His thoughts were broken when the door opened without warning. Standing there was a woman he hadn’t seen in weeks — his mother. Her face was pale, her eyes burning with fury.
Before he could speak, her hand met his cheek with a sharp slap. The sound echoed in the room.
“You’ve ruined everything,” she said, her voice low but trembling with rage. “You destroyed your marriage, your name, and our family’s dignity. You lied, you cheated, and now you expect me to stand by you?”
Adrian stared at her, speechless.
“She trusted you,” she continued, her voice cracking. “Vivienne loved you, Adrian. She gave you everything, and you threw it away for that woman. How could you?”
“Mother, please—” he started, but she raised her hand again.
“Don’t,” she cut him off sharply. “Don’t you dare make excuses. You don’t deserve to say her name.”
Adrian lowered his gaze, shame rising in his chest.
“Do you even realize what you’ve done?” she said, her voice shaking. “You didn’t just lose a wife and a child. You’ve brought disgrace to this family. Your father can’t even show his face in public because of you.”
He opened his mouth to speak, but she turned away, her eyes wet with anger and disappointment.
“I never thought I’d see the day my own son would make me feel ashamed to be his mother,” she whispered.
And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving the door wide open behind her.
Moments later, another figure entered. This time, it was his own father. His steps were heavy, his face a storm.
Before Adrian could stand, a fist connected with his jaw.
“You embarrassed this family!” his father shouted. “You ruined my friendship with Howard! Do you realize what you’ve done?”
Adrian staggered, holding his face. “Father, please—”
“No!” his father barked. “You’ve caused enough shame. You were given everything — a good wife, a strong company — and you threw it all away for greed and lust.”
“I didn’t mean—”
“You think meaning matters now?” His father’s voice dropped lower, colder. “From today, you’re no longer welcome here.”
Adrian froze. “What are you saying?”
His father straightened, his voice firm. “You have two choices. Go to the rural branch and manage it. Start from nothing. Or be disowned. You choose.”
Adrian looked at him in disbelief. “Father, please don’t—”
“I said choose,” his father said again, his tone final.