Darling Villain (Forbidden Fruit #1)

Chapter 10

Adrien

I ’m in my office, in the middle of reviewing the quarterly performance report for Leroy Holdings, when my phone buzzes, its screen lighting up with Sylvia’s name.

My sister is one of a handful of people who have my personal number. Everyone else calls my office line or communicates through my executive assistant, Diane.

I answer the call and spin my chair around, gazing out at the expansive window that grants me an unobstructed view of the lush forest. It’s a stark contrast from my usual view of towering skyscrapers and chaotic city streets. Here, at the secluded house, life moves at a more leisurely pace. The stillness and tranquility of this place are almost palpable as if time itself has slowed down to let me breathe and gather my thoughts.

“You know, ignoring my calls will get me thinking that you’re avoiding me,” my sister says without preamble. “Or worse, that you’re up to no good.”

Truth be told, I’ve been actively avoiding my sister. As much as I love her and value our close bond, she is also a potential liability in my line of work. It’s important to maintain a sense of distance between us, at least in the eyes of others. The less she knows about my job and personal life, the better it is for both of us. Especially since Sylvia stubbornly refuses to let me hire security for her protection, making it even more crucial for me to keep her at arm’s length.

“Syl,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’m sorry. Work has been busy.”

“You could’ve at least texted me back, you know.” Her tone is teasing, but I can sense the underlying concern. “You’re sounding like our father. Always throwing yourself into work to avoid everything else.”

“Let’s not bring him into this. I’m doing fine. Just focusing on the business.”

“If you say so, but it’s okay to take a break once in a while. You don’t have to carry everything alone.”

“I appreciate your concern, but I’m good,” I insist, forcing a casualness into my tone. “Better tell me what exactly you want so I can get back to work.”

“Brotherly love would be nice, but I guess that’s too much to ask for.” I can hear the smile in her voice.

My sister’s favorite pastime is finding new ways to piss me off. And it works every time.

“What do you want, Syl?” I repeat, trying to hurry things along. If it was up to my sister, we’d be on the phone for hours. “I have a few things to take care of.”

I hope it’s not another family gathering or celebration. I’ve had enough of attending obligatory events for a lifetime.

“I want to make sure that you’ll be attending Sienna’s wedding in two weeks,” Sylvia confirms my suspicions. The never-ending cycle of weddings and anniversaries in our family is exhausting. Do I even have enough relatives left to attend all these events every other month? “We’re finalizing the seating arrangements, and I need to know if you’re bringing a plus one.”

“Are you an event planner now? Did your career as a psychologist take an unexpected turn? Every time I talk to you, you mention a new wedding or family gathering and you always inform me at the last minute.”

“Since everyone else is scared to approach you about attending, I’ve taken it upon myself to ensure that you come to every single one. If you knew far in advance, I’m sure you would too much time have found a way to weasel out of it,” she replies without missing a beat. “It’s not like you have a life outside of these events, anyway.”

In my world, there is no such thing as a balance between work and personal life. It had been that way since my father died. Work consumes all of my time and attention, and when you are in a position as high as mine, weekends do not exist.

“And what would I do with a life? Attend even more family events?”

Sylvia laughs. “For once, I agree with you. But seriously, are you bringing a plus one?”

Tiffany is the first person I think of, a major red flag that I’m slowly losing my mind.

She is just business. Nothing more.

“No. I’ll be coming alone.”

“Great,” she says. “Now, I need—”

I narrow my eyes. “Great? What do you mean by ‘great’? You’re not trying to set me up with someone again, are you?”

I don’t know what it is with people constantly trying to find me a match. As if I can’t find my own dates or companionship. I thought I made it clear to Sylvia that I wasn’t interested in relationships, especially not ones orchestrated by my meddling family.

The last time she tried to pair me up with some distant cousin’s friend, it came as close to disaster as it could. The woman was beautiful and nice enough; until I figured out she was a police officer with a huge penchant for justice and expensive engagement rings. Not exactly the type of person I can afford to get involved with.

My sister lets out an exasperated sigh. “All I want is for you to be happy. Or at least less unhappy with your current state of existence. You’re thirty-two, Adrien. You can’t keep avoiding relationships forever. It’s not healthy.”

I can’t resist the urge to roll my eyes, even though she’s not here to see it. Sylvia has the power to make me feel like a naughty twelve-year-old boy getting scolded by his baby sister. Yet, my day job involves managing shipments of illegal goods for some of the most dangerous individuals worldwide. “No need to worry about me, Syl. I’m quite content with my existence.”

No expectations. No complications. Just the way I like it.

“You say that now, but deep down, I know you’re longing for something more.”

I scoff. “You’ve been watching too many romantic comedies.”

“And you’ve been avoiding love like it’s the plague,” Sylvia retorts. “You deserve to be happy, Adrien. To have someone in your life who cares about you unconditionally.”

I clench my jaw. Leave it to Sylvia to touch on the one subject I’d rather not discuss. Love is a dangerous territory—one that I refuse to venture into.

“There are more important things in life than love. Like running a successful business and protecting our family legacy.”

“I’m not disputing that. But Adrien, don’t you think it’s possible to have both? To find a balance between your personal and professional life?”

“I’ll think about it,” I say reluctantly, knowing that it’s the only way to appease her for now.

“That’s all I’m asking for. Oh, and our aunties are convinced that you’ll end up alone and bitter if you don’t find a wife soon.”

“I will find a wife when I am ready, not when they want me to.” I grimace. “So, what is your plan for the wedding? Are you going to make sure I talk to every single woman there?”

“No, I’ll introduce you to some suitable bachelorettes. You aren’t obligated to marry them, but at least you’ll have some good company and an excuse to avoid chatting with aunties and cousins.”

“Fine,” I say, resignation palpable in my voice. “I’ll be there, Sylvia.”

“Good. And please try to keep yourself in check this time. No breaking hearts or getting into unnecessary fights.”

“I’m always on my best behavior.”

“Don’t make me remind you of what happened with Ricky’s teeth.”

It’s not entirely my fault that Sylvia attracts deadbeat jerks like a magnet. If her boyfriend hadn’t gotten too drunk and started causing trouble at our cousin’s engagement party, I wouldn’t have had to defend her honor. But of course, she conveniently forgets that part.

“I’ll do my best not to cause any more dental problems,” I promise her.

“I’ll see you in two weeks.”

As soon as I hang up with Sylvia, I rub my weary eyes and turn my focus to the pile of work waiting for me on my desk.

At least I have something to keep me occupied and distracted from thoughts of family obligations and Tiffany.