Chapter 3 Love, Storm And Duty

ADAM'S P.O.V.

Her words hit me like a freaking punch to the gut. The fact that it was sharp and laced with pain broke me.

Addison Storm was not just angry; she was also heartbroken. And I am the reason.

Of course, I knew; I have always known that she loves me. She never hid it. She flaunted it around like a badge. Maybe it is because she assumed I felt the same way and was waiting for the right time to ask her to be my girlfriend, and she was right.

I have loved Addison Storm for a very long time. She is like a storm in my life: strong, unpredictable, relentless, and impossible to ignore. She precedes her surname, and that's what makes her special. She is my storm and, strangely, my calm.

Her words echoed again.

If only she knew how close her words were to the truth. If only she knew that I had silently followed her home last night. My heart ached as I watched her; her fragile silhouette was drowning in sorrow. Lost in her sorrow, she was unaware of my presence, and it broke me apart.

I remove my hand from her wrist, stumbling back a step or two. My chest tightened, and I averted my gaze from her again. I just couldn't look at her; what I was hiding weighed on my conscience.

Elara Vermont, her name sounded like a spell, and her surname carries the kind of power you didn't wish to mess with.

My family and hers had a clear arrangement. To save the Scott legacy, my father sold me his only son and child. I have to marry Elara, and in exchange, her family will save my father's company from bankruptcy.

This relationship wasn't about love but a duty to the Scott family. It was a goddamn business move.

Something I had no say in. My father's baritone voice echoed in my head: This family is bigger than you; you can't follow your own rules! If you want to keep answering my name and enjoy the benefits that come with it, then you do as you are told, with no questions asked!

I wanted to tell Addy the truth. I wanted her to know what's truly in my heart. She thought I was dating Elara because I love her, because I chose her, but the truth is that I have chosen no one else all these years but Addy. Addy's daughter is the one seated in my heart; she has always been and will always be.

I tried to part my lips to explain while she glared at me. My lips moved, but no words came out. My brain hurts as it works tirelessly; would the truth change my present situation? If you should tell her, does that mean you will leave Elara and date Addy? What is the need to hurt her more if you are not going to do anything about your situation? My inner voice asked.

I am a freaking coward; I mentally hit myself. I can't lose everything. All I ever knew was the luxury that comes with being a Scott, and I can't live without that. My first love in exchange for wealth and fame, my heart aches as I agree with myself. I will fall in love again, possibly with Elara.

"It's not that simple." I finally found my voice. "Elara is a good person, and being in a relationship with her is the right thing to do."

She squinted her eyes, chuckled while stomping her feet, and folded her arms. "I always knew I was a terrible person, not good enough for you." She replied sarcastically.

Before I could respond, my ringtone broke through the tension like a knife. I looked at the caller ID, and I froze. Why is she calling me?

"Go ahead, answer it," she dared. "I have an idea who is calling. You don't need to ignore her call for me." Addison said, her voice frigid.

"Later." I deliberated.

"Answer it!" She shrieked and held her head.

With a trembling hand, I swipe to accept the call. "Hello."

"Did you tell my father?" Elara's trembling voice came through.

"About? I asked," my brow furrowed.

"You know what I am talking about. Did you?" She asked again, her voice shaking.

"I will never do that to you."

"He knows," she whispered like someone was with her.

"How?" I asked, mentally shaken.

"I don't know, but find a way to fix it. If not, this marriage won't hold. Your family will be more affected than mine." She threatened before hanging up the call.

How was I supposed to fix something that wasn't caused by me? I am sure my face had no colour.

"What's wrong?" Addy enquired, her face etched with suspicion.

"Nothing," I hastily replied.

"Of course, I am nobody. And why should I try to meddle in lovers' affairs?" She said with a raised voice.

"That's not it, ba-Addy's daughter." I stretched my hands to touch her, but she swatted it like a fly.

"Don't you dare touch me again." She snapped, her voice trembling with anger, then gave me a look that said I meant nothing to her.

As she turned to leave, I called out, "Baby! Wait! I love you!"

She froze on her track, and I thought that I had finally gotten through to her.

She let out a bitter laugh and turned around, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. "Are you going to leave her?" She asked with a sad smile, like she knew what my response would be.

I cast my gaze downward.

"Fuck you, Adam Scott! Fuck you!" She screamed while ventilating. "You told me you love me for the first time at the worst timing ever. You aren't even ready to fight for love! Our love!" She said, waving her hands around, her veins obvious, her eyes red with anger.

"Addison." I tried calming her.

"You have destroyed me, Adam. I will never be the same." She said that before running away.

"You messed up, bro!" Spoke Adelson, his lips curved up in a sad smile.

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to hear your conversation." He said, then let out a laugh with an edge.

"But don't worry, I won't let her know about your secret." He continued, eyes cold and hard, not the usual goofy Adelson.

"Unless I have to." Adelson said before jogging away.

As I stood in the Storm's living room, I realised that I did not just have to worry about Addison Storm; I also had to worry about Adelson Storm spilling my secret, which I am sure is not about Elara.