Chapter 6 Want Something Quick

Roger studied at the same university as Roselyn, though he was two years ahead of her. Back when his company ran into a technical issue, their professor had pointed him in her direction.

Roselyn proved that recommendation right. In the lab, she took charge of a team and built one of the first medical diagnostic systems powered by AI.

When the project launched without problems, he gave his word that she would receive twenty percent of the company's shares as payment.

Since then, the profits from that system had grown fast. True to what he said, he made sure her dividends reached her account every quarter.

That arrangement placed Roselyn among the company's shareholders.

Three years before that, Adrian told her she should study financial management, saying she would take charge of the family's assets one day.

She took him at his word.

Leaving her original field behind, she joined Adrian's company and handled the accounts with care, making sure every record stayed accurate and in order.

Each budget she prepared was reduced as much as possible, which helped keep the company's cash flow steady.

And yet, what did she gain from all that?

That thought lingered as she read Roger's message, and this time, she gave her answer. She agreed.

The moment her reply reached him, his call came through. "So you've decided? You're really coming back?"

Roselyn's eyes moved over the documents she held. "I've made my decision. I'll return, but I need one month to complete my resignation."

Silence followed for a second before he spoke again. "I'm relieved you said yes. I didn't think you would. Roselyn, we still need you here. Come back."

Three years away from her field left her unsure. "Things have changed fast in AI. I've been out of it for years. I don't know if I can keep up right away."

Roger brushed that aside. "No one has beaten the algorithm you created. Stop doubting yourself. There's a conference on Computer-Aided Drug Design next week, and they want you there. Will you attend?"

Roselyn gave a small nod. "I'll attend."

With her decision already set, turning down that kind of chance made no sense anymore.

"Alright."

Once the call ended, she moved without delay and returned to work mode. Even after three years, her knowledge had not faded away.

Her attention had simply stayed on Adrian for too long. She had placed her marriage above everything, and over time, her edge in her field slipped.

Later that evening, she returned home and settled in front of her computer, going through recent updates in the industry while brushing up on her skills.

Dinner came, yet Adrian still had not shown up. She forced herself to eat a few bites before setting the fork aside.

Donna noticed it right away. "Ma'am, you haven't been eating much these past few days. Are you feeling sick?"

Instead of answering at once, Roselyn walked to the calendar. She pulled off the page marked for the second, and dropped it into the trash.

"I'm fine. It's just the heat. I don't really feel like eating."

Even Donna could tell something was off. Adrian, who should have seen it first, had not noticed anything at all.

Donna kept quiet after that. In her mind, Roselyn's lack of appetite came from Adrian staying away for days.

After her shower, Roselyn stepped out and caught sight of Adrian entering with his briefcase.

For a brief moment, Roselyn stopped. Seeing him tonight was not something she expected. Since the affair, coming home had not been something he did often.

Did he come back for a reason?

That thought didn't linger. Without reacting, Roselyn turned away and picked up the hairdryer as if he hadn't walked in.

Not sparing her more than a glance, Adrian moved past her and went straight upstairs to the study.

Even after getting used to that kind of distance, something still stirred in her chest. It didn't last long before it faded.

Once her hair was dry, she sat down with her laptop and pulled up materials related to CADD, continuing where she left off.

Three years had already slipped by while she focused on Adrian. Now that she had woken up to it, she knew she had to push harder than before if she wanted to catch up.

Upstairs, Adrian sat at his desk going through emails. After some time, his throat felt dry, and he reached to the side out of habit.

His hand came up empty. A faint crease formed between his brows when he realized there was no water waiting for him.

Before, the moment he stepped inside, Roselyn would come over without delay. She would pour him a drink and ask what he needed.

She used to remind him to sleep earlier, drink less coffee, and take better care of himself. He never paid much attention to any of it.

So now she was still angry?

Fine.

Without calling for anyone, Adrian grabbed the empty glass and went to get water himself. After taking a few sips, he returned to his desk.

Work pulled him back in right away.

Then his phone buzzed against the surface.

Adrian picked it up and unlocked the screen. A message from Emma appeared, along with a short video.

In it, she wore a thin silk nightgown. Holding a glass of red wine, she tilted it slowly and let the liquid spill along her collarbone before it ran down her skin.

The image carried a teasing pull, enough to stir something he didn't bother to suppress.

"Room 1008. The hotel next to your place. You've been busy all night. Hungry? Want something quick?"

Adrian's throat tightened at the message, and the look in his eyes shifted.

With one hand, he loosened his collar while typing his reply. "Stay there. I'm on my way."