Wedcuffed

Chapter 13

Sarah P.O.V

I excused myself and left the boardroom, heading towards the restroom to freshen up. It wasn't even noon yet, and I already felt drained. Perhaps it was Adrian's presence that was wearing me out—he had a knack for testing my patience. Before the presentation, he had tried to insult me by questioning my potential and skills.

Despite my efforts to avoid confrontation, I delivered the presentation with clarity. When I finished, I anticipated Adrian's critique or an attempt to undermine my work. Instead, he seemed to be processing my words, visibly shocked. It amused me internally to see him taken aback; he clearly hadn't expected this level of competence from me, still viewing me as a spoiled brat.

As I was adjusting my ponytail, I saw Justin entering the restroom. I had deliberately avoided him back in the boardroom, hoping he would take the hint, but some people never get the message.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him, trying to maintain a neutral tone.

"Why are you acting like a stranger, Sarah? We used to be good friends, but you vanished after high school," he said, approaching me. I turned my face away from him.

"I already told you that we were once friends, but after what happened that night at the party, you lost my friendship. I made that very clear," I replied with a firm tone.

"I was young and foolish back then, Sarah. I know what I did was wrong, but I was influenced by Chloe and Jessica. I even came to apologize after the video was shared, but you were gone by then," he said, lowering his head.

"For the past four years, I searched for you but couldn't find any information. When I saw you at Adrian's parents' anniversary, I wanted to talk to you and express my feelings, but by then, your engagement had already been announced. Even at your wedding, I tried to reach you to convince you not to marry Adrian, but you were surrounded by people, and I lost my last chance to speak to you before the wedding."

"Aren't you dating my step-sister, Chloe? I saw you both at the party and at my wedding. It was obvious she has feelings for you," I pointed out, trying to keep my emotions in check.

"I don't love Chloe. I was only with her to stay close to you. I knew you would eventually reconnect with your family, and I hoped to be in a position to be with you. I've been waiting for years, but when I heard about your return, it was too late since you had already signed those agreement papers."

"Adrian will never love you, Sarah. He will always be in love with Jessica. Even today, he's more concerned about her than anything else. It's me who loves you. You can still divorce Adrian and be with me. I promise to be everything you need. Just be mine, Sarah," he said, desperation evident in his voice.

"Sorry, Justin, but I can't do that," I replied, turning to leave. Just as I reached the door, Justin grabbed my arms and pulled me back.

"Sarah, please don't do this to me," he pleaded, his grip tightening. I tried to free myself, but his hold only grew stronger. His eyes dropped to my lips as he leaned in to kiss me. I turned my face away, trying to push him off when I saw someone standing near the door. It was Adrian. Upon seeing Adrian, Justin released his grip and stepped back.

Given my distressing situation, I expected Adrian to intervene or at least inquire about what was happening. Instead, he slammed the door shut and left us there without a word.

Why had I expected him to help me? He wouldn't, Sarah.

I focused on Justin before he could attack me again. I punched him in the face, causing him to stumble backwards but quickly regain his stance.

"What the hell, Sarah?!" he shouted, holding his bleeding nose. Without wasting any time, I pushed him in the face again, this time below his right eye, and delivered a sharp knee to his groin. Justin fell to the ground, clutching his face and abdomen in pain.