Hey, everyone I'm back. I hope that you all will like it and stop being silent readers
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Susan's P.O.V.
Chapter Three
A Day Without You
Susan's POV
Waking up alone should have been routine by now. But no, I still hated it. The apartment felt too quiet without Adrian, the space too large, the bed too cold. The true crime documentary I binged last night didn't help eitherâI had kept Adrian on the phone until past 1 a.m., rambling about the most ridiculous theories just to keep my nerves in check. Now, I was paying for it with a throbbing headache and barely five hours of sleep.
Still, there was no time to indulge in missing him. I had a packed schedule, and productivity was the best distraction.
My morning was a blurâblack coffee, silk blouse, perfectly tailored pencil skirt. Emails, news, a quick skim through my planner. Just as I was about to leave, my phone buzzed.
Adrian: Good morning, babe.
Me: Morning. Hope you're not too tired from last night.
Adrian: Exhausted. But it s fine. Missing you already.
Me: Same here. Don't get into trouble without me, when are you coming back?
Adrian: I can't tell yet maybe 2 weeks more...
Me: :(
By the time I arrived at the office, I was on my second coffee and feeling much more put together. I walked in just as my boss, Josh, entered through the same doorway.
"Good Morning, Susan," he greeted, his voice smooth and professional.
"Good Morning, Josh," I responded, adjusting my bag.
We stepped into the elevator together, and he gave me an amused glance. "Melissa made me promise to tell you that if you don't text her back soon, she's going to hunt you down."
I laughed softly. "She does know I adore her, right? I've just been swamped."
"Oh, she knows," Josh said, smirking. "But that won't stop her from demanding attention. She already has a plan for when Adrian's back, by the way. Something about another double date."
I smiled warmly. "That sounds perfect. You know I can never say no to her plans."
"Exactly why she gets away with everything," he mused. Then, with a more serious tone, he asked, "How's Adrian?"
"Probably as restless as I am," I admitted, sighing. "But he's surviving."
Josh hummed in understanding. "Well, tell him I said hi. And brace yourselfâMelissa's call is coming."
"Noted," I said as the elevator doors opened. "Tell her I'm already looking forward to it."
Once I exist the elevator, and walked towards my cabin, my morning was about to take a sharp downturn.
Corey was already at my cabin door, leaning against it with that insufferable smirk.
"Ah, the princess graces us with her presence," he mused. "Must be nice walking into a job you never had to work for."
I didn't even blink. "Corey, when will you realize I stopped caring about your opinion the moment I was born?"
He grinned. "Oh, I'm well aware. You don't need anyone's approval, right? Why would you? Daddy's friends make sure you land exactly where you want to be." This insufferable man and his pointless accusations.
I exhaled slowly, barely concealing my annoyance. "Do go on. I love when men who report to me try to act bold."
Corey ignored my warning tone and still continued. "Just saying, it's been, what? Years? A man like Adrian takes his girl to an island, all the romantic settings in place, and still doesn't put a ring on it? Sounds a bit... off, don't you think?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Not really. Some people don't need to rush into their life milestones."
Corey gave me a knowing look. "Or maybe he's just keeping his options open. Looking for the right girl before he locks himself down."
For a brief second, my fingers twitched against the stack of papers in my hand. I could already hear Adrian's voice in my head: Ignore him. He's not worth it.
But I never had Adrian's patience.
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice to something razor-sharp. "Interesting theory. Except, if Adrian was looking for someone else, he'd hardly need to lookâwomen throw themselves at him every day. And yet, here I am. Unbothered." I smiled, deliberately slow. "That must really burn, doesn't it?"
Corey's jaw tensed. "You're awfully confident for someone in your position."
I let out a soft, unimpressed laugh. "And you're awfully desperate for my attention."
The office was unusually quiet now. People were definitely eavesdropping. Corey's bravado wavered for a split second, and I decided to twist the knife just a little deeper.
"Tell me, Corey," I mused, tilting my head. "What exactly do you think you're accomplishing here? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're bitter, jealous, and running out of new material. Maybe find a new hobby?"
His face darkened, but I didn't wait for a response. I stepped past him, tossing my hair over my shoulder as I headed inside my office.
That was enough entertainment for one morning. But really I was low key expecting for ring to follow in that vacation. I mean are together since I was sixteen what he is waiting for? I mean I know his family is not big fan of mine and vice versa, and let alone his mom being obsessed with his ex-girlfriend how she was well adjusted in they family as compared to me. But I 'm strong and level headed I'll not let guys like Corey get into my mind and ruin any well planned day.
I approached my desk and there it is a beautiful pink rose delivered, Adrian once bought me a flower from local market in our hometown when I told him I love pink roses and since then whenever he is away he make sure I get flowers delivered. I smelled it and put it in vase near my computer and started with work routine.
By evening, I was exhausted and achieved most of my to do goals for the day and decided to reward myself with a Shopping Spree.
I only indulged in these extravagant splurges when Adrian was away. Not because I had to hide itâhe would never stop me from enjoying what I wantedâbut because I knew it made him a little uncomfortable. It wasn't his fault; he was just wired differently. He had built his own path, and the idea of someone else's wealth being too accessible unsettled him.
So, I kept this little indulgence to myself.
I strode into the luxury district, my heels clicking against the pristine marble floors of Armani, Dior, and Hermes. A sleek black dress, the perfect red heels, a cashmere coat that needed to be mine. An emerald green evening gown from Elie Saab that hugged my curves in all the right places. Perfumes, handbags, limited-edition sunglassesâI indulged without hesitation.
And, of course, it was all charged to the secret fund my grandparents had set up for me years ago. My father had no idea it existed, and as far as he knew, I was earning my way through life. Only Lisa and my mum knew the truth.
She texted me just as I was admiring my latest purchase.
Lisa:Â Shopping spree?
Me: Define spree. If it's an act of self-care, then yes.
Lisa: Your version of self-care involves designer handbags and questionable financial decisions.
Me: Correction: VERY good financial decisions.
Lisa: Just don't buy another bag from Hermes. The last one is still hidden in my closet.
Me: No promises.
By the time I got home, the apartment was quiet again. A long shower, a glass of wine, and a quick attempt to call Adrianâstraight to voicemail, which is strange.
I sent a goodnight text, locked the doors, and curled up in bed.
Tomorrow, I'd do it all over again. Because that's what I didâI thrived, even when I missed him.
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