Chapter 65 No More Secrets
Adrian's POV
"Julius!" I roar. My heartbeat races crazily.
Soon, Julius stands behind me, panting.
"Come with me!" I calculate each step. My pace is slow. All I can think about are Jim's words.
Ever since Camille died, I've not been in contact with that family. Most importantly, that location... it's been years since I step foot there.
I enter the car and Julius sits on the passenger seat. I drive out of the garage and step on the accelerator. Heading back to the penthouse.
I have decisions to make, places to visit but first, I have to settle my family.
My driving is rough, as I violate traffic rules. Exceeding the speed limit. My grip on the steering wheel tightens and my head continues to spin.
My phone rings and I pick up the call.
"Yes?" I reply grumpily.
"Good day sir. I want to inform you that the board of directors has scheduled a meeting for tomorrow, to discuss the way forward for project X," my secretary informs me.
These people never learn their lesson. But it's not yet their time to be dealt with.
"Tell them that since they can dare to schedule a meeting without informing me, I want a list of people who wants to take my place. Failure to do so will make them wish for death." I hang up calmly.
We arrive and I walk into the kitchen to prepare Hazel's meal. On my way back, I'll get Darcy's order.
"Did you properly tighten the security at the hospital?" I ask Julius who is standing some distance away from me.
"Yes, sir" be reply.
I rolled up the sleeves of my shirt and took out my apron. Hazel's food is quite easy to prepare.
In ten minutes, I'm done cooking. So I arrange the food inside the lunch box. I hand the bag over to Julius.
"I'll join you in the car," I hand him the lunch box and he bows slightly.
The moment the door closes behind him, I bring out my phone and dial Jim's number. He picks up the call on the first ring.
"Mr. Ashford," he calls with a serious tone.
"The location you sent me earlier, how accurate is it?" I ask with one of my hands buried in my pocket.
"Hundred percent," he says with all certainty. Exactly what I need.
I nod and end the call. Seems like I have to pay a visit to that place. Somewhere I thought was special.
I walk to the living room and scrutinize the area to see the newly installed camera but I don't see anything.
Darcy must have put them in hidden spots. Where they won't be easily discovered.
Running up the stairs, I pack few clothes for both Hazel and Darcy.
Some minutes later, I walk out of the house holding a duffel bag. Julius stands beside the car. I open the back door and throw the bag on the seat.
I start driving towards KFC and Julius follows behind with another car. I order a platter which includes chicken nuggets, hamburgers, fries, ice cream and sauce.
I don't plan on going back to the hospital, so Julius will have to deliver everything to them.
As he turns to leave, I speak up.
"You once disappointed me and now I don't want a repeat of that. Protect them with your life or lose your life if anything happens to them." I order in a low voice and he gulps heavily before replying.
"I'll do my best sir."
I buckle my seatbelt but before I can ignite the engine, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I take it out and it's an unknown number.
Before now, I never answer calls like this but lately, I've disregarded my principles a few times.
I swipe the screen of my phone and place it against my ear.
I don't say anything. Waiting for the caller to say something, instead rough breathing fills my ear.
"Adr... Adrian?" My mother's voice booms.
I clench my jaw and furrow my eyebrows.
It's her?
Why is she calling?
"I've been trying to reach you for some time now but haven't been successful," she complains even though her voice remains polite.
I raise my eyebrow. I don't owe her anything and age should know that by now.
"Is this the reason for your call?" I groan and close my eyes. Anything to stay calm.
"No, no. Don't get me wrong. But I have something important to tell you."
I massage my temples and breathe out. "That you're dying? And now want my sympathy?"
She goes silent. I'm harsh with my words but she has said worse to me. "I remember telling you that you'll need to earn the title of being my family."
"I know and I'm working on that but you really have to listen to me. To what I have to say," her voice is laced with urgency.
"When I vowed never to believe anything you say, I wasn't joking," I place the phone on my thigh and turn on the car.
"What's wrong with you Adrian? This is a matter of life and death. I have done so many hateful things in the past but now I'm willing to change," her voice is firm and shaky at the same time.
"Please!" She adds.
I hesitate as I drive. There's no harm in hearing her out. Before I can reply, Darcy's call comes in.
My heart pounds against my chest. I didn't return with Julius and I can tell she's not impressed.
"I have to go now," I say to my mother and hang up the call immediately.
I squint my head and sigh, answering the call.
"Adrian Ashford, where are you?" She asks in a stern voice.
My heart skips a beat and I raise my eyebrows, surprised. It's the first time she has ever call my full name.
"Babe?" I ask unsure.
"How can you prepare the meal and give it to Julius? The platter order is for both of us. I can't finish it alone," she says.
I want to smile but it doesn't come. I'm starving but a lot of things have occupied my mind and now my mother just added to it.
"Baby? Are you there?" She asks, this time her voice softens.
She's getting worried.
I force a chuckle out of my throat, "I'm sorry baby, my network is unstable. I also apologize for not bringing the food myself."
"Did something happen again?"
Again?
Right. It's been a while since our lives was peaceful.
I laugh yet my grip on the steering wheel tightens. "of course not baby. I want to quickly drop by at the office. There are some documents I need to sign." I lie through my teeth.
"Alright, my love. See you later," she says excitedly.
"Sure. I love you." I end the call.
My heartbeat quickens and I feel sick to my stomach. Disgusted at myself.
No more secrets, yet I lied again.
I don't regret it. Anything to keep her safe and healthy.
Declining health will kill her slowly and painfully more than external attack.
The doctor's warning keeps replaying in my head.
Forgive me Darcy.
After pulling myself together, I step on the accelerator with one destination in mind.
The fate of the two women I once took became complicated. This time, I'm leaving no stone untouched.