Chapter 238: Confessions

Jeanne pushed open the familiar glass doors of Adrian's office building. She had just returned from a blissful week in Los Angeles with her new beau, Ethan.

The California tan made her look more beautiful. A bounce in her step and a radiant glow about her that could only come from a woman deeply in love.

Adrian glanced up from his desk, unable to stifle an amused grin as he took in Jeanne's euphoric demeanor.

"Well, well, if it isn't the lovesick lady herself," he quipped teasingly. "I caught a glimpse of you and your handsome fellow frolicking on the red carpet. Quite the public display of affection for the woman who so callously dumped me."

Feigning indignation, Jeanne scoffed loudly. But the sparkle in her eyes gave away her true lack of annoyance.

"As if you didn't bring that upon yourself with your insufferable ways," she retorted with a dismissive wave of her hand.

They both dissolved into laughter, any lingering awkwardness between the divorced couple melting away.

Once the chuckles subsided, Jeanne perched herself on the edge of Adrian's desk, eyes alight with joy as she regaled him with tales from her sunny Los Angeles escapades.

"Oh Adrian, you should have seen it! The ocean stretching out for miles, the gentle breeze, the warmth of the sun…" She trailed off wistfully before continuing. "And Ethan; he's just so wonderfully kind and attentive. We wandered the beaches for hours, hand in hand, stopping for delicious meals at these cute little cafés..."

On and on she gushed, painting a vivid picture of her loved-up week. Adrian listened with a contented smile, genuinely happy to see Jeanne looking so energized and radiant.

"I know," he said. "And honestly, I'm happy for you. You deserve that."

Jeanne drew a breath, her expression turning more somber.

"There's something I wanted to say," she began, her voice barely a whisper.

"Anything," Adrian said, his gaze holding hers.

"I am sorry though, truly, for everything, for the hurt I caused you over the years. I know it wasn't easy."

Adrian surprised her by reaching out and taking her hand in his. His grip was warm, a familiar comfort that sent a jolt through her.

"There's no need to apologize," he said gently. "We were young, we made mistakes. You followed your heart, and that's all anyone can ask for."

Jeanne squeezed him tightly, exhaling deeply as if releasing years of pent-up tension and regret. When they parted, her eyes shone with unshed tears of gratitude.

"Truly, I hope this can be a fresh beginning for us, as friends," she said softly. "You mean so much to me, Adrian."

Adrian's face softened, and he offered her a warm smile.

"I would like that very much," he said, a genuine smile lighting up his face for the first time since she walked in. "In fact, why don't you and Ethan come over for dinner this weekend? We can all properly catch up, and I can get to know this fellow who has so thoroughly swept you off your feet."

Laughing in relief, Jeanne nodded eagerly. "It's a date! Oh, thank you, Adrian. This means everything to me."

"Looking forward to it," he said.

Jeanne shifted in her seat, there was nervous tremor in her hands. She drew a steadying breath, her voice dropping to a hushed tone.

"There's something else I need to let you know," she began, her voice barely a murmur.

Adrian leaned forward, a crease appearing between his brows. He could sense the weight behind her words.

"What is it?" he asked, a wry edge to his tone.

She couldn't meet his probing gaze.

"It's about…" She hesitated, then blurted, "It's about Aria."

"From NYU?"

The mention of the name triggered a reflexive pang in his chest, stirring memories of that turbulent period.

"Yeah, I remember her. I know what you did."

Her head snapped up, eyes widening.

"You do?"

How could he possibly know about her orchestrated betrayal from all those years ago?

"Aria told me you accosted her. And you admitted it when I confronted you." His jaw tensed at the recollection.

Shame burned in Jeanne's gut.

"No, no, that's not…" she mumbled, unable to meet his gaze. "There's more…"

"What is it then?"

She remained silent.

Adrian's frown deepened. "What did you do, Jeanne?"

A heavy silence hung between them as she grappled with the truth.

"I…separated you two," she finally said, barely above a whisper.

He recoiled slightly at the admission. "What are you talking about?"

"I planned the whole thing," she confessed, words tumbling out in a rush before she could stop them. "I made sure Aria got invited to that art exhibition on campus. That's where she met…Brad Newton."

Adrian's features contorted in confusion.

"Brad Newton? Who's that?"

The name no longer triggered any instinctive response; those anguished memories had faded long ago, priorities shifting over the passing years.

Jeanne swallowed hard, bracing herself for Adrian's reaction as the truth came tumbling out, a desperate torrent finally breaking free.

"There was never a Brad Newton," she confessed. "The art exhibition was staged; all of it, fake. The people there that evening were actors."

"I don't follow," he rasped.

Shame twisted in Jeanne's gut.

"I knew Aria's reputation on campus; the whispers about her being a gold digger." Jeanne forced out as she twisted her hands anxiously. "And you'd told me how you wanted to keep a low profile, not draw attention to your family's wealth."

"Yeah, that was what my mum wanted."

"Right. So," Jeanne continued, "I...I planned a fake art show at the Gallatin. Made sure Aria's friend received an invite, knowing they always attended those social events together." The words began spilling out in a rush now that the dam had broken.

"So what happened?" Adrian asked