Wedcuffed

Chapter 53

Adrian's POV

The cold air bites at my skin as I step out of the café, watching Sarah's retreating figure disappear into the distance. I can't shake the guilt gnawing at my insides, but it's overshadowed by something stronger—a grim sense of determination. I knew telling her about Alessandro would hurt her, but it was a necessary step. She deserves the truth, even if it's a painful one.

As I walk down the street, my mind replays the conversation over and over, dissecting every word, and every expression on her face. I'd seen the doubt flicker in her eyes, the seeds of suspicion taking root. It's exactly what I'd hoped for, but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow.

I know what people would think of me—manipulative, selfish, deceitful—but they don't understand. They don't know what it's like to watch someone you love slowly drift away, to stand by helplessly as they give their heart to someone else. They don't know the pain of seeing her with him, day after day, while I'm forced to play the part of the supportive friend, silently longing for something more.

I've tried to move on. I've tried to convince myself that Sarah and I were never meant to be, that Alessandro is the better man, the one who can give her everything I can't. But every time I see them together, every time I hear her laugh at something he's said, it's like a knife twisting in my gut.

And then there was that night. That one night when everything changed. It wasn't planned—it just happened. A moment of weakness, a slip that neither of us could take back. I've never felt so conflicted in my life, torn between guilt and a desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, it could mean something more.

But it didn't. Sarah made it clear that it was a mistake, something she deeply regrets. And yet, I can't let it go. That one night is a reminder that there's something there, a connection that Alessandro can't understand, no matter how much he tries. It's a thin thread, but I'm holding on to it for dear life, hoping that it'll be enough to pull her back to me.

As I turn the corner, I find myself standing outside Alessandro's office. I hadn't planned to come here, but something pulled me in. Maybe it's the need to see him face-to-face, to confront the man who stands between me and Sarah, or maybe it's just the masochistic urge to test the limits of my resolve.

I walk inside, the receptionist barely glancing up as I make my way to his office. My heart pounds in my chest, the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I know this is risky—if Sarah finds out, it could ruin everything—but I need to know what Alessandro is really up to. I need to see it with my own eyes.

When I reach his door, I pause, taking a deep breath before knocking. The sound is sharp in the quiet hallway, and after a moment, I hear his voice call out from within. "Come in."

I push the door open, and there he is—Alessandro, sitting at his desk, a look of surprise crossing his face when he sees me. He recovers quickly, though, masking it with a polite smile. "Adrian. This is unexpected."

"I was in the area," I lie smoothly, stepping inside. "Thought I'd stop by and see how you're doing."

He leans back in his chair, studying me with those sharp, calculating eyes. "I'm doing fine. Busy, as usual. What about you? Everything okay?"

I shrug, forcing a casual tone. "Can't complain. Just... thinking about some things."

"Anything in particular?" He asks, his gaze narrowing slightly.

"Actually, yes." I take a seat across from him, leaning forward slightly. "It's about Sarah."

He doesn't react right away, but I see the slight tension in his jaw, the way his fingers tighten around the edge of his desk. "What about her?"