Divorced My Cheating Husband, Married A Billionaire novel Chapter 46

Riley was heartbroken. How could she not be? She felt robbed of a better love and life.

What if she fell in love with Adrian instead of Brian? What if Adrian never met an accident? What if Brian did not own up to saving her?

After Adrian told her the truth, she couldn't help but break down in tears.

"I can't—I can't accept it. It should have been you! It should have been you!" Riley's voice cracked with the weight of her emotions. Her hands were tightly clenched against her chest, and her breaths came in uneven gasps.

"Riley." From his wheelchair, Adrian dropped to his knees to level with her. He cautiously held her arms, asking, "Did I say something wrong?"

"No!" Riley held on to Adrian's arm. She said, "I am just so mad at Brian! He lied to both of us."

Her lips quivered, and she said without hesitation, "I just felt that it should have been you, you and me, and not Brian."

Following her response, Adrian pulled her into his embrace. He said, "I couldn't agree more, Riley, but at the same time, I didn't know if I was ready for us back then."

"After my accident, I had so many struggles. I battled with myself, my father, and even those who cared about it. I took a few wrong turns, but I regret them. It took me almost two years to find the right direction, and you and Brian were going strong then. After that, you got married," Adrian revealed.

He paused before adding, "That was when I had let go."

Riley looked up to Adrian with a frown on her face. She put two and two together and realized what he meant. Adrian and Brian's rivalry didn't end in college. In the past, Brian wanted to pursue other businesses. She remembered how Adrian had compromised some of Brian's business meetings. Everything only stopped when Brian and Riley were about to get married. That was when Brian decided to build a jewelry company.

Riley's mind was filled with questions, and Adrian probably saw it in her eyes. He willingly gave the information, "I let go because I realized I was wrong. I intentionally sabotaged Brian's business opportunities because he betrayed me. I continued to hate him, and that was affecting you too. So, when Brian told me he was starting a jewelry company for you -"

"You - you spoke to Brian?" Riley asked.

"Yes," Adrian admitted. "A few days before your wedding. We agreed to put the past behind us."

***

### FLASHBACK ###

Four years ago.

Adrian had learned about Brian's plans to marry Riley and received reports about Brian's intention to build a jewelry company.

Now, that was no coincidence. Being a jewelry designer was Riley's dream. Could he really continue to ruin Brian to the point that he would also destroy Riley's career? Adrian realized how he had taken his revenge too far. Thus, he didn't stop Brian. Adrian allowed him to freely get the necessary permits for Brey Jewelry & Apparel Co.

Adrian knew that Brian would launch the company after his wedding, so he met Brian days before. While Brian was overseeing the office construction of Brey Jewelry & Apparel Co., he visited the office building with Clint. Back then, Adrian had already met his right arm and assistant, Clint.

"Adrian? What are you doing here? Are you here to destroy our company? This is also Riley's dream! I built this company for her!" Brian immediately snapped upon seeing Adrian.

"Relax," Adrian said. He asked Brian for a private talk, and after dismissing the workers around them, the man said what he came there for, "I came to end it."

"Because I love her," Brian claimed.

"Then, remember that," Adrian said. "Remember the challenges that you had to face to keep her. Remember how I made it difficult for you. Because if you lose sight of her, I might just snatch her away from you."

Brian scoffed. He claimed, "That will never happen."

"Make sure of that." Adrian turned his wheelchair but glanced back at Brian, saying, "This doesn't change anything between us."

After that conversation with Brian, Adrian stayed true to his word. He had never appeared before Brian or Riley, nor had he made his presence known in any way. He ceased sabotaging Brian's business deals and instead supported Riley quietly from behind the scenes.

### END OF FLASHBACK ###

That was the promise Brian made to Adrian. However, after four years of Adrian's absence, Brian forgot his commitment. Despite overcoming numerous challenges to keep Riley, he succumbed to Claire Monet's temptation.

Adrian did not precisely tell Riley every detail of his past conversation with Brian. Still, he told her what she needed to know.

"Brian did not keep his word, so I will make sure he gets punished for hurting you, Riley," Adrian said. "But more than that, I desire nothing more than to have you."

Adrian held Riley's hand. He pecked her knuckles and asked, "But will you, Riley? Will you have me?"