Adeline's Pov
“Addy.” Rhyett called me.
I looked up from my phone and waited for him to speak. He was spinning a pen in his hand for the last forty minutes. He looked normal but I was getting weird vibes for some reason.
“Can you by any chance um… text Valerie that you miss her.”
I just stared at him. I didn't understand what he wanted me to do. I just talked to her yesterday, why does he want me to tell her I miss her.
“What I actually meant was that… tell her to come over because you want to see her.”
He said it so seriously like his words were making some sense. If he wants to invite her, why doesn't he talk to her himself? Then it struck me. They had a fight —more like Rhyett had a fight because she was clearly trying to sort it out.
I guess they're not talking anymore and so he wants to use me to communicate with her. I had been their matchmaker since I sensed something was going on, it's my duty to help them make up.
“Did you try talking to her?” I asked.
Rhyett sighed and slumped down next to me. “I’ve tried everything. She doesn't pick up my calls, she doesn't return my text. I went to her house but she didn't open the door. I even went to the clinic but she threatened to scream at me in front of all my men so I had to leave. She said she's not gonna listen to anything I have to say because I didn't hear her either. I’m still hopeful because she hasn't blocked me yet —which she did when we broke up.”
“But when she finds out that I invited her over because of you then she'll be mad at me.” I mumbled.
I didn't want to ruin my relationship with her. She was the only girl in my life and I wanted her around.
Rhyett chuckled. “She won't be mad at you. Trust me.”
“Don’t you think she'll leave if you try to talk to her?”
“I have to try...”
“Get her some flowers and something sweet. That's the best advice I can give you. It's not like I've been in a relationship before.” I chuckled but fell silent when I realized what I had said.
Everyone at home now knew about Jordan and it’s so dumb of me to say I was never with anyone. But our relationship was so short-lived that sometimes I don't count him as my boyfriend.
Rhyett cleared his throat. “I have planned for jasmine and vanilla pudding —it’s her favorite. Do you remember the ring I bought?” I nodded. “I’m putting it to use.”
“Oh my God! You're finally proposing to her?” I gasped.
He smiled. “Yes. I think it's time. I want her to be mine now.”
“But I think you should sort it out before proposing, what if she rejects you because of the fight.”
“Don’t worry. I'll apologize first and then get on my knees… I really hope she doesn't reject me.” He shook off the thought.
“Well if I was her, I would be so mad-” I cut myself off when I saw the hurtful look on his face so I reassured. “But she's so sweet, I'm sure she'll forgive you. She loves you a lot.”
She does love him a lot. I’ve seen how caring she is towards him. And the way she talks about him like he’s the most important person in her life is so cute.
Besides, she sleeps with him, that’s the highest level of love in my dictionary. If I were to ever give myself to anyone, it would be someone I really love and trust.
“But… you know you shouldn't have fought with her in front of everyone. If you have a disagreement you should sort it out in private. And more politely.” I had to say it.
“I know,” He rubbed his forehead. “Dad’s already given me a ton of shit about it.” He lifted his face up to me again. “Lecture about it.” He corrected. “You're not supposed to repeat the words that I say. I’m just a bit stressed which is why I said that.”
I chuckle. “You should work on that because babies always pick the worst words to learn and I really don't want my kids’ first word to be a swear word.”
He nodded in understanding and leaned back on the couch placing both of the arms on the backrest. He looked exhausted. Separation from Valerie is definitely weighing a lot on him.
“Let me text her…” I took out my phone. “Hi Valerie, I really miss you. I was thinking we could watch a movie together? Can you come over on…” I looked at him for an answer.
“Monday.” He completed the sentence. “If she says she's busy or something, tell her you’re not feeling well and you need her to check you. She won't decline then.”
I shook my head in disappointment. “What has the world come to. You're supposed to teach me not to lie.” I muttered.
He smacked me on the head and I looked at him wide eyed, shocked by what he just did. “Did you just raise your hand on a pregnant woman?”
“Shut up, I didn't hurt you.”
“You're the same person who was telling Josh to not hit me anymore and be careful around me. Why can't you follow your own rules?”
He rolled his eyes. “Text her now.”
I scowled and dropped a text then placed the phone next to me deciding to inquire about my benefits. “So what am I getting in return?”
“What do you want?”
“Um…” It didn't take me even a whole minute to decide. “I wanna go to Costco and spend the whole day there.”
“Seriously? That’s what you want?” He looked at me and sighed. “You know that would be too tiring. You're not supposed to work your body so much.”
“I know but I want to. I can't just give up everything until they’re born. I miss grocery shopping. It used to be my favorite activity.”
“Okay, I'll come with you. We’ll go around eleven and back at four. Five hours is more than enough and between that, you’ll sit down and grab a bite in the food court.”
“Perfect.” I bared my teeth in excitement. A comfortable silence followed until I asked, “Excited about the proposal?”
“Nervous actually. Way more nervous than I've ever been for anything.”
“It'll be fine. You're Rhyett Storm, you’ve got this.”
“I wish it was that easy. I don't deserve her, Addy and I'm scared she'll realize it.” He said quietly.
“Don't be ridiculous. You guys are made for each other. She'll always choose you.” I argued. “And as the saying goes the one who thinks doesn't deserve you is the one who actually deserves you.”
“This isn't a movie. If she rejects me, I’ll lose my bloody mind.” He closed his eyes massaging his forehead.
“Can I tell you something?” I asked, not sure if I want to discuss this topic.
“You don't have to ask.”
I took a deep breath. “When mom and George got married,” Rhyett straightened up to hear me more intently. “I was really happy that I finally got a dad.”
I waited to observe his reaction but he urged me to continue. “Go on.”
“But mom wasn't happy. She started mentioning how great my real father was because she didn't want me to forget that he existed once. But I didn't even know his name, I didn't care who he was. She kept talking about him because she missed him. She confessed once that she only chose George because he was a good father for me. She didn't love him.”
I gave him a sad smile. “And eventually their marriage fell apart because even after all these years mom couldn't move on from Lucius.” Rhyett placed his hand on my shoulder sensing how emotional this topic was making me.
“Don’t get me wrong Rhyett, I don't want to interfere in your life but… I just want to say that a relationship needs to have mutual love and trust. If you marry for any other reason, it will never last. But if you truly want her because you love her —not because you want to keep her as a possession— then do whatever it takes to win her over.”
“I do love her enough to fight for her and to do whatever she wants me to.” Rhyett said with a single hint of uncertainty. “You know I had doubts about getting married so soon but when she broke up with me, I realized I can't live without her. If there's anyone in the world I want to spend the rest of my life with, then it's her. I couldn't let her go. Not just for the next few months, but ever. I want her to be by my side.”
“I knew you were such a lover boy.” I smiled at him. “The Mafia should know the big bad Rhyett Storm is actually a very cute guy with a soft heart.”
He shook his head. “Don't you dare say this in front of my men.”
“Is that a dare?” I wiggled my eyebrows at him.
His lips turned up into a half smile and he brought me into a hug. It's rare for him to initiate and it's always special when he does. I gladly reciprocate and when he pulls back, he pats my head.
“Thank you for the advice. I know you weren’t comfortable sharing that. But honestly, I think I needed to hear that.” He looked at me with something close to pride. “Didn't know my little baby was so smart.”
“You shouldn't underestimate me.” I said holding my head high which made him chuckle.
Just then my phone rang and Rhyett instantly looked at it. “Is it Valerie?”
I checked it and it was in fact her. She said she'll be here on Monday but I felt like teasing my brother to take revenge for smacking my head.
“She said she can't come.” I said sadly.
“Tell her what I said, you're not feeling well for a few days and you want her to-”
“That's not the problem. She's saying she has a date with Max on Monday. But she can come on Tuesday.” I said nonchalantly.
He immediately sat up and looked at me horrified at the thought. “She has a what?”
“A date. You know where two people talk about life and future, drink and have fun then decide whether they wanna be together if they aren't already. And probably have a goodbye kiss.” I explained patiently.
“I know what a date is.” He said with a clenched jaw. “But why the hell is she fucking going on one? I'm still alive!”
It was so hard to stifle a laugh but I somehow managed it. “I can understand how you feel. It's okay, you’ll get over her. And I promise I’ll find you the prettiest girl in the whole world.”
“I don't want anyone else. I want Valerie. She can't fucking do this to me.” He said getting up and running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I’m ready to do whatever she wants but she has to give me another chance.”
“But what can we do now? She's moved on.” I sighed.
My acting must've been so horrible because he stopped pacing the room and turned towards me, narrowing his eyes.
“Show me the text.” He ordered.
I managed to control my face from overreacting and giving away that I'm guilty. After taking a few moments to fiddle with my fingers, I finally grabbed my phone and unlocked it.
“Um Rhyett,” I said and he hummed. “I think I might've mistakenly misinterpreted the text…” I did a show of reading it again and walked towards him. “She didn't quite decline it… maybe she is coming over.”
For some reason I hoped I could fool him but he snatched the phone and saw it for himself. When he did, his eyes snapped to me and I gave him an awkward smile.
He shook his head and the moment he took a step towards me, I went into flight mode and ran for my life. I had to get to Lucius or Cyrus before anything happened to me.
I could hear his footsteps behind me and it encouraged me to take my full speed. I managed to get to the stairs but the moment I took the first step, his authoritative voice reached me.
“Okay. Stop! I won't chase you.”
I slowly turned around. “Promise?”
“Yes. Now, no running.”
I smiled and happily walked towards him. “I knew you'd not let me run all the way to Lucius’ office. It would've been such a hustle. I would’ve done it though.” I chuckled.
“My phone.” I said, forwarding my hand to him.
He looked at me and pocketed it. “Who said you're getting your phone back?”
“No, no, no, no, no. You can't do that!” I exclaimed.
“Well I am. You played a silly prank on me, it's only fair I make you suffer for it.”
“C'mon it was funny.” I counter.
“Very.” He said and walked away saying one last thing. “You can have it back after dinner.”
I internally cursed him and decided to go see if Adam or Altas were up to spend some time with me so I won't die missing my phone.
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Happy Resurrection Day everyone!!!!
Hope you liked the gift.