CHAPTER SEVEN

ADRIAN

A soft knock at the door pulled Adrain's attention away from the stack of papers he'd been reviewing for hours. His eyes were tired, the text blurring slightly under the glow of his desk lamp.

The door creaked open, and Rachel stepped inside, her expression a blend of patience and gentle urgency.

"Yes?" Elio asked without looking up.

"Please, Elio… it's past 7 p.m.," she said carefully.

"You can go home."

"I know," she replied, stepping closer. "But your mum called. You're expected at the mansion tonight—a congratulations dinner with the family."

Elio sighed quietly and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Of course."

"She said to bring Rick... if he's available."

"Okay."

Rachel lingered for a beat. "Please don't be late this time," she added softly before gently closing the door behind her.

The click of the latch echoed in the now-silent room. Elio leaned back in his chair and exhaled deeply.

Today had been brutal—back-to-back meetings, nonstop calls, and endless reports. The weight of expectations sat heavily on his shoulders.

But still... I'm in for the challenge.

He picked up his phone for the first time all day and dialed Rick.

The line connected instantly. "Yes, little boss. What can I do for you?" came Rick's playful voice.

Elio managed a small smile. "Are you free this evening?"

"No."

The answer was too quick.

Elio frowned slightly. "Is something wrong?"

"No. Just... not tonight."

"It's just dinner at the mansion," Elio added, trying to sound casual.

"Sorry, I can't make it."

A pause followed.

Then Rick teased, "Why don't you invite your boyfriend instead?"

"Bye."

"Ad—"

"Very-soon-boyfriend. Not-yet-boyfriend," Elio muttered, ending the call with a sigh.

"Damn it, Rick."

He pressed the intercom button. "Call my driver."

---

Rian dropped his keys onto the table in his apartment's living room, the soft jingle echoing in the quiet space. Without stopping, he headed straight for his bedroom, shedding the layers of the day—his jacket, his composure, and whatever smile he'd forced during the family dinner.

Dinner with my parents... unbearable, as always.

Probably why Rick showed up—to draw attention away from me.

Just as he set his phone on the nightstand, a notification lit up the screen—private message.

His chest tightened slightly.

He unlocked the phone and opened the app.

There it was.

A simple message.

Hi Rian, congratulations.

From Maxen.

He stared at the screen.

He knows...

Not just about the press conference. About me. About who I really am.

His thoughts spun. For a moment, he felt exposed—like someone had cracked open a part of him he wasn't sure he was ready to share. But something else stirred beneath the vulnerability.

Curiosity. Warmth. Hope?

Will he see me differently now?

Will things change?

He didn't have the answers yet. But time would tell.

Driven by impulse, Rian typed back:

Congratulate me with dinner. This week. —Maxen

He stared at the message for a moment.

Then hit send.

A slow smirk curved his lips as he tossed the phone onto the bed.

Let's see what you do with that, Maxen.

He headed to the shower, hoping to rinse off the weight of expectation and lingering nerves. As the warm water cascaded over him, his mind wandered again—back to Maxen's message.

And then to Rick.

The dinner had been the usual act—his father asking too many questions without warmth, his mother analyzing him like a news report. A toast, a few forced laughs, and a dozen unspoken criticisms.

He was just stepping into the living room to grab a drink when someone knocked on his door.

His brow furrowed.

The knock was firm. Familiar.

He opened the door—and there he was.

Rick.

Dressed in a charcoal suit, no tie. Hair slightly messy like he'd rushed.

"What are you doing here?" Rian asked, caught off guard but undeniably relieved.

Rick lifted a bottle of wine. "Your mom called me again. Said she'd stop sending me her cookies if I didn't show up."

"You said you were busy."

"I was," Rick said, walking in without waiting for an invitation. "Didn't say I'd stay busy."

Rian blinked after him, something soft rising in his chest.

Rick loosened his cuffs. "And really, what kind of best friend lets you suffer through a family dinner alone?"

Rian scoffed, but his eyes warmed. "Softie."

Rick grinned. "Only for you, little boss."

Later, freshly showered and tucked into bed, Rian checked his phone one last time.

A reply from Maxen waited.

Friday. 8 p.m.

A quiet smile found his lips.

Today... ended better than it started.

With that thought, he finally drifted into sleep.

________________________________________

TO BE CONTINUED...

________________________________________

Next updates: Monday at 7:30 PM GMT. Adjust for your local time!