Chapter 34 - Adrian

I sat at the table, the weight of the upcoming deal pressing down on me as I discussed terms with the client. My mind wasn't in it—how could it be when Seraphina haunted my every thought? But I had no choice; life doesn't stop for heartache.

Then I heard it.

"Adrian!"

Her voice.

I froze, thinking it was a cruel trick of my imagination. Slowly, I turned toward the sound, and there she was—Seraphina. Standing just a few feet away, her face a mixture of anger and heartbreak. For a second, I thought I was dreaming, but then she called my name again.

This was real.

I shot up from my chair, my breath catching in my throat.

Before I could say anything, her eyes flicked to my client, a woman in her mid-thirties who now looked utterly bewildered.

Seraphina's voice cut through the room like a knife. "Seriously? You're here enjoying dinner with her? Are you serious, Adrian? What the hell is wrong with you? Don't you feel anything after our divorce?"

My heart sank, and the words I wanted to say got tangled in my throat. Before I could find my voice, another interruption made the situation worse.

"Divorce?"

I turned to see Nick walking toward us, Lyra at his side. His eyes widened in shock as he looked between Seraphina and me. "What the fuck, Adrian? You two got divorced, and nobody told me anything?"

I clenched my fists. "What the hell are you doing here with Lyra?"

Seraphina, clearly infuriated, crossed her arms. "That's the same question I want to ask you! What the hell are you doing here with this bitch?" Her eyes narrowed as she glanced at my client, who looked utterly mortified. "Wait a minute," she continued, her tone dripping with accusation. "Is she the reason for our divorce?"

"Sera, stop. Wait a minute. Let me explain!" I stammered, but she wasn't having it.

She grabbed a butter knife from the nearby table, holding it up like a threat. "Explain quickly, Adrian, because if you tell me she's the third wheel, you'll be leaving this restaurant in pieces!"

I held up my hands, trying to calm her down, but she wasn't done. Her eyes scanned the woman dismissively. "I mean, just look at her," she scoffed. "Her makeup is too much. She doesn't even qualify to be my competition. How could you downgrade so much, Adrian?"

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. My brain was too scrambled to come up with a proper response. I finally managed to blurt out, "Sera, I'm not cheating on you. I don't even like her. And I didn't divorce you because of her!"

"Then what the hell was the reason?" she snapped.

I hesitated, then pointed at Nick, my frustration boiling over. "He was the reason!"

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone tried to process what I'd just said.

Lyra gasped, looking at Nick with wide eyes. "You like Nick?" she blurted out, horrified.

My jaw dropped. "What? No! That's not what I meant!"

Nick cringed and gave me a light punch on the arm. "What the hell, Adrian? I thought you were straight!"

"That's not what I'm saying!" I yelled, rubbing my temple.

Seraphina threw up her hands in exasperation. "You know what? Just go to hell, Adrian. I can't take this anymore!" Seraphina shouted, her voice cracking as she turned on her heels and stormed out of the restaurant.

My heart dropped to the floor as I watched her leave, her anger cutting through me like a knife.

"Wait, Sera!" I called after her, but she didn't stop.

Lyra smacked Nick's arm hard. "What the hell is going on here? Why did Adrian say you're the reason for their divorce? And what's this about a ring? Are you two-timing me with my best friend?!"

Nick groaned, rubbing his temples. "Lyra, for God's sake, no! I don't like Seraphina. I never have! Adrian, can you please explain this nonsense before I get murdered here?"

I pointed an accusing finger at him. "Then why the hell were you two buying a ring together? Do you think I'm stupid? I saw you! You and Seraphina, picking out a ring!"

Nick threw his hands in the air. "Because it was for Lyra! We were buying an engagement ring for her, you idiot!"

Lyra gasped, covering her mouth. "Wait... what?"

Nick turned to her, sighing in defeat. "Yeah, surprise. I was going to propose to you. Thanks for ruining that, Adrian."

I blinked, my mind going blank. "For... Lyra?"

Nick glared at me, shaking his head. "Yes, Adrian. I love Lyra. I always have. Seraphina was just helping me pick the damn ring because I'm clueless about this stuff! Jesus Christ, man, you divorced her over this?"

The realization hit me like a freight train. My knees felt weak, and I stumbled back, sinking into the chair.

"I..." My voice cracked. "I thought you two were in love. I thought I was... holding her back. I didn't want to be the reason she couldn't be happy."

Nick slammed his hands on the table, leaning over me. "Are you out of your damn mind, Adrian? She's been miserable without you! She didn't want me. She wanted you! And now you're here wallowing in guilt when you should be fixing this!"

I looked at him, my heart pounding. "Do you think she'll forgive me?"

"That's not for me to decide," he said, stepping back. "But you're wasting time sitting here. Go after her, you idiot."

I didn't need to hear another word. I shot up from the chair, throwing a wad of cash on the table for the bill.

Nick yelled after me as I sprinted toward the door. "Adrian, you bastard! That's not enough to cover it! I haven't even eaten yet!"

I didn't care. I didn't stop.

All I could think about was Seraphina. Her voice, her anger, the way she looked at me like I'd shattered her heart.

I wasn't going to let her walk away this time.

I pushed through the restaurant doors and ran out into the cold night, my breath clouding in the air. Snow was falling lightly, blanketing the streets. I looked left, then right, trying to figure out which way she'd gone.

Then I saw her—walking quickly down the sidewalk, her arms crossed, her head low.

"Sera!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the quiet street.

She stopped but didn't turn around.

I ran toward her, my chest heaving, my heart pounding harder with every step.

"Sera, please," I said, my voice breaking as I reached her. "Let me explain."

She tried to walk away again, but I couldn't let her. Not this time. I grabbed her wrist gently but firmly, stopping her in her tracks.

"Sera, wait! Let me explain—"

She turned to me, her face streaked with tears, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and pain. But before I could continue, she cut me off.

"No, Adrian. Not today," she said, her voice trembling yet fierce. "You won't speak today. You won't order me around this time. You can't just leave me alone whenever you feel like it and expect me to pick up the pieces. I won't let you. Not anymore."

I opened my mouth to respond, but she raised a hand, silencing me.

"You were right," she continued, her voice cracking but her resolve unshaken. "You said we couldn't be each other's good habits, that bad habits are injurious to health. Fine. Then I don't want to be your good habit—a habit you can forget, move on from, leave behind."

Her words were cutting through me, breaking me down, but I couldn't look away.

"I want to be your bad habit, Adrian," she said, stepping closer, her voice rising with every word. "I want to be so deeply ingrained in your life that you can never, ever try to leave me again. I want to be with you until your last breath. I... I love you, Adrian."

Her voice broke on the last words, her tears flowing freely now.

"I love you so fucking much," she said, her confession echoing into the cold night air. "I can't live without you. I can't imagine a future without you."

And that was it. The confession I had longed for, the words I had dreamed of hearing, were finally spoken.

The world seemed to freeze around us. People on the sidewalk stopped to stare, cars slowed down, and for a moment, the only thing that existed was her and me.

I didn't care who was watching. I didn't care about anything else.

Without another thought, I ran toward her, closing the gap between us in an instant. Before she could say another word, I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her.

Her lips met mine, soft and trembling, but soon they pressed back with the same desperate passion I felt. I poured my heart into that kiss, every ounce of regret, love, and longing that had consumed me for so long.

"I love you too, Seraphina," I whispered against her lips, barely breaking the kiss. "I love you so much. Please forgive me."

We broke apart only slightly, her forehead resting against mine. Her breath was ragged, her cheeks flushed.

"Don't ever try to leave me again," she whispered, her voice trembling but firm.

"I won't," I promised, my voice thick with emotion. "I'm so sorry, Sera. I misunderstood everything. My insecurities got the better of me, and I pushed you away. I'll never make that mistake again. Never."

Tears filled her eyes again, but this time, they weren't just from pain—they were from relief, from the love we had both fought so hard to deny.

"I'll hold you to that," she said, her voice softening, a small smile breaking through her tears.

And as we stood there in the middle of the street, the world around us bustling with New Year's Eve celebrations, I realized I had been given a second chance—a chance to love her the way she deserved.

This time, I wouldn't let go.

The fireworks lit up the sky, their colors bleeding into one another like a chaotic painting of joy and celebration. People around us cheered, embracing the new year with laughter and excitement, but all I could focus on was her—Seraphina, standing in front of me with her tear-streaked face and trembling hands.

Her words echoed in my mind, refusing to let me go. "I want to be your bad habit, Adrian. The one you can never leave behind."

God, how did I ever think I could live without her? Every second of our time apart had been a slow, torturous burn. And now, seeing her here, standing so close yet feeling like a dream, I couldn't stop myself from reaching out. I had missed her warmth, her scent, her everything.

The world was loud—fireworks bursting, people laughing—but all of it faded into silence as I pulled her closer. Her confession repeated in my head, louder than any firecracker in the sky. "I love you so fucking much, Adrian."

I tightened my grip on her as if letting go might make her disappear again. My heart was pounding, a mix of guilt, regret, and overwhelming relief. How could I have let my insecurities ruin us? How could I have doubted the only person who ever truly knew me?

Her voice brought me back. "You better not let me go this time," she whispered, her head resting against my chest.

I swallowed hard, my throat thick with emotion. "I won't," I promised. "Never again. I was an idiot to let my fears control me, Seraphina. You're not just a part of my life—you are my life."

She looked up at me, her eyes shining brighter than the fireworks. Those eyes—they held all the love I didn't think I deserved but so desperately needed.

"I missed you," I whispered, my voice breaking. "Every second without you was hell."

Her lips parted to speak, but I couldn't wait any longer. I closed the distance, capturing her mouth with mine. The kiss was desperate and raw, pouring out every ounce of pain, longing, and love I'd bottled up inside. Her hands clung to me as if she needed me just as much as I needed her.

"I love you, Seraphina," I murmured against her lips. "I love you more than words can ever express. Please, forgive me. Forgive my doubts, my insecurities, my mistakes."

She pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, her fingers brushing against my cheek. "I already have," she said softly. "Just don't leave me again, Adrian. I won't survive it."

The fireworks continued to burst around us, the sky lighting up in dazzling colors. It felt poetic, as though the universe itself had paused to celebrate our reunion. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt whole.

As the clock struck midnight and the world stepped into a new year, I held Seraphina tighter, silently vowing that this new chapter of our lives would be different. This time, I would fight for us. For her. For the love that was worth everything.

We sat there, under the faint glow of the streetlights, her head resting on my shoulder like it was the most natural place in the world. The warmth of her presence seeped into me, calming the storm I had carried for so long. My arm around her felt right—like I was finally home after years of wandering.

The world around us was alive with the soft buzz of people celebrating the new year, distant laughter, and the occasional crackle of firecrackers. But for me, time had paused. It was just her and me. I tilted my head slightly, looking down at her peaceful face. She had no idea how much she meant to me, how much I had missed this closeness.

Suddenly, the shrill ring of my phone broke the silence. I sighed, unwilling to break the moment, but answered it nonetheless.

"Adrian, where the hell are you?" Nick's voice boomed on the other end. "You're missing out. Get here now!"

Before I could respond, Seraphina's phone rang, and she shifted against me, pulling it out of her coat pocket. "Lyra?" she murmured into the receiver, her voice soft and slightly annoyed at the interruption.

I watched her as she spoke, her brows furrowing slightly in confusion. Her eyes flicked up to meet mine, mirroring the same puzzled expression I wore. "She wants me to meet her," she whispered after hanging up.

"Nick's asking me to meet him too," I said, my voice tinged with suspicion. What were they up to?

Seraphina stood, smoothing her coat, and walked toward me. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold—or maybe from the warmth we had just shared. She leaned down, her hands lightly brushing my face, and placed a soft, lingering kiss on my lips.

"I'll meet you at home," she said, her voice quiet but filled with affection. "Don't take too long."

I couldn't help but smile like a fool as I nodded, watching her walk away. She glanced back once, giving me a playful smile that made my heart race all over again.

As she disappeared into the crowd, I stood there for a moment, my hands in my pockets, replaying the way her lips felt against mine. I shook my head, chuckling to myself. Nick had better have a good reason for dragging me away from her tonight.

With one last glance in the direction she had gone, I turned to leave, my steps lighter than they had been in years.

Nick was waiting for me outside his car, his arms crossed tightly across his chest, and a glare so sharp it could cut glass. I had barely made it to the car when he snapped, "Get in. Now."

I slid into the passenger seat without a word. The tension in the air was thick, but I could already tell he was gearing up for one of his legendary rants.

As soon as he started driving, he exploded. "I seriously feel like smacking your face right now. How could you not trust me—your best friend! You actually thought I'd take Seraphina away from you? Do I look like I have a death wish?"

I winced at his words but stayed silent, knowing better than to interrupt the hurricane that was Nick in full fury.

"Insecure?" he mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Insecure?! My foot! You completely screwed up your relationship, and I, for some godforsaken reason, tried to help you. And what do I get in return? You almost ruined my relationship. Do you even realize how hard it is to find someone as patient as Lyra? And now, because of you, she thinks I'm sneaking around with Seraphina! SERAPHINA, Adrian!"

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt, but also suppressing the urge to laugh at his dramatic delivery. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I just... got insecure," I mumbled, scratching the back of my head.

Nick slammed the brakes at a red light and turned to me with an exasperated look. "You're sorry? Oh, great. That fixes everything! Why don't I just tell Lyra, 'Hey babe, Adrian's sorry. Never mind the fact that I couldn't propose to you because I was too busy playing therapist for his dumpster fire of a love life!'"

I bit my lip to keep from laughing as he shook his head and muttered under his breath, his knuckles white on the steering wheel.

I tried to focus on my phone, scrolling through my pictures to distract myself. That's when I saw it—Seraphina's smiling face lighting up the screen. Her picture, her smile, her everything. My heart swelled with so much joy that I couldn't contain it anymore.

"Nick, stop the car!" I shouted.

"What the hell?!" he barked, slamming the brakes in the middle of the road. "What now, Adrian? Did you see a ghost or something?"

I didn't wait for him to fully stop; I pulled the handbrake myself, forcing the car to jerk to a halt. Ignoring his protests, I jumped out and stood on the side of the road, tilting my head back to the night sky.

"Thank you, Nick!" I yelled, throwing my hands up in the air. "Thank you for being my best friend! Thank you for putting up with me! And thank you, universe, for giving me Seraphina!"

Nick groaned, loudly smacking his forehead. "Oh my God. You're insane."

"I love you, Seraphina!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, laughing like a maniac.

Nick rolled down his window and stuck his head out. "Would you stop? People are looking at us! Do you want me to be arrested for public embarrassment?"

I spun around to face him, grinning ear to ear. "Nick! Get out of the car. Give me a hug, bestie!"

Nick recoiled in horror. "Hug? Absolutely not. Do you even realize what you've done to my reputation today? People already think we're not straight because of all the weird stunts you pull. And now you want to hug me? Nope. Not happening. I'm drawing a line."

"Oh, come on!" I laughed, walking toward him with open arms.

Nick stepped out of the car but held up a hand like a traffic officer. "Stay back! I swear, Adrian, if you so much as breathe on me, I'm throwing you into oncoming traffic. Do you even know how it feels to have your girlfriend doubt your intentions because of you? Do you?"

I couldn't hold back my laughter anymore. His face was red, his hands flailing dramatically as he ranted. "Lyra literally asked me today if I was secretly in love with you! You! Of all people! Do you know how humiliating that is? I'm never going to hear the end of this."

"Oh, Nick," I teased, stepping closer. "You love me, don't you? Admit it."

Nick threw his hands up in defeat. "I regret every moment of being your friend, Adrian. Every. Single. Moment."

"Aw, don't be like that," I said, clapping him on the shoulder.

He swatted my hand away, glaring. "I'm going to remember this. One day, you're going to need me again, and I'm going to charge you for every therapy session you've put me through. And don't think I forgot about that bill from earlier. You're paying me back every penny!"

I laughed so hard I nearly doubled over, but in that moment, I didn't care. Nick could rant all he wanted, but I knew he'd always have my back. And right now, I was just happy to be alive, in love, and heading back to the woman who held my heart.