Chapter 25 A scorned Ex

Chapter 25 A scorned Ex
“You don’t look happy to see me,” Elias moved from where he sat on the driver’s seat. “At least pretend not to be disappointed that your husband is not driving you.”

Adrian huffed from the passenger seat. “Eyes on the road before you kill us both.”

“Grumpy much?”

“Can I ask you something? You better not lie to me.”

Elias laughed, “Shoot! We still have a couple minutes before we get there.” He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel when Adrian said nothing. “Do I need to force it out of you?”

“The marriage was initially going to be confirmed, right?” Adrian tilted his body towards Elias. “That was what Mr. Hale wanted from the beginning. I’m sure this was the perfect opening for him to convince the investors and all of that, so why—”

“Deep breaths,” Elias said firmly.

“I’m not a child,” Adrian muttered but did as he was told. “Was it Rowan? I have a feeling he had something to do with it but I can’t ask him.”

“Why? Communication is one of the best things when it comes to marriage—ow!”

Adrian smacked his shoulder. “Quit playing with me. I know you have all the details.”

“Well…” he stopped at a red light. “Mr. Hale was going to have you two confirm everything, I’d already checked the post with the media team. But Rowan called and told me not to post it.”

“He did?”

“Yeah. I was surprised because this was the first time he was going against his father’s orders. He said he was willing to bear the consequences.” Elias cast him a brief look. “Did anything happen between you two that I should know about?”

Adrian immediately shook his head. “Why did he do that though?”

“I can never tell what’s going through that punk's head, but it looks like he cares about you.”

\-

\-

Elias’s words kept ringing in Adrian’s head even as they did his makeup for the shoot. It was a commercial for a luxury perfume brand, they’d signed him a couple days ago.

Many companies started reaching out after the marriage claims. 

It made Adrian wonder if it was solely because of his hard work, or if they wanted to partner with him because of the possibility that he really could be married to one of the most influential men in the country.

Either way, he didn’t mind. As long as he was getting paid.

He checked his messages, there was still no response from the private investigator he’d hired to look for Lily.

He only needed to know her location and to make sure she was okay. He had had no intentions of reaching out to her in order to respect her wish.

“We’re set, go change your clothes,” the makeup artist said, trying to peek at Adrian’s screen. 

He dropped his phone on the table and took the clothes from his assistant. 

“Everyone is ready,” the creative director announced. “Let’s all move to the set.”

Adrian was shooting with two extra models and—Rose. 

Elias hadn’t briefed him on who else was shooting with him, which was why he was started when he saw the vicious woman.

Even now her eyes followed him like a hawk's.

“Okay, look at the camera. Hold the perfume up. Act like it’s the best scent you’ve been blessed with the opportunity to…”

It was the same with all his other shoots. 

Smile for the camera.

Make sure the name of the products is showing.

Give me your best shot.

It was tiring work but Adrian would pick it anyday over his old part-time jobs. By the time they wrapped up it was already evening and he was starving.

There was a new message when he picked up his phone.

“What do you want for dinner?” It was from Rowan.

Since living with Rowan, the man had made it a point to take care of their feeding. Whether it was having a chef prepare it beforehand, or ordering it himself.

It also came in handy that they’d both been placed on the same diet. Adrian only needed to cut back on the alcohol.

He was typing out a reply when the scent of heavy perfume penetrated his nostrils. He knew who it was before he even looked up.

“What’s between you and Rowan?” she asked.

Adrian immediately noticed they were alone in the dressing room. Did she send the others out? 

He crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t think that’s any concern of yours.”

Rose scoffed. “Is he fucking you? Are you his side piece? You seduced him, didn't you?” she was firing questions after another without giving him a chance to answer.

“I know you think you can weasel your way into his life because of his money, but don’t you think this is very low of you? Trying to get a man with a fiancee?”

“I’d like you to know I have more than enough money to keep my dignity, thank you very much. I’m more concerned that you’re the one out here trying to defend your relationship. And to be honest, he’s not that great of a guy.”

“What?”

“What do you even see in him? I’d say he’s pretty average, I’m sure you can do better than him.”

“I’ll advise you to watch your mouth. Rowan is a better man than you’ll ever be!”

Adrian raised his brow, a smirk already plastered on his face. He could already see the uncertainty she felt in her expression.

“It’s alright,” he raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’m not fighting for the spot anyway, you’re not exactly my type.”

Rose’s face turned a deep red out of anger.

Before Adrian could process what was happening she’d already raised her hand and smacked his cheek with her palm.

“What the fuck?” he exclaimed, springing up from his seat.

“You good for nothing man-whore! You dare to speak to me like that? I promise I’ll send you back to the street where you belong!”

Adrian was tired of everyone trying to drag him down because of his background. Was it his fault he’d been tossed as a child?

He took a menacing step towards her. “How about I drag you along with me?”