Chapter 11: The Accident
Chapter 11: The Accident
When Riley mentioned possibly having a child, she felt more embarrassed. In her defense, she explained, "Because you said that your grandfather wants to continue your family's legacy."
"We don't have to if you don't want to," Adrian assured her. "My grandfather does not have to know it is not in our plans."
'Do I not want a child?' Riley asked herself. Of course, she does, but was it right to have one when there was no love between her and Adrian?
"If you want to have a child but do not want to be intimate, we can arrange something," Adrian calmly suggested. "In today's modern age, anything is possible."
"Don't dwell on it too much. We will cross the bridge when we get there," Adrian proposed. "Do you have any other concerns?"
"Can I - can I sleep in a different room?" Riley nervously asked.
"Of course. That's a given. You'll have your own room, and I'll have mine," Adrian acknowledged without hesitation. "This marriage will be a respectful one. I will never force you on something that you are unwilling to do. I will not cheat. I will not hurt or betray you, and I expect you to be the same." "Just remember, for all of this to work, you need to stay married to me for at least one year," Adrian reminded, and Riley nodded.
"At least," Adrian repeated.
"At least," Riley echoed. "Understood."
Adrian's brows suddenly met. He said, "There is no pressure."
At that point, Riley became confused. She asked, "What?"
A low growl seemed to have rumbled in Adrian's chest, leaving Riley more baffled at his reaction. He sucked in a deep breath and sighed in what looked like a surrender. He said, "I'll take you to your house first. Get changed and freshen up. Then, I'll bring you back to the hospital, but! This is the last time you are sleeping in the hospital, Riley, and the management only allowed it because of me."
With another nod, Riley acknowledged, "Thank you, Adrian."
Together with Clint, Riley, and Adrian, they left the restaurant. By the car, Riley watched as Adrian stood up with Clint's help. He entered the vehicle independently, using his left leg and strong arms, while Clint kept the wheelchair in the trunk. Adrian had an electric yet foldable wheelchair, which was a convenient choice for traveling.
After seeing Adrian settle down, she joined in the backseat. It was then that she asked about his walking condition, "I did not expect that you would still be in a wheelchair. Didn't you get treatment?"
Adrian turned to Riley. He took a deep breath and asked, "Does it bother you that you will marry a disabled man?"
Riley formed wrinkles on her forehead. She replied, "You are not disabled, at least not in my view."
She looked at him and said, "You have strong arms, and I could tell you can take a few steps. Please don't take any offense to what I said."
"It doesn't bother me," Riley guaranteed him. "I was wondering what happened to you."
Adrian gazed out the window in silence for a while. Riley sensed that his leg condition was a delicate subject. Gently, she spoke, "I'm sorry. I won't bring it up again."
Clint was already driving down the road when Adrian suddenly willingly gave the information, "The accident mainly affected my left leg. It has gotten better with therapy. I've had two surgeries. The latest one happened a year ago."
Adrian lowered his frame and pulled his trousers up. Riley saw how his leg was slightly shaking. He said, "My doctors wanted me to have another surgery to fix this, but it is a risky operation. There is a fifty percent chance that I would become paralyzed."
He leaned back in his seat, and his voice broke in and out. "So, I'll accept this as part of my flaw. I don't want to risk it."
Once more, Riley noticed the sorrow in Adrian's behavior. It manifested in the weakening of his voice and how he averted her gaze. She remembered how athletic Adrian was in college. He used to excel in basketball, swimming, and skiing. Unfortunately, skiing caused his accident.
Without thinking, she reached for Adrian's hand and squeezed it. She remarked, "It's not a weakness. It's part of our identity and what shapes us. Just as I believe I will grow from this divorce. It's just that it's a tough process to get through."
Smiling, she complimented, "You did well for yourself, Adrian."
Adrian turned to her with an amused expression. The way his gray eyes stared at her made her feel she was going to melt anytime soon. He
sighed and looked down at
hands. He tightened his hold on
Riley's hand and said, "I could tell we would get along just fine ContentC0ntent © 2024 (N/ô)velDrama.Org.
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"You know what? I think so too," Riley expressed before turning to the other side of the car and pulling her hand back.
The journey to her mother's house and back to the hospital went by too quickly for Riley. She wished she could have spent more time in the car, but unfortunately, Clint had already pulled over at The King's Medical Center's driveway.
"We are here," Clint said.
"Take her upstairs, Clint," Adrian instructed.
"I can go on my own -" Suddenly, Riley's phone rang. She checked it and frowned upon seeing Brian's number.
"Block him," Adrian instructed, looking irritated.
Riley made a face and quickly did as Adrian suggested. After blocking Brian, she confirmed, "Blocked."
"Clint will get you a new number soon," Adrian said.
"Okay," Riley said before opening the
door. She was about to leave when she remembered something. She glanced back at Adrian and asked, "Just curious. What happened between you and Brian? You used to be friends? He never gave me a clear answer, and neither did you."
Adrian heaved a sigh. He lazily looked at Riley and responded, "He betrayed me."
"Betrayed you? How?" Riley asked.
"It's something between Brian and me. You don't need to know. In any case, it was a long time ago," Adrian said. I have chosen to let it go." "Well, I guess Brian has a habit of betraying the people he loves," Riley remarked before finally stepping one foot out of the car.
"Tell me about it," Adrian said.
"You should have warned me back in college," Riley said.
Riley saw Adrian hesitate. He clenched his jaws before responding, "You were so in love. I did not think my opinion mattered back then." Adrian's words hit her like an arrow. Riley sighed and said, "You are right. And everything was perfect up until a few months ago." "Hmmm," Adrian acknowledged.
"Bye, Adrian. Thank you again," Riley said before closing the car's door.
***
From inside his car, Adrian watched Riley's figure disappear into the hospital. Clint followed behind her. He recounted his earlier discussion with Riley.
He thought about Brian and muttered, "Well, yes, Brian. Four years ago, I had let it go, but not anymore. How could I? You didn't keep your word."