Too Late for Sorry, Mr. Billionaire (Chasing my Wife Back) novel Chapter 20

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ADRIAN stepped out of the bathroom, a crisp white towel secured around his waist. The cool air of the suite brushed against his damp skin as he walked across the room, the soft carpet cushioning each step. The city lights spilled in through the tall windows, reflecting off the polished surfaces and giving the suite a warm, golden glow.

His gaze fell on the vanity. The phone lying there, screen lit up, immediately caught his attention. He had kept it on silent since arriving, preferring peace after the chaos of the day, but now it vibrated insistently, demanding acknowledgment.

He walked over and picked it up, squinting at the screen. Jakes.

“Hey man,” Adrian said, pressing the phone to his ear.

“Adrian! Finally,” Jakes’s voice boomed through the receiver, warm and teasing. “I was wondering if you fell asleep in your hotel room or something. How is it going?”

Adrian allowed himself a small smile.

“I’m good, Jakes. Long day, that is all. You?”

“Busy, man, busy,” Jakes replied. “But enough about me. I was wondering what you were trying to tell me hours ago when you called. Sorry I had to hang up, got pulled into some nonsense.”

Adrian exhaled slowly, leaning against the vanity, eyes fixed on the city beyond the windows.

“It’s not about anything trivial,” he said. “It’s… that man that calls himself Amelia’s boyfriend.”

Jakes laughed immediately, the sound rich and unrestrained.

“Oh boy. What did he do now?”

“You wouldn’t believe this, Jakes,” Adrian continued, voice low with a mix of disbelief and exhaustion. “My son was involved in a school accident, minor, thankfully, but it could have been handled better.”

“Oh!” Jakes exclaimed, the word full of surprise.

“It is not that serious. Just a cut on his left hand,” Adrian said, rubbing his temples. “But can you imagine? Amelia called that idiot to go get him from school after the teachers had bandaged him, and the man didn’t show up. Not a single effort.”

“Are you serious?” Jakes asked, incredulity in his voice.

“I am,” Adrian replied, exhaling sharply. “He left my sons— my boys, at school for over an hour after dismissal. What kind of incompetent boyfriend… or should I say, incompetent fiancé, does that?”

Jakes laughed now, a deep, hearty laugh that filled the suite with sound.

“I hope that isn’t jealousy speaking, man,” he said between chuckles.

Adrian rubbed his eyes, tiredness seeping into his bones.

“Whatever you want to call it,” he muttered. “That guy is just incompetent. Jeez! My sons… my precious sons, Jakes. Can you imagine that?”

“Calm down,” Jakes said, trying to suppress another laugh. “At least they are fine now, right?”

“Of course they are,” Adrian said, his tone flat but his eyes reflecting the tension of the day. “Amelia got them home safely. Can you imagine, I even called her to give a stern warning about the whole situation, and she… she just defended him. Hung up on me. Can you believe that?”

Jakes laughed again, though this time he tried to moderate it.

“Man, this is wild. But seriously, what a mess. That guy— what was he even thinking?”

“This isn’t funny, Jakes,” Adrian said firmly, a hint of exasperation in his voice. “I’m telling you, it is infuriating. You have no idea how it feels knowing your children were left like that.”

Jakes softened his tone, understanding the frustration in Adrian’s voice.

“I get it, man. But hey… at least you know they are safe now, right? That is what matters.”

“Yes,” Adrian admitted, exhaling slowly. “I suppose that is something. But still… it’s just— ugh.” He rubbed his eyes again, pressing the bridge of his nose with tired fingers. “Amelia defended him, Jakes. Can you imagine that? She actually defended him.”

Jakes chuckled quietly.

“She probably just wants to keep the peace. Still, man, I don’t blame you for being upset.”

They spoke for a few more minutes, exchanging small talk and checking in on each other’s lives. Adrian’s tension eased slightly as he listened to Jakes’s easy humor and perspective, though the frustration about the school incident lingered like a dull ache in his chest. Eventually, they ended the call, promising to catch up again soon.