Adam's outfit above.

(You've been asking since day 1)

What the fuck am I doing?

I stare down at my phone and reread the message my wife sent me.

She misses me.

So now I'm dropping everything and flying back to her. I have never done something like this. I take my work very seriously but I'm ditching two important meetings for her.

This whole relationship is a risk. After everything that's happened, I was so sure that I wouldn't do this again. But, she's worth it.

When we first got married, I saw her as my brother's girl and the little girl I used to be obsessed with but now, I see her as a woman.

My woman.

The thought brings me pleasure, I fight back a smile. She's the only person that makes me smile, makes me happy.

Sometimes I wonder if she's my reward for everything that I had to go through.

Darkness. Drowning. Choking.

And everything I lost.

I shake my head to dismiss me any thoughts of my past. It's over now. You're fine.

My heart is racing. When was the last time I took my pills?

I've forgotten. I wish I could forget other things but fuck, those memories have been marked in my soul forever.

The vibration of my phone snaps me out of my thoughts. It's one of Amelia's bodyguards.

"Bob."

"Sir, we have installed the new car trackers."

"Have they been tested?"

"Yes, sir."

"And my wife?"

"Mrs Black went shoe shopping this morning then she went back home and has been in her studio all day."

I don't understand her obsession with shoes. I swear she buy them like others buy toilet paper.

She has me intrigued.

"Has she eaten?"

"I have asked around and everyone says she hasn't."

"Very well. Thank you, Bob." I hang up and he immediately forwards some photos he took while Amelia was out shopping.

I look at her. So fucking beautiful. So young and innocent. Her hair is long and glossy. Shining under the sun.

What she makes me feel is beyond this world. My feelings for her are too much. I hope I don't overwhelm her.

I can't wait to get home to her.

****

I knock slightly on the door and when he opens, I breathe. "Liam."

He pulls me in a hug. "Oh, Amelia, I've missed you so much."

I hug him back and after we pull away, I smile. "Can I sit?"

"Of course."

"How have you been?" I ask.

I decided that it was finally time to come and talk to him. I can't hide forever and it's better if we just get it over with.

"Good, and you?"

"Things have been going really well." I tell him.

"I'm happy for you."

"I am so sorry, Amelia. I was so stupid and childish, leaving like that. You deserved better."

Yes, I did and maybe, he did too.

"It's in the past, Liam and I'm sorry too."

"For what?"

"Just everything that's happened. My dad said I didn't have to marry Adam but I chose to."

"Yeah, I heard about that."

"When you left, I thought I lost everything. I didn't think it was possible to find-"

"I thought so too. I wouldn't eat for days and when I asked Jacob or Tyler, they said you were the same."

"I hated you at the beginning because I was in so much pain. I cried myself to sleep every but then I finally understood that we're not meant to be."

"We're not." He agrees. "After I proposed, I got scared. It terrified me every time I thought of our future, having kids. I couldn't see myself being able to take care of you as my wife."

"Really?"

"Yes! I was twenty-one. We were too young to get married. I have a lot to live for, party, make mistakes and then grow up? I-I wasn't ready to get married at all."

"Then why did you propose?"

"Uhhh."

"What?"

"My dad asked me to."

"WHAT?!"

"My father convinced me to propose to you."

Oh my God. "Are you serious?"

He nods. "Yes."

"So you didn't want to marry me?"

"Of course I did! Just not at that time."

"Oh."

"Amelia, I don't mean to make you upset."

"Believe me, I'm not. I'm just in shock."

"But why would he- their plan!" I gasp in realization.

Their fucking plan.

"Yes, that was why."

"Do you that Adam and I used to be close when we were young?"

He nods. "You may have lost your memory. I didn't lose mine."

Oh. "Right....but you never told me about it. Why?"

"From what I could remember, you too were practically in love. I wasn't going to ruin any chances I had with you by telling you my brother was your childhood love."

"Makes sense."

"But......if there's anyone that Adam could fall in love with, it's you."

"We're not their yet but thanks for saying that."

"And if you ever need any advice on Adam or anything like that, call me and I'll be happy to help."

I roll my eyes. "Liam, that's never going to happen."

He frowns. "Why?"

"Cause it's weird. You're my ex." I whisper the last part.

"So? We've both moved on and I'm your brother-in-law now."

"Ew! Please don't say that either."

"Why not.....sis?" He teases with a smile.

"Ugh! Liam!"

"Get used to it!" He chuckles.

"I don't know. It's just too weird."

"Yeah but it's all good. You and Adam are together now and I'm in a relationship."

"Really?"

"Uhn yeah. I met a girl in Brazil."

"Wow so you're doing long distance?"

"She went to visit her mum. She's only half Brazilian."

"Where is she from?"

"West Virginia. Her name's Lily."

"I'm so happy for you."

"Yeah but I'm very nervous. She's not from a wealthy family so I hope she'll fit in when she comes."

"Of course she will."

Liam smiles softly and just nods his head.

I'm about to ask him what's wrong but my phone rings for the 100th. I pull it out aggressively. It's Wesley.

"Hey, is everything okay?"

"I'm afraid not."

****

Jasmine is in jail. A sentence I never thought I would say. Jasmine, the law abider of our group. She's a Criminal Law and Justice major for God sake!

"Hey." She says when she sees me.

I just paid for her bail. Adam didn't forget when I asked him to help me put an eye on Jasmine. The person that is watching her saw her get arrested and called Wesley.

Adam didn't travel with him so he's been driving me and being my bodyguard.

I look at Jasmine from head to toe. She looks like a mess. Gone is the beautiful girl that I grew up. The girl in front of me is unrecognizable.

Her hair is a complete mess. Her clothes are cheap and dirty. She looks like a homeless person and there are bruises all over her.

I move and pull her into a hug. I immediately hold my breath. What the heck?

She doesn't hug me back and pushes me away.

"How do you know I was here?"

"Uhn um-" Should I tell her? What I did is an invasion of privacy.

"You know what? I don't care. Just don't tell anyone."

"What happened, Jasmine? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not. Look at you!"

"My life isn't any of your business, Amelia. If you're here to help, good but I don't owe you an explanation."

I stare in shock. The police said she was in a physical fight with another girl and Jasmine started it. I'm so confused.

"Fine, let's go."

I look over to see if Wesley is done clearing with the police. He nods and we head out.

"Do you want us to drop you at home?"

"No!" She says too quickly.

"Should we go to mine then?"

She just shakes her head, no.

"How about The Summit? I'll talk to them and they'll give you a room."

"Okay."

"Wesley, let's take Jasmine to The Summit, please."

The whole car ride was just empty silence. We arrive at the hotel and Jasmine looks at me.

"Can I have some cash?"

Okay, weird. Very weird.

I have already called the hotel reception and told them to arrange a room for her. There's a concierge waiting for her by the entrance who will help her take care of everything.

"Sure." I open my wallet and pull out a couple of hundred dollar bills. "Here. It's all that I've got right now. We can look for an ATM if you want more."

"No, this is fine. Thank you and I'll pay you back soon."

"Don't worry about it, Jasmine. Just be safe please and take care of yourself."

She nods. "Thank you." She opens the door and goes out.

"Bye." I call out.

I'm so in shock right now. I literally don't know what to say about this situation and I'm so freaking confused. What happened?

"Wesley? The person that found out about Jasmine, didn't he give you the full story. Like what caused the fight and all that."

"I'm afraid not."

I let out a sigh. I hope whatever is going on isn't as crazy as she looked tonight.

"Where are we heading next?"

"Home, please." I reply Wesley.

****

The next morning, I woke up late. I took a shower got dressed and rushed downstairs because I have to go to Nicole's house.

I stop on my feet when I see Adam talking to our housekeeper at our entrance.

"Adam?" I whisper in shock.

He looks at me. "Hey."

"When did you come back?"

"Hi." I hug him and he hugs me back. "Hey."

"When did you come back?" I repeat.

"This morning."

"Oh, I didn't even know you were coming back today." I tell him and he replies with a smile, "You look amazing."

"Thanks. I'm going over to Nicole's house. I wish I can cancel but it's a school thing." I tell him and just then our housekeeper comes and tells me my car is ready.

"I have to go."

"Have fun."

I hug him again. "I'm really glad you're back."

He squeezes me. "Then hurry back to me."

"Okay." I say then quickly head out.

On our way to Nicole's house, I hear Wesley talking with someone and I wonder if it's Adam.

"Yes, of course...Sure, I will let him know...."

"Is that Adam?" I ask him.

"No, it's Mr Handel calling from Berlin."

"Chase is still in Berlin? Why?"

"To finish of with the clients and the deal signing they went for."

"Why did Adam come back then?"

"You would have to ask him, I'm afraid."

Hey, why did you return early from your trip? Is everything okay?

💍Yes.

Why did you come back early?

I wait for him to reply for the whole ride to Nicole's house but he doesn't.

"Look who finally decides to show up." Nicole says when she opens the front door for me at her house.

"Hi, I'm sorry for being late. Adam just came back from his trip."

"So how long are you going to make him wait?"

"Or rather why are you making him wait?"

"I can't just say yes to him. That would be a problem for me." I admit.

"Ugh! You're too traditional. Its the 21st century. Women shouldn't be worried about making the first move or appearing easy. Who gives a fuck?" Camilla says.

"I made the first move." I remind her. "And he made me wait forever and he literally said he felt nothing for me."

"It hasn't been that long since you told him you liked him. It was in Paris and that wasn't even up to two months ago."

"It's almost two months."

"But at least he now feels the same. Imagine him never returning your feelings, unrequited love sucks."

"Excellent point." I smile. I honestly don't know why I'm so scared of this.

"So did you guys hear about Jas?"

"What about her?" Emily asks.

"I mean there is no easier way to say this." Camilla says then takes a deep breath. "Jasmine has fallen in love with a fuckboy."

I turn to her. "What?"

Emily and Nicole stare at each other in shock.

"Stop lying, Cam." I add.

"I'm not! Val told them what you found out."

"So I heard that Jasmine was dating this guy for a while and apparently, he's a control freak. He asked not to tell anyone about them. He's been treating her like shit. Always cancelling on her while he go sees other girls and every time she confronts him about, he starts yelling at her, telling her she's too clingy and all that."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"But it's Jasmine."

"I know, right? I also find this very hard to believe."

"Do you think the guy hits her or anything like that!"

Emily gasps. "Amelia, why would even think like that."

"No. As far as I know he's never hit her but last night she got into a fight with one of the girls she caught him with."

"And before that, something terrible went on between Jasmine and the guy."

"Does this 'guy' have a name?" Nicole asks.

"Not that I know of." Camilla says.

"Same." Val nods in agreement.

"Whatever it is, I hope she's okay now." Emily says.

Nicole leans her head on Emily's shoulder. "Me too."

Camilla shakes her head. "You think you know someone."

An hour later, she and I start discussing the adjustments I have and everything she needs for the outfit and modeling for her.

She grabs her phone and shows me a photo. "I'm going to have your hair done like this. With all these metals popped in and maybe more."

I give her a look. "Are you crazy?"

"What?"

"I cant stuck metals on my head. Do you want me to die?"

"Don't worry, It's not gonna hurt."

"Camilla-"

"Ugh! Why are you acting this way? I thought you were a professional."

"I am but-"

"It's cause I'm your friend, right? You wouldn't say no if a designer asks you to do this." She crosses her arms over her chest.

"Um-"

Wow. Will she ever let me speak?

"Guess what? I'm a freaking designer too."

"Can you chill for a sec? Oh my God."

I stand up and walk away from her.

Adam has replied my message and I've been wanting to talk to him.

When I open the message, I freeze.

I asked him why he came back and he forwarded the message I sent him.

When I told him I missed him and I can't can't wait for him to come home.

I can't believe this. He came back because I told him I missed him. Who does that?

No one has ever done that for me. Does Adam really like me that much?

The depth of feelings I have for him is just driving me crazy. One minute I can't wait to be with him and the next I want to run from him as fast as I can.

I go back to Nicole's lounge room, nervously holding my phone. "Hey, guys, I'm leaving."

"Oh my God. Fine! You don't have to wear the fucking sticks on your head if you don't want to." Camilla snaps.

"That's not the reason I'm leaving."

"Then why? You were the last one to arrive."

I sigh and go over and sit. "Can you guys give me advice? Like grownup, no bullshit advice."

They all exchange looks. "Sure."

"Adam just came back from his business trip because I sent him a text saying I miss him."

"Wow."

"He's really serious about you, isn't he?" Emily asks softly.

"I guess but do you guys think it makes sense? Adam and I? I'm really scared. What if it doesn't work out?"

"Why wouldn't it?" Nicole asks.

"Look, I know I love him. What if he's just trying it out and then when it doesn't work for him, he ends it?"

"Amelia, why are you thinking like this? It's so unlike you." Valerie states.

I run my fingers through my hair. "I don't know, I don't know."

"Look, what if Adam dies tomorrow?" Camilla finally speaks.

"Cam!" Nicole glares at her.

"Why would even say that?" Emily adds.

"You're just wasting time. If Adam dies tomorrow, you're going to spend the rest of your life in regret. Whether it works or it doesn't, is beyond your control so just do what your heart tells you."

"That actually makes sense."

"Of course it does, Valerie. Why do you think it took me time to speak?"

We all laugh and I finally make my decision.

"Guys, what if I ask some of my model friends to fly in and help with your final projects?" I ask Camilla and Nicole.

"Can you do that?"

"Yes. We can talk about it more tomorrow. I have to go now."

"Good luck." Emily smiles as I hug her goodbye. "You too." I kiss her cheek.

She's finally telling Colton she's pregnant.

After hugging all the girls, I rush outside where Wesley is waiting for me.

"Can you drive me home as fast as you can?"

****

Omg! Why am I so nervous to get inside?

I take deep breath then twist the door knob and then when the door opens I see Adam because we opened it at the same time.

We stare at each other, my heartbeat skipping but then I squeal and jump on him. "Thanks for coming back." I whisper.

He hugs me back and holds me in support so I wouldn't fall. "I've missed you too." He says.

I let my legs slide off him then look into his eyes, getting ready for my speech but he hauls me back into his arms and crashes his mouth on mine like he's been starving for days.

He closes the front door and pushes me back against it. We continue kissing, consuming each other. I can feel how much he wants and I hope he knows that I want him too. All my doubts have gone flying out the window.

Adam has been the man I've always wanted to be with. Right from the moment I saw him.

He pulls away and looks at me with his dark eyes. "Come with me." He says and then starts dragging me along.

We enter his office then he shuts the door.

"Are you sure you want this?"

I blink. What does me mean by 'this'?"

"Are you ready to be committed to me? Because God knows, I said I was done with relationships but then we got married and I just..... I want you to know that I'm serious about us, Amelia."

"And so am I. Do you not trust me?"

"I do but I know you were having second thoughts so I want to make sure your mind is in the right place."

"It was only because I thought you would hurt me. I've been hurt before as you know and I never want to experience that kind of pain again." I tell him then I cross my arms. "You know with both our pasts being so fucked up, I'm surprised that we're even considering this."

"Well, we've been married for eleven months now and know quite a few things about each other-"

"And I like what I've known and seen about you so far."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"How about you? Do you like what you've seen?"

"I do like what I've seen." He grins.

"So we're both risks worth talking, I guess."

"Mm." He agrees, pulling me closer to him. "So you're ready?" He asks.

"Yes."

He takes his hands and cups my face then rest his forehead on mine. "So should I kiss you now?"

I blush. "I guess."

"Okay then." He lingers there for a few seconds then I feel his warm lips on mine.

He kisses me softly but then he pulls away as I'm about to kiss him back.

I frown but then he kisses me again and then he pulls back again. "Adam, stop." I moan and pull him back to me.

He smiles against my lips and playfully licked my bottom lip. I melt into him and open my mouth to grant him more access.

This kiss wasn't like all our previous kisses. It's more relaxing and comfortable.

The door opens. "Hey, why did- bloody hell!" Damien interrupts our moment.