Her Return, His Regret novel Chapter 169

“Speak. Why did you call me out? You know I’m on paternity leave right now,“ Ryan Kingsley said to his friend as they sat in a private room at a club.

Adan had called him over so they could have a drink. Ryan would have refused so he could stay with his family but after hearing the tone of Adan’s voice, he agreed to meet him to find out what was going on.

Since Adan had been there for him when he had issues, Ryan wanted to return the favour.

Adan took a sip of his whiskey before looking at his friend. He replied, “I wanted to vent and you’re the only one I have. My mind is a mess right now.”

Ryan leaned back in his seat and asked, “Is this about your arranged marriage to Bianca?”

Adan’s eyes rounded at Ryan. “You already know?”

Before Ryan could reply, Adan shook his head and added, “Why am I even surprised? Bianca must have already called her bestie to fill her in on the news. By tomorrow, the whole country will know.”

Looking at Ryan, he remarked, “You need to congratulate me, man. I’m engaged. Finally. Isn’t that wonderful news?”

“Do you hate it that much?” Ryan replied, shaking his head, knowing there was no excitement in his friend's words. “Bianca would make a good partner though. You're both not in love with anyone at the moment. If only you could open your heart and give her a chance-“

“I can’t,” Adan cut in. “Bee is... she deserves to be with someone who will treat her well.”

“Are you talking about your playboy ways?” Ryan asked, arching an eyebrow. “Or are you still haunted by the past?”

“You know what, bro? I know the one whose name we don’t mention hurt you deeply but it’s time to move on, man. You deserve to be happy and start a family,” Ryan added.

Adan swirled the amber liquid in his glass. He sighed and said, “Actually, I’ve never been with a woman ever since that time. This playboy image is all a lie.”

Ryan looked up at his friend sharply. He arched an eyebrow and remarked, “Don’t tell me...”

Adan let out a humourless chuckle. He shook his head and said, “I just couldn’t risk it. So I made it look like I changed women like clothes.”

“I was never with all those women. My playboy image was to avoid women who would want to marry into my family,” he added. "If socialites thought I was a player, they wouldn't want to become my wife and avoid me at all costs. It worked until now... it seems the Jones family don't care about my reputation but their daughter does."

Adan chuckled and added, "You should see the way she looks at me. She's disgusted by me..."

“So, what do you plan to do? Your parents seem serious this time,” Ryan asked.

“I’m thinking about it. If I say no, my parents will keep pressuring me to get married. If I say yes, Bianca will suffer in a loveless marriage. I honestly don’t know what to do,” Adan answered.

Ryan glanced at his friend and advised, "Talk to Bianca. I'm sure the two of you can find common ground. Perhaps she can convince her parents to pull out of the marriage alliance or you two can agree to marry and slowly open up to each other. Who knows? You might fall in love with each other."

"Love?" Adan scoffed. "I don't believe in love. I don't know if I can."