Chapter 114: Strained Alliance

"What the hell, George?" Adrian bellowed into his phone shortly after Sharon left the house.

"What's wrong, Adrian? Is anything the matter?" George asked.

"Don't give me that bullshit, you know what you did!"

"Calm down. What are you talking about?"

"The dinner with Sharon. Why in the hell would you do that? Adrian snapped.

"Oh," George said, wondering why Sharon would disclose that to Adrian.

George, his childhood friend, wore the mask of Donnie Wade. He assumed this role to facilitate Adrian's involvement in the success of Sharon's online business. George was the only one Adrian thought he could count on, but he guessed he was mistaken.

"Oh? That's all you have to say? We had an agreement. Your interaction with her was supposed to be online only. Why did you have to meet her in person?"

"She was insistent and desperate to meet Donnie Wade," George explained. "I denied her several times."

"You should have kept denying her!"

"It was beginning to look peculiar, that's why I had to meet her. She sent several messages, and she always asked to see me every time she came over to the house for delivery."

Adrian remained silent.

"The entire situation was starting to raise suspicions," remarked George.

"You should have called me," Adrian insisted.

"You were occupied in Miami. Relax, it's not a big deal," George reassured.

"I should have been made aware," Adrian expressed his frustration.

Are you worried I might pursue your girl?" George chuckled.

"It's not funny, George. I have a sensitive situation with her, and I simply cannot let anything go wrong. I can't afford to lose her," Adrian emphasized.

"I also wanted to see the brain behind Find. She is a brilliant woman. She is..." George was saying, but was cut off.

"You cannot meet her again, George," Adrian stated firmly.

"I get it. But eventually, you'll have to tell her. She deserves to know the source of the assistance," George advised. "It's better she hears it from you than to figure it out."

"What?" Adrian exclaimed in disbelief. How could George even suggest that?

"That's deception. You have to let her know. It could be a much worse blow if she finds out some other way. It's better for her to hear it from you than to discover it on her own," George advised.

"She won't find out," Adrian insisted.

"If…when you both end up together, she will eventually see me with you."

Adrian paused, pondering George's advice and realizing the sense in it.

"Better to clear it up before it gets too late," George insisted.

"Perhaps when she's well established. There's no way she can know now," Adrian said.

"True, there's no stopping now," George agreed.

"I need to know if you're onboard with me. Back to the original agreement. Transactions will be online only."

There was silence on George's end. He clenched his lips in frustration.

If it were a face-to-face conversation, his expressions would have betrayed his dissatisfaction. He had intended to meet Sharon as often as possible, disguised as discussions about orders.

Unfortunately, he had no choice but to adhere to Adrian's rule.

"George, you there?"

"I'm here. No problem. It's a good thing you're doing for her, and I'm with you."

"I appreciate it, but keep in mind our agreement."

"No problem."

"I've got to go," Adrian said, hanging up the phone as soon as he saw Sharon walk into the kitchen.

Sharon returned home to find Adrian where she left him, but he was on a call, appearing upset with the person on the other end.

"Fann said it's okay for Thomas to stay over," she informed him.

"Thank God for Fannie," Adrian said. Though he still looked flushed from anger.

"Would you like a tour of my house?" she suggested in an effort to calm him down.

"Sure," he said, standing up.

Sharon guided Adrian around her home, showcasing the inviting ambiance of the living space.

The vibrant colors of the living space painted a vivid picture of Sharon's personality and a reflection of her taste.

She led him to the backyard, where a quaint shed stood. This unassuming space, filled with the subtle scent of creativity.

As she opened the door, Adrian was greeted by the sight of a jewelry; making haven, a place where creativity danced in the form of delicate jewelry.

The shed showcased Sharon's passion, where skill and emotion blended, bringing her artistic side to life.

They made it back into the house and ascended the staircase, Sharon revealed the bedrooms and bathrooms, each portrayed comfort and personal touch.

However, as they approached the locked master bedroom, a shadow of pain crossed her face, concealing the haunting memories from her past marriage.

"That's the master's bedroom. I've locked it up. I don't go in there anymore," she admitted, avoiding his gaze. Instead, she held his hand and guided him to another room. "This is my room now."

"You know, you could always leave this house," Adrian suggested, gently touching her shoulder.

"I have nowhere else to go," she replied.

"I could…" Adrian began, but Sharon cut him off.

"No, please. I can't leave Fann. I'm all the family she has, and she's mine."

"Sharon…let me take care of you the way you deserve," Adrian said, moving his face closer to hers.

"You are taking care of me…the way I want you to," she responded, rubbing her nose against his.

In Adrian's embrace, Sharon felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Being with him in that house felt like a reward of some kind; like her suffering was not in vain.

The walls echoed with the infamy suffocating her wounded heart. Sharon couldn't help but be aware of the memories that haunted the very walls she called home.

She had spent countless nights praying for the pain to fade away, yearning for a glint of hope that would bring joy back into her life.

And then, as if the universe could hear her pleas, Adrian had walked into her life. He exuded a vibrant energy that was impossible to ignore.

His warm smile could melt even the coldest of hearts, and Sharon found solace in his presence.

She had discovered a renewed sense of happiness within herself. Adrian had a way of making her forget about her past, allowing her to focus on the present, evoking emotions that she thought were long forgotten.

With Adrian by her side at that moment, Sharon no longer felt abandoned; instead, she was filled with hope, ready to create a new and beautiful beginning in the house she never thought she'd find happiness again.

He made her feel that her husband's abandonment did not define her worth nor her capacity to be cherished.

Adrian's vibrant energy and fresh vibe filled every corner, chasing away the ghosts of the past. With his presence, the house transformed into a place with better memories.

And what better way than for him to take her, right then, under the roof when love had died in her heart; building new memories within the same walls that once held only heartache.