Chapter 4
Adrian’s breathing had evened out beside me, deep in sleep.
“Adrian,” I whispered to the darkness, “do you remember it’s my birthday today?” He’d once promised, as Rain, that I’d never spend another birthday alone. But I hadn’t let myself wallow.
I’d bought myself a massive chocolate cake from that fancy French patisserie downtown – the one Rain used to walk miles to just to surprise me with their truffles.]
Morning light was streaming through the floor to ceiling windows when I woke to an empty bed and the sound of running water from the ensuite.
Adrian emerged moments later, water droplets trailing down his tattooed chest, towel slung low on his hips.
He started dressing with the casual confidence of a man used to being watched, pulling on his custom–fitted racing suit.
I felt suddenly awkward, then almost laughed at myself.
After three years of being his caretaker, there wasn’t an inch of him I hadn’t seen.
I was about to close my eyes when my phone chimed.[]
[Countdown: 6 days to Monaco Grand Prix]]
Adrian caught the notification and smirked.
“Still tracking my every move?” His tone turned cold. “Riley, don’t you have a life of your own? This obsession with my schedule is suffocating. Find something else to fixate on.“]
did have plans – ones that involved getting as far away from him as possible.[]
I didn’t tell him that I did have plans –
His mother had promised to fund my jewelry design degree in Milan after the race. The countdown wasn’t for him – it was for my
Something landed on my lap – a signature blue Tiffany box. Adrian stood awkwardly by the door, not quite meeting my eyes.
“Happy birthday. Sorry about last night. I’ll make it up to you later.“]
He was gone before I could respond. So he did remember. He just didn’t think it was worth coming home for
The ache in my chest felt dull now, more of a phantom pain than a fresh wound.[]
Inside the box lay an exquisite diamond necklace, clearly meant to match the bracelet on my wrist
But while my bracelet was roughly handmade by Rain during those simpler days, this necklace screamed luxury and precision – just
like everything else in Adrian’s world now
After a moment’s hesitation, I unclasped the bracelet, placing it alongside the necklace.
These remnants of two different men – I didn’t want either of them anymore.
I’d return the box before I left, one final goodbye to both Rain and Adrian Chase.
Chapter 5
After tidying up the penthouse, I headed out to meet Kate at the airport. []
My best friend was finally returning from her years managing tech startups in Singapore, and God, did I need her straight–talking wisdom right now.
We settled into a corner booth at Chateau Blue, the kind of upscale café where racing wives held their gossip sessions.
Kate nearly knocked over her oat milk latte when I told her about my exit plan.[]
Tinally!” She threw her hands up in celebration.
Adrian fucking Chase needs to learn that not everything can be bought and replaced like his precious cars. He had something real and treated in like a pit stop. Let him grow old with his trophies.“]
Her outburst made me laugh for the first time in weeks.
There was some truth in her anger.
Kate leaned forward, stirring her coffee thoughtfully. “But honestly? I can’t wait to see his face when you’re gone. Mr. Perfect Control Freak is going to lose it. Remember that time at the Ferrari testing track?”
I frowned, trying to recall.]
That Italian rookie driver was chatting you up by the paddock? Kate pressed. “Adrian was in the middle of a practice run, but the second he saw you two, his lap time went to shit. The look in his eyes…” She shuddered
“Pure ice. The whole pit crew felt the temperature drop.
Next thing we knew, you were banned from track visits.
I always thought he was embarrassed by me being there,” I said quietly, remembering how Adrian had coldly informed me that the
track was ‘no place for distractions.
Kate snorted. “Please. He was marking his territory like some alpha male bullshit. Trust me, he’s so used to owning you, he doesn’t even realize how possessive he is.“]
“It doesn’t matter anymore,” I sighed, watching the steam rise from my untouched cappuccino. “He’ll probably be relieved I’m gone. One less complication in his perfectly curated life.“]
“Oh honey,” Kate shook her head, “you really don’t see it, do you? Adrian Chase might play the cool, detached champion for the cameras, but you’re the only person who’s ever gotten under his skin. When you leave… She smiled wickedly. That’s when the real race begins.”
