Page 60 of Cruel Hero

The afternoon sun catches my engagement and wedding rings as I step off the elevator, casting a rainbow of prisms dancing across the marble floor. I can’t help but smile as I twist the bands on my finger. They still feel new, reminding me of the happiness Adrien and I have found.

On my way to his office, I’m stopped by a familiar face—Diane, looking sharp in her tailored blazer, raises an eyebrow at me.

“What are you up to now, Tiffany?”

“Can’t a wife surprise her husband every once in a while?”

Diane shakes her head, but there’s amusement in her expression. It’s good to see her thriving as the new chief of operations. Just six months ago, after Adrien had dealt with most of the loose ends from Dean and his connections to the black market and criminal world, Diane, Matteo, and Daniel stepped up to take on crucial roles in Adrien’s legal business operations, establishing new protocols and ensuring everything ran smoothly.

It’s a relief knowing that Adrien has people he can trust, especially with the changes he is making, to leave behind his shady past.

The role of COO suits Diane much better than being Adrien’s assistant ever did, anyway.

“How’s the new personal assistant working out?” I ask.

Adrien’s previous assistants seemed to flee within weeks, leaving him irritable, but this one seems to hold her own, much to everyone’s relief.

“Surprisingly, she’s lasted over a week,” Diane replies dryly. “I’d say our odds are good that she won’t run away screaming for the hills.”

I laugh and am about to respond when Diane leans in closer, her tone becoming conspiratorial.

“I know you told her to clear his schedule for this afternoon. Whatever you have planned, make sure he relaxes, will you? I’ve got plans this weekend, and the last thing I need is an emergency call from a stressed-out CEO.”

“I’ll do my best,” I promise, touched by her concern for Adrien. Despite their constant bickering, there’s genuine care between them. “Have a great weekend, Diane.”

As I approach Adrien’s office, I smile warmly at his new assistant. She seems sweet, although a bit nervous. I hope she sticks around—Adrien needs stability in his work life as much as he does in his personal one.

I smooth my dress and reach for the door handle.

I can’t wait to see Adrien’s face when I tell him the news.

I push open the door, a smile spreading across my face as I spot Adrien behind his desk. He looks up, his expression shifting from concentration to delight in an instant.

“I have a surprise for you,” I announce, unable to contain my excitement.

Adrien’s eyebrows shoot up, but he’s already rising from his chair, crossing the room in long strides.

“Is that so?” he murmurs, pulling me into a warm embrace.

As we kiss, I melt against him, relishing in the familiar taste of his lips.

When we pull apart, he holds me close with a twinkle in his eye. “I was just thinking about you. You’re always a welcome distraction.”

I run my hands up his chest, reveling in the solid warmth of him.

“Get ready to be thoroughly distracted. I’ve rescheduled all your meetings for the day. You’re mine now.”

Adrien’s eyes widen in surprise, then crinkle with amusement. “Spoiling me on a random Friday? What did I do to deserve this?”

“Just being you,” I say, my heart swelling with love. God, how did I get so lucky?

“Being with you is already my favorite thing in the world,” Adrien says softly and earnestly. “Take me anywhere, and I’ll enjoy every second.”

I laugh and swat at his chest. “Such a sweet talker. Now, grab your things. We’re going on an adventure.”

As Adrien gathers his belongings, I watch him with anticipation racing through my mind. He has no idea what’s in store for us or how our lives are about to change. Absentmindedly touching my stomach, a secret smile spreads across my lips.

The familiar winding road to Adrien’s holiday house stretches before us, trees lining the way like silent sentinels. As I pull up to the stunning home, memories of our time here come rushing back. This place holds a special spot in my heart; it’s where we first fell in love and where my life changed forever.

---