cold, distant; the next, his eyes would burn with intensity. I didn't know what to make of him, or how to protect myself from his mercurial nature.

I stood up to leave, citing the need for a cup of coffee as an excuse. But before I could take a step, Adrian's voice stopped me. "Joi, stay close," he said, his voice low, husky. My skin prickled, my pulse racing. I felt trapped, unsure of how to escape the tangled web of emotions that seemed to bind me to Adrian. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do next. But then I nodded, trying to play it cool. "Yes, Boss," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

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(Adrian's POV)

Joi's uneasiness was palpable. I sensed it, yet couldn't help myself. I needed her near. When she faltered, I became frosty, pushing her away.

"Protecting herself," I thought. "From me."

My reasoning was flawed, but I couldn't shake the feeling. One moment, I'd crave her closeness; the next, I'd recoil, fearing my own emotions. "Control yourself, Adrian," I warned. But my gaze would drift to Joi, drinking in her beauty. I was lost.

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Joi's POV

I stood frozen, unsure what to do next. Adrian had abruptly left the office, and I thought I was done for the day.

But then he called out to me. "Get in the car, Joi." The driver waited patiently.

I approached the front door, but it wouldn't budge. Fearful of damaging the expensive Rolls Royce phantom, I stepped back, my black heels clicking on the pavement.

Adrian's window rolled down, and his cold voice sent shivers down my spine. "Come over."

I felt like I was in a trance, my heart racing. My walk to the other side of the car seemed awkward, even to myself. As I settled into the back seat beside him, I tried to compose myself.

"W-where are we going, Boss?" I stuttered, asking my first question ever.

"To meet my father," he replied, his tone unreadable.

My mind wandered. "Why does he need me for this?" But before I could ponder further, my stomach growled loudly, interrupting my thoughts. My eyes snapped open, and my face flushed with embarrassment.

Thankfully, Adrian didn't react. Or so I thought. Unbeknownst to me, he watched me through the driver's rearview mirror, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

We arrived at our destination, and Adrian's voice broke the silence. "We're here."

I exited the car, still reeling from my embarrassment. Where were we? And why did Adrian bring me along?

I saw the beautiful mansion before me, but kept my cool. I'd only seen such grandeur in my imagination. As we entered the lavish living room, I felt intimidated.

I felt a light pull on my waist, the feeling of being close to Adrian was unimaginable. My heart refused to listen to me as it beat fast, and I feared they'd hear the sound in the quiet room.

"You'll just follow my acting and don't show any flaws," he whispered.

"Yes, Boss," I replied, watching my steps.

"Call me Adrian," he corrected, his breath tickling my ear.

I nodded, trying to process the sudden familiarity. Before us, his father, Mr. Reginald, sat, exuding authority. His piercing gaze scrutinized me.

"Who's she?" he asked Adrian, his tone dismissive. I could sense a hint of disdain in his voice, and I felt a surge of discomfort.

Adrian's grip on my waist tightened as he smiled warmly at his father. "Dad, I'd like you to meet Joi, my fiancée."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Fiancée?! My mind reeled as I struggled to maintain a neutral expression. I shot Adrian a sideways glance, but his face was a mask of calmness. I had no choice but to play along.

Mr. Reginald's face contorted in outrage, his voice rising to a near-shout. "Anna is your fiancée, not this...this..." He sneered at me, his eyes raking over me with disdain. "Random girl you've picked up off the street."

Adrian's expression remained unyielding. "She's not some random girl, Father. And Anna...Anna was your choice, not mine." His voice took on a hint of disdain. "You're welcome to make her your mistress, if that's what you desire. You're certainly not too old for that."

Looking at Reginald, I could see the resemblance between him and Adrian. The same sharp jawline, the same piercing eyes.

Mr. Reginald's face turned beet red with rage. "Adrian, don't be foolish!" he thundered, slamming his fist on the armrest.

Adrian's eyes flashed with anger, but he remained standing, his back straight and unyielding. I felt a surge of unease as I stood up beside him, my eyes fixed on Mr. Reginald's furious face.

"You know how they helped save Catherine, your mother," Mr. Reginald pleaded, his voice taking on a wheedling tone.

Adrian's voice dropped to a chilly tone. "She's not my mother," he repeated, his eyes glinting with a hint of warning.

Mr. Reginald's face reddened further, his voice rising in indignation. "You're being obstinate, Adrian! Anna is a perfect match for you, and Lionel is already engaged. What more could you want.

Unaccustomed to such tension, I involuntarily squeezed Adrian's hand. He glanced at me calmly, his eyes softening for a moment. I kept my gaze on the shiny floor, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the intensity of the conversation.

Adrian's voice cut through the silence, his tone firm but controlled. "I have a fiancée too," he said, "and she's uncomfortable here." He paused, his eyes locked on his father's face. "Since you won't accept her, I won't accept Catherine as my mother."

Mr. Reginald's face turned purple. "Fine, leave then!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the hallway.

Adrian turned to leave, pulling me along with him. As we walked away, I heard Mr. Reginald's angry voice behind us. "You'll regret this, Adrian! You're ruining your life!"

As we stepped outside, I felt a mix of relief and confusion.

What had just transpired?

And why did Adrian claim me as his fiancée?

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