The Tycoon's Gutsy Wife

Chapter 33: Anniversary

"It was difficult," she added smoothly, "Since Darien was snoring so loudly, I feared the mansion would collapse."

Darien’s lips twitched at Adeline’s comment. She’d completely ignored him the previous night only for her to make such a remark about his sleep when he’d barely slept in the first place. Eye bags were dancing under his lashes and she still dared to make such a comment about him.

Instead of retaliating, he took a seat close to her and watched her with a smile that didn’t touch his eyes.

"Sleeping so close to you always makes me feel at peace. I’m sorry if I interrupted your sleep my love," he said and planted a peck on her cheeks.

Instantly, Adeline’s cheeks flushed.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. Her heart skipped beats after beats at such a rate she thought she was getting a panic attack. She could also feel the blood rushing towards her ears.

Darien was satisfied with Adeline’s reaction and left her to focus on his meal.

He could have just responded just as sarcastically as possible until he remembered his goal which was to make Adeline fall in love with him.

"And you seem to be glowing today, my love," he added, his gaze landing on her red dress.

His breath had hooked on his throat when he’d seen her walk down the stairs.

"You look beautiful as always."

At this point, Adeline was so close to having a nosebleed. She didn’t know what had gotten into Darien but whatever it could be, she prayed that it would stop.

He’d never given her a compliment before and he had to give her one now of all times.

"Look at this couple. You remind me of when I was still young with my husband." Mr. Heisenberg giggled like a high school girl witnessing romance for the first time. "You two should enjoy this moment before time and regret snatches it away from you."

Before Adeline could come up with any reply, she felt Darien slide his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

"Of course aunty." Darien pecked Adeline on the forehead this time around.

At this point, Adeline’s eyes were twitching with several words she’d forced down her throat.

A few minutes later, they were in the car, ready to leave for the party.

"And what the heck was all of that? The grobbing, the kisses and the sweet words? Have you finally lost your mind or are you pretending to still be a normal person?!" She demanded.

A smirk stretched on Darien’s face.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," he responded as he adjusted his jacket. "They already think we’re married so why not act like a married couple to fool them further."

The chauffeur ignited the engines of the car and zoomed off from the premises of the Heisenberg estate.

Adeline’s fists curled, her scowl evident while her lips twitched here and there.

"Come on, did I do something wrong? You know what? I think you should start acting more like a wife than a ferocious tiger all the time although the latter suits you more."

Adeline had no idea if Darien was testing her patience or intended for her to vomit her breakfast. Whichever it was, it was certainly working.

"I came for a business trip with you, that’s all. Pretending to be your wife wasn’t on my bucket list to do with you," she reminded.

Darien simply hummed under his breath without acknowledging her words verbally and quickly busied himself with his phone. Adeline couldn’t help but roll her eyes back.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at another estate where paparazzis and media reporters were packed, taking pictures of couples that stepped out of the car.

Adeline stared at the mansion up ahead, her eyes widening at the realization of where they were.

"This is..."

"This is the wedding anniversary of Elise and Martin Miller." Darien cut her off, placing his phone back into his pockets as he stared at the crowd through the side mirror.

Adeline had heard of the couple—one of the richest in the continent while owning a continental jewelry brand that cost an arm and a leg.

For sure, the party was going to be a lavish one. Adeline stared down at her dress and felt a little bit timid.

She was merely wearing one of the dresses she’d packed just in case Darien had come up with a one day notice to a party that had to attend—which he did.

It was nothing flashy. Rinnah had gotten it for her as a birthday gift last year and this was her first time wearing it.

Darien watched as Adeline shifted uncomfortably on the car seat, her fingers scrunched on the dress.

"In case you’re feeling insecure about what you’re wearing, you shouldn’t." His words got her to turn to look at him like he had two heads. "I wasn’t lying about what I said at the dinner table. You look beautiful."

Adeline held her breath like there was no oxygen left.

Her blue eyes met his green ones for a split second before they settled on her lips for a second too long.

"We’re here sir." The chauffeur interrupted, breaking the silence like a hammer left to fall on a glass mirror.

Darien stepped out of the car and camera shutters flashed one after the other.

He walked towards the other side and swiftly opened the car door for her.

The media reporters angled their cameras directly towards the car, patiently waiting for the woman who was going to step out of the car. Once everyone saw a pair of long legs stepping out, and then the familiar beautiful face of a woman with black wavy hair and icy blue eyes that were a perfect contrast to her striking dazzling yet elegant crimson dress, the camera shutters flooded like a heavy rainstorm.

Darien gave Adeline his hand and she hesitated before taking it.

"Mr. Hawthorne, it’s nice seeing you in London after a long time. After the news of your failed assassination, a lot of people have been wondering how you’re doing?" A reporter asked.

Darien glanced at them lazily as if he wasn’t standing right in front so they can properly see that he was alright.

This was one of the reasons he despised going to parties. The media reporters were like flies, always perching on anything that gave them stories to write.

"I’m perfectly fine," he replied flatly.

"How about you, Mrs. Westwood." The reporter faced Adeline who just wanted to shrink or turn invisible. She already knew the questions that were going to come out of his mouth at that moment. "You’re a married woman and now you’re together with the son of the man your grandfather has had a feud with in the past. Are you cheating on your husband? Does he know about your infidelity?"

Adeline’s skin pricked at that question. To the public, they still thought they were a married couple.

Darien glared at the reporter. He knew of the status Adeline’s relationship was in, but for a mere reporter to openly accuse her of infidelity didn’t suit well with him.

He scanned the male reporter, taking in his chest coat that looked like he’d bought it from a lost but found and his tacky hair that he didn’t even bother to keep well.

He was about to respond, but Adeline cut him off.

"I’m here to wish Mr. And Mrs. Miller a happy anniversary and I came with Mr. Hawthrone as his plus one, nothing else."

"But that’s not really convincing if you’re holding him so close. Does your husband know that you’re here with another man or did you deceive him?" The reporter questioned, this time, his tone lacking any sense of respect or manners.

"No. Theodore Westwood doesn’t know that I’m here with his wife but can just go ahead and be my guest and inform him," Darien bit back.

He glared at the reporter so hard that he had to take a few steps back before completely disappearing. Unfortunately for him, Darien would recognize him from anywhere after observing his face for a while.

No other reporter dared to ask the couple any more questions as they stepped into the massive hall.

Adeline felt a bit awkward with the way things were displayed since she came to this trip. From mistaken to be Darien’s wife to getting accused of infidelity.

Even though none of it all was true, the accusations still drained her.

And just when she thought that where the anniversary was being celebrated would be a much better place, it became worse with the stares she was getting.

Quickly, she yanked her wrist right off of Darien’s ones and took a step away from him.

"I don’t think we need to hold hands anymore," she said, licking her lips. "We’ve done enough."

Darien cocked an eyebrow at her with confusion marred on his face.

"Don’t tell me you’re bothered with what that reporter said about you?"