"I can help you," Altezza repeated his words. Adaline froze, unable to believe what she had just heard. Was Altezza offering to help her personally? It was the longest time Adaline lifted her head and looked directly at Altezza. He observed her from his seat. Adaline's eyes were golden brown, framed by long and curly eyelashes, along with thick black eyebrows. Her nose was small and perfectly placed on her face. Her lips were not too thin, nor too thick, but sensual. Yes, Adaline was indeed beautiful, very beautiful. And even though the girl now looked at him nervously, it didn't diminish her beauty. "But there are conditions," Altezza said after a considerable pause. The girl seemed to straighten her shoulders. "W-What conditions, Sir?" she asked, sounding concerned. "Are you currently in a relationship with someone?" Altezza's question surprised Adaline, but without returning the question, she shook her head. Adaline did like someone, but she didn't have a special relationship

A week had passed, and Adaline's mother had returned home. Throughout that time, Adaline had been unsuccessful in reaching Altezza. After his return from Kansas, he had gone to Singapore for his business affairs, as informed by Duncan, his secretary. Adaline looked at Joanna with fear. Her friend always gave her sharp and piercing looks. Adaline knew Joanna was concerned about her fate, but she was also grateful that Joanna hadn't done anything dramatic like telling the truth to her mother or even going to Altezza's office and confronting him directly. "I've tried to contact him, Jo. I swear," Adaline said softly. "But he's unreachable. I even left a message with Duncan, but he hasn't given me any updates." "Tell Tessa to contact her boyfriend. There's no way he's not answering," Joanna suggested. "Tessa doesn't know about this, Jo," Adaline replied honestly. Joanna looked b

Adaline's POV I glanced at the watch on my left wrist. Fifteen minutes until exactly five o'clock. I looked at Tessa, and she had already packed her bag. She was always punctual. I shook my head. In reality, I was also a punctual person. But under the current circumstances... I shook my head again. "Wanna go home together?" Tessa finally asked. I looked at her and shook my head. "Are you sure you're okay?" I could clearly see a flash of concern in Tessa's eyes. To reassure her, I tried to smile, even though my chest felt erratic. My hands were already sweating from nervousness. "If anything happens, talk to me. Don't keep it to yourself," she said again. Her attention was now focused on me. I responded with a weak nod. Besides Joanna, I haven't dared to tell anyone about this. Even though I've known Tessa for quite some time, there are things I can't bring myself to talk to

"What does your mother like?" Altezza asked without glancing at Adaline, who now looked uncomfortable, occasionally biting her fingernails. "What do you mean?" Adaline asked, confused. "I can't possibly visit my future mother-in-law empty-handed, right, Mrs.? I intend to bring something for her." Adaline blushed instantly, not expecting Altezza to be so understanding. But she was confused about what to tell him about her mother's preferences. "Just say it, what kind of food does your mother like?" he gently ordered. "Many things," Adaline honestly answered. "My mother likes a variety of foods. She's not a picky eater." "Alright then," Altezza said flatly, and a few moments later, he diverted his car towards a supermarket. "Come on, get out," he softly commanded when he saw Adaline's expression once again filled with confusion. "I have to buy something f

"I don't want to know, but when we went to Antony's proposal, you already brought a candidate!" Her mother's shout welcomed Altezza at the breakfast table. "Candidate for what, Mom? A wife candidate for Antony?" Altezza teased, met with her mother's scorn. "A wife candidate for you, Altezza. Not for Antony. It's clear he has Claire to propose to." Her mother replied grumblingly. Last night, after returning from Adaline's residence, Altezza chose to go back to her parents' house with the intention of announcing that she had proposed to someone. But her plan was postponed as it turned out both of her parents were already asleep. And now, her mother was nagging her again about a prospective wife. It wasn't her fault if her mother didn't receive good news. It was her parents' fault for succumbing to the allure of pillows and mattresses, causing them to sleep early. And now, Altezza chose to postpone the good news. Let her endure a few more days until she