Divorced My Cheating Husband, Married A Billionaire novel Chapter 52

"I - I don't know what to say." Renee's face was etched with concern as she gazed at Riley. Her voice trembled, "Are you certain about this?"

Because Adrian and Riley decided to get married soon, they went to see Renee at the hospital. As expected, Riley's mother wasn't necessarily thrilled about the news.

"Mom, I'm sure about this," Riley's voice rang with determination, her eyes steady. She shared every detail about Adrian, from their college days to his unwavering support over the years.

As Riley conveyed the story, Adrian was on the other side of the coffee table, waiting for his turn to speak.

"So Brian had lied to you about saving you?" Renee clarified. Her face had turned a shade darker, suggesting she was also angered about what she had discovered.

"Yes, Mom," Riley confirmed. "And Brian knew that Adrian liked me then."

"Renee, I understand your apprehensions, but I swear I will never cause her harm," Adrian's voice was filled with conviction. "What can I do to prove my sincerity to you?"

"Only time can tell, Adrian," Renee said, shifting her gaze from Adrian to Riley. I am worried about your decision, but I can't control you either."

Looking back at Adrian, Renee requested, "As long as you promise to protect Riley, I'm willing to accept this marriage between you and my daughter."

"But if you hurt her, Adrian. If you hurt her, I will be the first person to take her away from you," Renee declared. "Do you understand that?"

"I will never hurt Riley, Renee. I swear," Adrian said firmly. "I waited for her all this time. I would never ruin the chance to be with her. As for your request, I will always protect Riley."

Dead air fell upon them for seconds. Renee wept a little before finally speaking, "Then, I give you my blessing, but I'll be watchful, Adrian. I will be."

Riley rested her hand on her chest. That talk with her mother went smoother than she expected. It surprised her, but nonetheless, she was very thankful for the outcome of their talk.

After agreeing to their plans, Renee asked for private time with Adrian. Riley willingly exited the room to chat with Zia in her office.

"Oh, my god!" Zia exclaimed the second Riley entered the room. "You have that look."

"What look?" Riley asked while laughing.

"The look that you have been eaten out! Haha!" Zia laughed hysterically. She covered her face and leaned back, still giggling. "I can't. You and the boss!"

"Stop it!" Riley scolded. She flushed and looked around. Thank goodness no one else was in Zia's office. "Stop it, okay! I did not get eaten out!"

"What?" Zia reacted. She made a face, saying, "What the hell?"

"What do you mean?" Riley shot back.

"What stage are you now in your relationship?" Zia curiously asked.

"We are in the intimate stage of the relationship, but we just started last night," Riley admitted before she snorted.

"What?" Zia reacted. "Didn't you guys go on a private island trip?"

Riley didn't know how to explain it to Zia. After all, her relationship with Adrian started as a fake one. She answered, "We - we were still getting to know each other then."

"Well, I can't wait for your relationship with the boss to fully advance; even better, I can't wait to tell Brian! Haha!" Zia exclaimed.

"Don't," Riley said. "You don't have to discuss me with Brian purposely, but I know we will meet again one day, and he will know."

"Can you tell me who threatened you? And what does it have to do with Riley?" Adrian asked. "Why do you think Riley needs protection?"

Renee caressed her arms. She replied, "It has... something to do with Riley's father."

Adrian leaned back calmly. He asked, "Who is Riley's father?"

"I - I could be wrong about the accident," Renee expressed. "So, if you don't mind, I'd rather not tell you. Riley's father had brought me so much pain and misery - his family did. Can you please look into the accident and keep Riley safe always? Don't tell her about what I told you today."

"Renee," Adrian said. "It's hard to protect Riley if we don't know the enemy."

"Just please do as I tell you, Adrian," Renee pleaded.

"It's unfair to Riley," Adrian said. "She has to know."

Renee cried. She wiped the corners of her eyes and revealed, "Yes, but you don't know anything. I do. I know what I am doing. I have protected Riley for many years."

Unfortunately, Adrian could not get it out of Renee, and he wasn't the kind to force it out of people.

After minutes of silence, Adrian said, "I will look into it. I will also double your security here in the hospital, and when you can already walk, you can live with me and Riley for your own safety."

Adrian moved his wheelchair closer to Renee. He held her hand and said, "I'll protect you and Riley both."

Renee's eyes brimmed with tears. She answered, "Thank you, Adrian. Thank you so much."

Minutes later, Adrian exited the room. He was about to call Clint when Riley arrived. She clung on to him with stars gleaming in her eyes. She pecked Adrian's cheek and whispered, "I have a surprise for you."