The Husband She Left Behind

Chapter 12

Vanessa arrived at Sterling Group early that afternoon, her attention completely focused on the sudden changes to the company's largest arms contracts.

Inside the command center were dozens of large screens displayed production schedules, shipping routes, inventory levels, and factory reports. Senior executives stood around the conference table, reporting one issue after another.

After the meeting, she personally walked through the weapons research and production department, carefully inspecting every stage of manufacturing.

Only after finishing the inspection did she finally return to her office.

She had barely sat down when there was a knock.

Adrian walked inside carrying two cups of freshly brewed coffee. He wore a clean white shirt and dark trousers. Aside from the faint bandage still wrapped around his injured hand, he looked composed.

Vanessa immediately stood up. "What are you doing here?" She hurried toward him. "I told you to rest."

She looked at the bandage with concern. "Your hand is still injured."

Adrian placed one cup of coffee on her desk. "The doctor examined it this morning. He said it only looks worse than it is." He smiled faintly. "I'm only reviewing company documents. That isn't enough to affect my recovery."

Vanessa frowned. "You always say that. You never know how to take care of yourself."

Despite her scolding, her voice was full of concern. After staring at him for several moments, she sighed helplessly.

"Fine. But the moment your hand starts hurting, you stop. Understood?"

Adrian nodded with a smile. "I know."

He paused before continuing. "I've gone through the latest reports, and I know you've been overwhelmed by the sudden surge in arms orders. So I was wondering... would it be alright if I joined the weapons research and production department for a while? I'd like to help lighten your workload."

Vanessa's brows gradually knitted together. She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she glanced unconsciously toward Darren.

All the latest progress reports and data regarding weapons research and production had been personally organized by Darren.

Many of those files contained highly sensitive information. They were never meant for outsiders.

More importantly, only this morning, she had promised Darren she would keep her distance from Adrian.

After a long pause, Vanessa shook her head. "No." Her answer was immediate.

"The department doesn't need additional personnel. And your current responsibilities are already enough." Her tone was noticeably colder than usual.

Adrian froze. He clearly hadn't expected such a direct refusal. "I only wanted to help..." he said quietly.

Vanessa's expression remained firm. "I appreciate the thought. But there's no need."

Seeing the disappointment on Adrian's face, she felt a twinge of guilt.

His expression looked genuinely dejected.

After a brief silence, her tone softened. "Thank you. I know you're trying to help lighten my workload. I appreciate your kindness."

Then she remembered the promise she had made Darren and an idea came to her.

"Actually, I've already been considering promoting you."

Adrian's eyes brightened.

"You've performed well. So I've decided to appoint you deputy manager of the Strategic Logistics Department. It'll be a better opportunity for your future."

For a moment, Adrian's face lit up with excitement. "A promotion? Thank you, Vanessa!"

But almost immediately, his smile stiffened. The Strategic Logistics Department was located in another building. If he accepted, he would no longer work directly beside Vanessa.

Only then did he understand. This wasn't simply a promotion, she was intentionally distancing herself from him. His heart sank but he forced a smile. "Vanessa, may I refuse?"

Vanessa looked surprised.

"I'd rather stay by your side. I still want to accompany you. I can help you every day."

"No." Vanessa slowly shook her head. "You need experience in a more important position. This promotion isn't negotiable." Her voice was gentle but firm.

"I understand..." Adrian lowered his head. His disappointment was impossible to hide.

As he turned toward the door, Vanessa spoke again. "In the future, remember to knock before entering my office."

Adrian stopped walking. "...Alright." He answered quietly.

Watching his lonely figure, Vanessa couldn't help feeling sorry for him.

Just before he reached the door, she called after him. "If you run into difficulties, you can still come to me."

Adrian slowly turned back. His eyes appeared slightly red, but he forced a grateful smile. "Thank you. I'll remember that." He bowed slightly before leaving.

The office door slowly closed and the instant it clicked shut, the sadness disappeared from Adrian's face. His expression darkened and his eyes filled with resentment.

So, she really was distancing herself from him because of Darren. His fingers tightened around the folder he carried. The promotion no longer felt like a reward. It felt like exile.

...

Night gradually fell over Kelpton City. At the top of the luxurious Imperial Crown Hotel, the rooftop restaurant glittered beneath countless warm lights.

The entire rooftop had been reserved. Soft violin music drifted through the evening air, candles flickered across an elegantly decorated table, and fresh roses surrounded the dining area. The city skyline stretched endlessly beneath the stars.

Vanessa personally checked every detail, adjusting the flowers, sraightening the candles, and making sure Darren's favorite wine had been prepared.

For tonight, she wanted everything perfect.

Several minutes later, a waiter escorted Darren onto the rooftop. The moment Vanessa saw him, her eyes brightened.

"You came." She smiled warmly. "Happy birthday and our anniversary of another year together." She stepped forward and gently took his hand.

The waiter quietly poured wine before leaving them alone. Vanessa raised her glass. Looking directly into Darren's eyes, she smiled.

"To happiness, year after year."

Darren looked at her silently, then he raised his own glass. The crystal glasses clinked softly.

After taking a sip, Vanessa suddenly stepped closer. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around Darren's neck.

Under the warm candlelight, she kissed him deeply.

Within several precious seconds... Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Vanessa's phone lit up on the table.

The screen displayed "Adrian." Darren's expression instantly turned cold and a quiet snort escaped him.

Vanessa instinctively reached toward the phone, but before her fingers could touch it, Darren calmly pressed his hand over hers.

His voice carried no warmth. "You'd better not answer."

Vanessa looked at him. Then, without hesitation, she picked up the phone and hung up, smiling obediently. "I'll listen to you."

The phone immediately rang again. Buzz. She rejected the call once more.

A third time. Buzz. Again she declined it. But the calls continued relentlessly.

Darren's expression grew darker with every vibration. He said nothing, yet the disgust in his eyes became increasingly obvious. To him, it felt less like coincidence and more like another deliberate provocation from Adrian.

Vanessa looked increasingly troubled. After the phone rang yet again, she bit her lip and looked cautiously at Darren. "What if it really is company business? He usually wouldn't keep calling like this. Can I answer it?"

She waited nervously.

Darren closed his eyes briefly.

If she didn't answer, the phone would never stop ringing, and their dinner would be ruined regardless.

After several silent seconds, he withdrew his hand. "Answer it." His voice had become noticeably colder.

Vanessa smiled gratefully. "Thank you."

Without noticing the dramatic change in Darren's expression, she answered the call.

"Adrian?"

Almost immediately, a weak, painful voice came from the other end. "Vanessa..."

"I... There was an accident. The microwave... it exploded, and I've been burned. I'm in terrible pain..."