Chapter 4
It was still the same name, Maya.
I lay beside him, wide awake.
Adrian, your first love is coming back soon. Just you wait.
A week later, Adrian mentioned that the company was getting a new business partner.
"She just got back from Montenia," he said. "She's a real powerhouse. She spent seven years working in investment over there, and now she's back, looking for new opportunities."
"Oh," I replied.
"She's coming by the office next week to check things out. It might be a huge project," Adrian added.
"Alright." I didn't press for details, but I already had a pretty good idea.
A female returnee who spent seven years in Montenia. It had to be Maya.
Next Monday, I told Adrian I'd drop by his office with some homemade soup.
Adrian raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You never come to the office."
"You've been working so hard lately," I said with a smile. "I just want to take care of you."
He didn't read too much into it and actually looked pleased.
"Then come by around noon," Adrian said, "I'll introduce you to our new partner."
"Sounds good," I replied.
At noon, I showed up at Adrian's office, carrying some soup.
The receptionist recognized me.
"Hello, Mrs. Wright," she greeted.
"Is Mr. Wright in?" I asked.
"Yes, he's in the conference room for a meeting. Should I let him know you're here?" She offered.
"No need, I'll go up myself," I replied.
I stood just outside the conference room. The door was half open.
I could hear voices inside. One of them was Adrian's. The other was a woman's voice.
"Long time no see, Adrian," the woman said.
"Seven years, Maya," Adrian replied.
I lingered at the doorway, not stepping inside.
Peeking through the gap, I spotted a woman. Her hair cascaded down to her waist, and she wore an immaculate white suit. She had striking, delicate features.
She was sitting across from Adrian, her smile gentle and warm.
"Wow, you're getting old," Maya joked.
"You still look exactly the same," Adrian replied.
"Oh, please," Maya laughed, giving him a gentle shove. "I've got some gray hairs now, you know."
"I can't see any," Adrian said.
"That's because I dye them," Maya grinned.
They both burst out laughing.
The atmosphere between them was unmistakably comfortable. The chemistry was obvious. They just clicked, like no time had passed at all.
I watched them.
The way Adrian looked at her was totally different from how he looked at me.
When he looked at me, his eyes were calm, almost indifferent. But when he looked at her, his eyes lit up like he was seeing the sun for the first time.
Suddenly, it hit me.
For the past ten years, his tenderness, thoughtfulness, and concern for me were all because I resembled her.
Now she's back. I'm just a stand-in. He doesn't need me anymore.
"Mrs. Wright?" I heard the receptionist call out from behind me.
Adrian glanced up and spotted me.
"Honey? You're here." Adrian got up and came over to me.
He was smiling like he always does. But I noticed, right before he walked over, he gave Maya one last look.
"Let me introduce you," Adrian said. "This is Maya Pleide, our new business partner."
Maya stood up and gave me a polite nod. "Hello, Mrs. Wright."
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Pleide," I replied with a smile.
She glanced at me. Her gaze lingered on my face, holding for a moment longer than usual.
"Mrs. Wright." Maya smiled. "You look really elegant."
"Thank you," I replied.
"Adrian's mentioned you before. I've always wanted to meet you," Maya said.
"Yeah, he's told me about you as well," I replied.
For a split second, things got a bit awkward.
Adrian gave a couple of forced laughs.
"Honey, what soup did you bring?" Adrian asked.
"Chicken soup," I replied, handing him the container. "You can have some while you work. I won't interrupt your meeting."
"There's no hurry," Adrian said. "Why don't you stay and eat with me?"
"I've got to go," I said with a smile. "Take care, Ms. Pleide."
Maya nodded. "Take care, Mrs. Wright."
I turned and left.
When I got to the elevator, I looked back.
The conference room door was open. Adrian stood in the doorway, watching me walk away, but his body was facing Maya.
I smiled.
Adrian, you don't even care enough to fake it anymore.
Adrian didn't get home until late that night.
It was already past eleven. He smelled faintly of perfume, but not the one I used.
"Working overtime?" I asked.
"Yeah, I was discussing a project with Maya. It went on pretty late," Adrian replied.
"Okay," I said.
"You're still up?" Adrian asked.
"I was waiting for you," I said.
He looked a bit surprised. "Why were you waiting for me?"
"I was waiting for you to come home and eat," I said.
I served the supper. It was just some mashed potatoes and a couple of small dishes.
He looked at me, his gaze a mix of emotions. "Honey, what's up with you lately?"
"What do you mean?" I replied.
"You seem unusually gentle these days," Adrian said.
I smiled. "You don't like it?"
"I like it," Adrian replied, "I'm just not used to it."