Chapter 4

This twisted fate of ours, between Adrian and me, began five years ago.

Five years ago, my Grandpa Leo fell ill, and Adrian’s company’s medical technology introduction program saved his life.

Later, as a patient’s family member, I met Adrian.

I had just graduated from film school and was still a newbie.

Serena was a senior from my school, having acted in a few shows that never quite hit it big, but she was a frequent topic on Ins.

Some called her the “fallen heiress.”

Although her mother wasn’t the legitimate wife of a big CEO, her rumored boyfriend was the heir to Adrian’s company.

High-society drama tied to the entertainment industry always made for hot gossip.

Later, for some unknown reason, Serena suddenly broke up with Adrian and went abroad.

Soon, another man’s silhouette frequently appeared on her social media.

Back then, I often delivered some home-grown organic produce from my Grandpa Leo’s garden to Adrian’s company.

My grandpa was stubborn, insisting that if we received kindness, we must repay it. He was adamant that I bring him some of his pesticide-free fruits and vegetables every month.

Usually, I’d just leave them with his secretary and go.

But that one time, I was already in the elevator when Adrian called.

“Leaving already? Want to grab a bite?” he asked.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't happy to hear that.

After all, I couldn't help but be like other young girls, adoring Adrian like a celebrity.

He took over the family business at a young age and wasn't frivolous like many trust-fund kids.

What's more, he had a cool, detached aura and that intense, unsmiling profile.

At dinner, I sensed he wasn't in a good mood.

I wracked my brain, foolishly telling him jokes and even made a complete fool of myself, just wanting to make him happy.

Finally, he smiled.

He said, “Skylar, you have such a great personality.”

After that, he started contacting me more frequently.

Sometimes it was just a simple meal, sometimes we’d go see a movie I was in, sometimes we’d attend a concert.

I could feel that he was quite lonely.

I thought, he saved my grandpa’s life, and if my clumsy jokes could make him happy, it would be a small way of repaying that kindness.

Being friends would be enough.

Until one evening, he got drunk and called me.

I rushed over. He was sitting alone by the river, surrounded by countless beer bottles.

I tried to pull him up, but he was strong and unreasonable, pulling me into his arms.

When his hot lips descended, I was completely stunned.

And, unfortunately, the paparazzi captured photos of him pulling me into that embrace, and they were all over Ins the next day.

I had just won a newcomer award, but I was instantly slammed as a manipulative gold-digger trying to climb the social ladder.

The online attacks began, with some even suspecting I had set Adrian up, deliberately arranging for the photos to leak.

I panicked and called Adrian, explaining I hadn't done anything.

He was silent for a long time on the other end of the line, then asked me one question:

“Skylar, do you want to get married?”