Her Return, His Regret by Natie

Chapter 169~ An offer

"Speak. Why did you call me out? You know I'm on paternity leave right now," Ryan Kingsley said to his friend as they sat in a private room at a club.

Adan had called him over so they could have a drink. Ryan would have refused so he could stay with his family but after hearing the tone of Adan's voice, he agreed to meet him to find out what was going on. Since Adan had been there for him when he had issues, Ryan wanted to return the favour.

Adan took a sip of his whiskey before looking at his friend. He replied, "I wanted to vent and you're the only one I have. My mind is a mess right now."

Ryan leaned back in his seat and asked, "Is this about your arranged marriage to Bianca?"

Adan's eyes rounded at Ryan. "You already know?"

Before Ryan could reply, Adan shook his head and added, "Why am I even surprised? Bianca must have already called her bestie to fill her in on the news. By tomorrow, the whole country will know." Looking at Ryan, he remarked, "You need to congratulate me, man. I'm engaged. Finally. Isn't that wonderful news?"

"Do you hate it that much?" Ryan replied, shaking his head, knowing there was no excitement in his friend's words. "Bianca would make a good partner though. You're both not in love with anyone at the moment. If only you could open your heart and give her a chance-" "I can't," Adan cut in. "Bee is... she deserves to be with someone who will treat her well."

"Are you talking about your playboy ways?" Ryan asked, arching an eyebrow. "Or are you still haunted by the past?"

"You know what, bro? I know the one whose name we don't mention hurt you deeply but it's time to move on, man. You deserve to be happy and start a family," Ryan added.

Adan swirled the amber liquid in his glass. He sighed and said, "Actually, I've never been with a woman ever since that time. This playboy image is all a lie."

Ryan looked up at his friend sharply. He arched an eyebrow and remarked, "Don't tell me..."

Adan let out a humourless chuckle. He shook his head and said, "I just couldn't risk it. So I made it look like I changed women like clothes."

player, they wouldn't want to become my wife and avoid me at

should see the way she looks at

do? Your parents

to get married. If I say yes, Bianca will suffer in a

to Bianca. I'm sure the two of you can find common ground. Perhaps she can convince her parents to pull out of the marriage alliance or

believe in love. I

...

at the

followed her father to his study. She sat in front of him and appealed, "Dad, can you

Jones sighed,

his nose. He replied, "My dear, it was not in my plans to force you into a marriage you don't want.

eyes widened. She asked, "Dad, are you saying we might lose the

sighing heavily. He remarked, "I'm growing old. I made some bad financial decisions and now the company is paying for

can ask Lora for help. Her husband owns the Kingsley

do different things.

partnership with them wouldn't

we offer them? At least our business and the Nicholson's business are similar. We have

shoulders. She studied her father's face and just realised that he looked

have been stressing Dad

get the partnership, the Nicholsons asked for an

nodded and replied, "Yes, they did. I know their son has a bad reputation and I shouldn't be saying this as your father but men change, my dear.