Chapter 51: Hidden Intentions

"Hey Dad."

"Adrian, my boy…I'm so glad you called," William Sterling said over the phone. He was in a crucial meeting, but he had to take the call.

His only child was calling.

Everything else can wait.

Adrian smiled at the excitement of his father's response.

"How's school?"

"Good."

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah...hmmm Dad..."

"Yes Son."

"I kinda need a house."

"A house?" his father said, laughing.

"Yeah."

"Why, our mansion is not good enough for you?"

"Our mansion is the problem, Dad."

"How so?"

"There's this girl I'm dating. I want to know how she truly feels about me. So I need a regular house. I need her to see me as a regular person," he explained.

"What about Jeanne?" his father asked, frowning.

Silence.

"Jeanne is in London, Dad."

"Okay, so this girl is not a long-term deal?"

Adrian laughed.

"Dad I'm in school, it's not like I'm getting married."

"Right."

"Please, Dad. It's just a house."

"Aren't you legally too young to own a house," his father inquired.

"Dad, I'm twenty-one. I can vote."

"Okay."

"Okay?" Adrian said, gushing like a child given candy. "Thank you, Dad. You're the best."

"You're welcome, Son."

"There's a house I like on Wayne Street, it's like two million. I'll send the agent's name and details to Paul, so he can finalize everything."

Paul was his father's assistant.

"Okay. Do that."

"And Dad, don't tell Mum. Just between you and me."

His father paused for a moment, pondering if holding such information from his better half was a good idea.

"Sure Son."

"You're amazing, Dad. Thank you so much."

"Anything for my boy."

"I love you, Dad."

"Love you too, Son"

"Later, Dad."

"Bye."

Adrian, as a man of great status, born into enormous wealth and luxury, had always kept his status veiled on campus and among new friends.

His mother's insistence.

But when he met Aria, he was tempted to let her know who he truly was.

He had developed really strong feelings for her, and the depth of his emotions surprised even him.

He cherished the moments they spent together, the laughter they shared, and the way her smile lit up his world.

He wanted to really be with her, to build something genuine and true, but there was a shadow hanging over their love, the fear that she might be with him for his wealth.

Adrian was determined to make their budding story unfold in a setting untouched by opulence, a love story that allowed them to explore the depths of their connection without the distractions of wealth.

The other night, while Adrian could not help eavesdropping on the conversation Farhan and Aria had.

Though Farhan's words pierced through his heart, but when he thought deeper about it, he realized that there was nothing wrong in a girl wanting a good life for herself.

As long as she loved her man.

Right?

Until someone better comes along…

He was the better someone.

Adrian believed Aria would never leave him for someone else.

Someone better? Where?

Aria's feelings would develop to love for him. He would make sure of it.

Adrian realized he had to act, not simply to safeguard his heart, but also to demonstrate the genuineness of his feelings for Aria.

Adrian had always been open about his affections for Aria, but there was one thing he had kept hidden: his billionaire status. It was not time for her to know, not until he was sure about his feelings for him.

He desired to feel their love on an equal footing, free of the overwhelming influence of his wealth. So he made a decision that would enable him to do so.

He resolved to put up a facade, a front that would allow them to be together without being overshadowed by his wealth.

He needed a place where their feelings can blossom into love and flourish in its purest form over the summer; where Aria would never suspect his true status.

And so, a plan was set into motion.

He had approached his father, a shrewd businessman in his own right, and explained the situation.

With a fatherly understanding of his son's predicament, he agreed to help. Adrian's father purchased a charming house on Wayne Street.

The house on Wayne Street, a charming and humble residence, became the answer to his dilemma.

Telling Aria his parents were embarking on an extended trip overseas, leaving him all alone in their big, empty house; was the perfect opportunity for Adrian to invite Aria to spend the summer with him. To further explore the depths of their affection.

This summer held so much promise, and Adrian hoped it would bring him and Aria closer than ever before.

To Aria, it would be just another house on a quiet street, nothing to suggest the immense wealth behind it.