𝟎𝟒 | 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 secrets

"So much of what we learn about love is taught by people who never really loved us." —R.H Sin

ADRIK LEANED BACK in his chair. He massaged the temples of his head seeing as he had a raging headache that he couldn't get rid of.

He had been searching for Vincent and his sister—both completely missing. He got wind of Vincent leaving to Brazil without Avelina, so Adrik made sure to send men to keep an eye on him. Of course, his men couldn't handle simple instructions and ended up losing him.

Not only that, but Natasha was no where to be found. He wanted to find her before getting Avelina back. He just couldn't risk his sister's life especially while being completely clueless to Vincent's whereabouts. If he knew his sister was protected, then he would feel safer chasing after his own selfish desires.

On his desk, there was a picture of the only woman he ever loved romantically. She was believed to be the only person who ever truly loved him back. Avelina Santos. Sometimes, he found himself wondering what she was doing. He wondered if she found someone else to cherish and love. As much as he didn't want her to forget about him, her happiness meant more to him than anything.

He knew he was armed with enough men to watch over her, but he felt like he didn't deserve to know how her days were spent. It was his fault why he couldn't hold her when he desperately wanted to. It wasn't fair to her to have eyes on her every position. Not only that, but he couldn't handle hearing the words, "she went on a date with another man that isn't you."

He would break down at the thought of another man touching her or fucking her.

He hated Vincent for taking the most precious thing away from him. If it weren't for how important Vincent was to Avelina, seeing as he was the last family she had left, he would have killed him a long time ago.

"Mr. Zolotov, you have a call on line three," Zaria mentioned as she popped her head into his office. Shooing her away with his hand, he lifted the phone up to his ears. She gave a curt nod before closing the door to Adrik's office.

"Hello, sir!" Someone enthusiastically chirped on the line. Adrik narrowed his eyes, desperately hoping that whoever Zaria allowed to contact him wasn't some idiotic ass kisser.

"My name is Clint Kingston, the man you sold HomeCare to..." he began.

Adrik thought back to the moment he decided to no longer want anything to do with the caregiving situation he tangled himself into. He informed Zaria to sell HomeCare immediately for almost dirt cheap. The business wasn't making him much money anyway. He only bought it for Natasha to find Vincent. Adrik had no clue Avelina was a part of Natasha's schemes.

When Adrik didn't respond, the man continued, "Your assistant told me you weren't much of a talker." There was a chuckle that echoed through the phone. "Anyway, I'm calling to speak to you about a woman that worked as your caregiver, Avelina Santos."

Adrik's heart dropped at the mention of her name as he found himself gripping the phone so tightly that his knuckles were white. He missed her. He missed hearing her voice, and the sweet sound of laugh. He missed holding her, and kissing her. Avelina was always his, but like a damn idiot, he lost her.

Reaching over across his desk, he grabbed the only photo he had of her. She was smiling, looking as beautiful as ever. He brushed over her lips as if he could actually feel her

"We were given a tip about Miss Santos, so we began to do some investigating where we found she has a history of forming relationships with her clients. For example, Paola Davis, and you, Adrik Zolotov. We plan to ask more of her clients about her predatory behavior. Not only has it been brought to my attention that she had sexual relations with you, but it seems that she is also pregnant with your baby. This can get her put away—"

"What?" Adrik question, his brows coming together. He was holding the picture of Avelina so tight that he was practically shaking. "What did you just say?"

"Um." The man cleared his voice. "Were you not aware of the pregnancy?"

"Who gave you the tip?" Adrik demanded. He sat up in his chair, the chair made sure to squeal at the change of position. He was staring at the photo of his girl in his hand, trying to calm his nerves.

Avelina was pregnant and someone out there knew about it and was trying to use it against her. As much as he tried to rack his brain, he couldn't figure out who would do such a thing. Avelina didn't associate with anyone outside of her job, he knew that because he was aware she didn't have any friends. Adrik was also aware that if anyone he associated himself with were informed of Avelina's pregnancy, they would have told him immediately.

"Sir—"

"Clint Kingston, age forty-three, your wife is named Jane, you have two kids—a daughter and a son, and a dog, right? What is his name again?" Adrik paused. "Oh, yeah, Bubbles..." he trailed off.

"I have a question for you, Clint, how do you think Jane will feel when you become the only parent in your child's life?" Adrik chuckled unenthusiastically. "I will ask you again... who gave you the tip?"

"Uh, um, her name was Camilla or something, I-I don't know..." he mumbled, his fear picking at his words. Adrik's grasp on the photo of Avelina loosened.

Camilla? Who the fuck was Camilla?

"You will forget the tip ever happened. There is no investigation because I never had sex with Avelina and the baby is not mine, right, Mr. Kingston?" Adrik challenged.

He placed the photo back on his desk right where it had just been. He made sure it was facing him in the same angle, not a single degree off-centered.

"Uh, yes, um, yes sir," the man stammered.

"What did I say? Repeat it for me," Adrik demanded.

"There was no tip or investigation. You never had sex with Avelina and the, um, baby is not yours," Clint repeated. Adrik leaned back in his chair again.

"Good boy," Adrik praised. "Goodbye now."

Adrik hung up the phone without another word. Camilla was going to be another problem he would solve soon if he wanted to protect Avelina.

He was staring out at the view in his office, remembering the days he would cringe when Avelina sat on his desk. It had been months since he saw her, and he couldn't believe he missed out on so much.

Avelina was pregnant.

If his math was correct, she was six months expecting. Her stomach was probably so swollen. It was Adrik's baby growing inside of her, and he was ashamed that he never knew.

He slammed his fist down on his table and stood up, buttoning the bottom of his suit.

There was a sudden knocking on the door before it was pushed open and Zaria stepped into his office with papers in her hand. Her brows came together when she realized Adrik was leaving.

"You're out already?" she asked.

"I'm out for the next few days. Do not call me unless it's important," he commanded.

Zaria gave a curt nod before turning on her heel and closing the door behind her.

He immediately rung up Anton, who was his councilor in the crime world. He did most of the dirty work when Adrik was away for his clean business—his casinos.

"Sir?" Anton began.

"I need you to look for Avelina Santos. Meet me at my house... now."

—

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Hiii! Wattpad has been seriously tripping. It won't even allow comments which is completely insane! I contacted Wattpad and they said they are working on the issue, so let's hope for the best.

Anyway, thank you all so much for reading. I gave a lot of you what you have been requesting—Adrik's POV.

Question: what are we most anticipating for next chapter?

Love you all! See ya next update!

—A. Marie

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