Chapter 72: You Belong to Me

The Sterling family had hotels scattered across the globe like jewels in a crown, were renowned for their opulence, exceptional service, and timeless elegance.

Ranging from luxury resorts to budget friendly inns, some of their famous hotels were the Sterling Grand Tower in New York, the Sterling Palace in Paris, and the Sterling Oasis in Dubai.

From the historic hotels in Europe to the modern skyscraper establishments in bustling metropolises, the Sterling Hotels brand was synonymous with luxury and comfort.

Their properties varied from lavish resorts by the beach to boutique hotels nestled in charming towns, each one crafted to cater to the unique desires of their guests.

However, the most significant challenge lay ahead for Sterling Opulent Heights Suites in Miami, Florida. They were confronted with fierce competition, and the hotel's profits were disheartening, raising doubts about its ability to sustain operations.

Impressed by Adrian's work in New York, Adrian's father entrusted him with the task of revitalizing the struggling hotel's business. Only then would he become the Vice President of Sterling Hotels Worldwide, if he succeeded.

Adrian felt he wasn't ready for such a daunting challenge, thinking he needed to better prepare himself; he declined his father's proposal and continued as manager at Sterling Grand Tower.

***

One of the key elements of the hospitality business's marketing strategy was persuading businesses to choose their hotels for seminars, functions, and other corporate events.

It was in this context that Jeanne and Adrian's paths crossed once again. Jeanne had graduated from Bath and was working in the family business, collaborating closely with her father.

A global IT company conference was scheduled to take place in New York, and hotel representatives were vying for the opportunity to host the company's staff.

At a promotion party for the new CEO of the tech company, attended by representatives from various hotels.

Adrian, as the scion of Sterling Hotels, had to go because it was a huge opportunity.

He hoped Jeanne would not be representing Heartstone Hotels, so he wouldn't have to see her. Conversely, Jeanne was eager for Adrian to represent Sterling Hotels, as it would finally give her a chance to meet him.

The party was commenced, congratulations were in order for the new CEO, and intentions regarding hotel choices were declared.

Jeanne's desperation to get Adrian back was noticeable as she finally laid eyes on him, he looked more mature and handsome. Her heart raced, as a flood of emotions surged through her.

Every moment apart had been hard, and now, seeing him standing before her, she felt hope, fear, and longing.

She struggled to find the right words, her voice quivering as she tried to express the depth of her feelings.

Her hands trembled as she walked over, to reassure herself that he was real and that this moment wasn't just a dream.

The intensity of her emotions was written all over her face, and it was clear to anyone watching that Adrian held a special place in her heart that she was unwilling to let go of again.

"Adrian," she called to him.

He turned to look at her. He glanced at her for a couple of seconds before turning his gaze away.

When their eyes met, she noticed a change in his eyes. The affection and warmth that had once filled them had vanished, replaced by a distant, vacant look.

The sparkle that once danced in his eyes had dimmed, like a flickering candle snuffed out, leaving only darkness and shadows. His once adoring eyes now appeared distant and disengaged, evoking an unsettling sensation within her.

It was an emptiness that pierced her very soul.

The gentlemen he was standing with sensed a bit of a tension and excused themselves, leaving the two of them standing alone.

"Jeanne," he simply said, a form of greeting.

Jeanne felt like a stranger in his presence, a ghost from their past that he did not want to remember.

"How have you been?" she asked.

"Good. You?"

"I'm okay," she said.

A very tense silence hung in the air.

She knew she had to say something. It had been too long, and this was a chance she could not let go to waste.

"It's good to see you," she said softly.

"I wish I could say the same," he responded.

"Adrian, I'm so sorry."

He gave a small chuckle.

"What exactly are you sorry about, Jeanne? For cheating on me or sabotaging my relationship with Aria?" he said, looking intensely at her.

"I'm not like that anymore. I've grown. I was young and so stupid then. And Aria doesn't deserve you."

"So who deserves me? You? Don't you think it's a little too late for that, Jeanne. It's been years," he said with a smirk.

"It's never too late, Adrian."

"Jeanne, I've forgotten what it feels like to love you."

Her face clearly displayed the profound hurt caused by his words.

"I'll help you remember," she said, almost in a whisper.

"No Jeanne, let's not do this. You need to move on."

"I can't…I tried, but I just can't."

"Try harder," he said, and made to leave.

Despite her hopes and yearnings, it was painfully obvious that the connection they had shared was now a mere memory, lost in the past.

"Adrian."

He indulged her and stopped.

"If you walk the length and breadth of this Earth, you will return to me," she said in a serious time, confident and daring.

"I don't see that happening," he said, standing a few inches away from her, looking at her straight in the eyes as in a showdown.

"Oh, it will happen. We're going to end up together, you and I," Jeanne said, holding his gaze even though he looked angry as ever.

"Stay the **** away from me, Jeanne," he said, pointing a finger at her face and walked away.

"You are mine Adrian!" she bawled after him, getting the attention of a few people beside them.

Despite her efforts, winning Adrian back proved to be an uphill battle. His pain ran deep, and his trust had been shattered. Jeanne faced rejection yet once again and moments of doubt, but she refused to give up.

Each rejection, each cold response, fueled her desperation further, pushing her to the brink of her sanity.

Jeanne came to a resolution.

She would do anything, sacrifice everything, if it meant rekindling the love they once shared.

Regardless of the duration required or the efforts she needed to exert, she would get him back.

Adrian belonged to her and to her alone.

No one else.