-Adam-

For a moment, I had the impression that she was going to strike me across the face as I went in for the kiss, but thankfully, she refrained from doing so. Why didn't she do so, or could it be that she is finally learning to trust me? "I doubt that," I thought, sighing. It will take more than a simple heating pad and a bowl of ginger chicken soup for her to trust me. 

Nevertheless, I am glad that I kissed her without hesitation. If her mere presence by the mall shelf could arouse my curiosity about getting to know her better, then I shudder at the thought of what her current kiss will accomplish for me. "I’m fucked." Memories of what transpired in Shelley's flat continue to resurface as I navigate the bend in the street leading to my flat.

The timing of the knock was perfect; I was in no rush to part with her just yet. I had planned to kiss her for a bit longer; maybe even earn a slap out of it. The very idea made me burst out laughing.

It baffles me that she could assume it was my lover contacting me just by looking at the caller ID, which shows the name My Love. With a sigh, I state, "I must be cautious not to let her down. She will never forgive me if I do anything to hurt her."

Now that I was at my apartment complex, I turned off the engine and got out of the vehicle. As I looked up at the apartment block, I thought to myself, "I suppose I can now contact my mom since I have some free time on my hands."

-Shelley POV-

"So, Mr. Adam was here alone with you. How did that happen?" Mabel asks this of me as she sips her drink.

Shrugging my shoulders, I responded, "he came over when he heard that I wasn't well."

"Oh, is that so? At that moment, he must have been petrified."

"Thus it appears," I said.

"I see," she replies, her eyes narrowing as she turns to me, "and you invited him inside. You have never risked being alone with a man before, yet I've known you since our college days. Therefore, why was Mr. Adam an exception? Someone you obviously have feelings for."

I reply, "You don't know Ben," while letting out a sigh. "No is not an option for him."

'That hasn't stopped you before.'

"I know." Looking away shyly, I reply, "He is different. I know it was stupefying of me to do that, but......  Never mind, it won't happen again."

"Just so you know, I'm not arguing that you shouldn't get to know him. Although he seems like a nice guy who values you, you should remain vigilant. If anyone, particularly Mr. McDreamy, were to harm you, it would break my heart." She says softly while gazing at me.

"McDreamy you say, really!" I laugh softly. "I doubt he will appreciate the name."

-Adam POV-

I concluded my business transactions with Mr Vanderpuye and his company around a month ago. Still, he arranges to meet up with me. I haven't replied to his offer yet; that much is certain. He has told me to think it over before making a decision, so why is he arranging to meet up while he's in the nation's capital? “Just what is he hoping to talk about with me?”

As soon as I walked into East End Bistro, I was approached by a waiter and shown to a table that had been set aside for two. With a drink in hand, Mr. Vanderpuye waits patiently by the table for my arrival. He notices me and rises courteously.

“With respect, Mr. Adam, You have my gratitude for accepting my invitation to dinner. Please take a seat.”

"I appreciate it, sir." I took my seat across from him.

"What would you like to drink, Mr. Adam?" he inquires.

“Just a glass of red wine, please.”

"Please, waiter, provide this man with the finest red wine you’ve got."

"Sure, no problem Mr." The server humbly adds, "It's on its way, sir," before gracefully filing away from the table.

"Now, how are you doing, Mr. Adam?" I watch him take a sip of his sparkling wine before responding. "I am doing well."

"I am impressed. So, how's your mom doing?"

"Also, she has been quite good. My sincere appreciation for your inquiry."

He then inquires, "And the old man, how is he doing?"

I pose this respectfully, “Mr. Vanderpuye," while fidgeting in my chair. "I didn't think you wanted to check in with me regarding my parents' health when you called. Would you agree?”

"Forgive me," he says, clearing his throat. "I intended to start a conversation, but I'll cut to the chase since you seem interested in the reason I contacted you here." 

"I would greatly appreciate it if you could do me a favour, Mr. Adams." 

With a furrowed brow I inquires, "And what sort of favour are you asking, Mr. Vanderpuye?"

Clearing his throat he says, "Your long-standing childhood friendship with Miriam has just come to my attention. You are obviously very beloved by her, and she treats you as if you were her older sibling. If you could have a conversation with her and persuade her to accept my offer to collaborate, that would be great."

"I was considering hiring and teaching her so I could pass my business on to her when I retire early, but she flat-out refuses. Please do me the kindness of speaking with her on my behalf. I realise this is not your area of expertise, but I really need it."

This dude possesses an impressive amount of nerve to even ask me that. 'Asking that of me, who does he think he is?'

"Excuse me, Mr. Vanderpuye, but I have a question for you. Was my familiarity with your daughter the deciding factor in your hiring me to represent you in legal matters pertaining to your company, or did my competence play a larger role?"

"Naturally, your skills were a major factor in my employment offer. However,..." 

The moment the waiter arrived with the drink, he abruptly stopped speaking. After bringing the drink to the table, he steps away.

"To reiterate, I extended the job offer to you because of your qualifications; however, I did conduct a background check on you and learned that you are friends with my sister and daughter—a fact that was reinforced by my sister's glowing recommendation."

'I see.'

"Please Mr Vanderpuye, understand that I am unable to assist you in persuading Miriam to accept your proposal, given that you demonstrated zero interest in her upbringing. In what ways do you envision her future involvement in your life?"

"She is too beloved and respected by me to be subjected to such treatment. At some point, when she is prepared to work for you, I will back her up, but for the time being, I will just let her make her own decision and not get involved. That being said, I truly must depart immediately. I appreciate the beverage."

"I am dying!" Mr. Vanderpuye shouted just as I stood up to leave the table. "Only a few months remain until my death. My diagnosis is stage 4 chronic renal disease. Being my only child, you should understand that my motivation is only to protect her."

With me leaning forward I says, "Rather than keeping her in the dark about your illness, I think it will be best if you tell her since you are doing this for her sake."

"Telling her would be too difficult for me. The thought of her grieving the loss of another parent breaks my heart. I know you're thinking, Why don't I get a kidney transplant with all my money? Contrary to popular belief, I am opposed to the practice of organ transplantation. I'd like to perish. Dialysis has been a constant in my life, but I am completely over it. The possibility that I will soon join her mother in death is something I have come to terms with," he says.

"If you ever loved your daughter, respect her decision and be honest with her about your condition. Allow her the freedom to choose her own emotions, rather than dictating them to her. She has outgrown her childhood. She's a mature woman now."

“Please have a pleasant day.” I then departed from the eatery, leaving Mr. Vanderpuye seated there alone.