For the first ti in a long while, Elaine felt light, as if the weight she had been carrying had finally lifted. There was a glow in her eyes, a softness in her expression that hadn't been there before. Mary and Ryan noticed it imdiately.
"You look... different today," Mary said, nudging her playfully. "Don't tell Adrian is finally showering you with so much love that you're glowing?"
Ryan smirked. "Yeah, guess our stoic school captain has so serious charm after all."
Elaine forced a small laugh, but inside, guilt twisted in her stomach. They thought her happiness was because of Adrian—but it wasn't. It was because of Alex. Because of the hope he had given her last night.
Her smile faltered slightly. She knew she had to tell Adrian. He had been nothing but kind to her, standing by her side, protecting her even when she didn't ask for it. He deserved to know the truth.
Taking a deep breath, Elaine made up her mind. She would tell him today.
___
Elaine sat in class, tapping her pen against her notebook absentmindedly. The day was passing as usual, but sothing felt off—Adrian wasn't here.
She turned to Mary. "Have you seen Adrian today?"
Mary shrugged. "Nope. Maybe he's busy with sothing?"
Elaine frowned. Adrian never missed college. Sothing must have happened.
Worry gnawed at her as she pulled out her phone and dialed his number. It rang, but there was no answer. She tried again—still nothing.
Her unease deepened. Without hesitation, she left class and made her way to his hostel. When she reached the front desk, she asked the Dean about him.
"He's not here," the Dean said. "I haven't seen him since yesterday."
Elaine's heart pounded. Where could he be?
She quickly called Mary. "Do you know Adrian's address?"
Mary hesitated. "Why? Did sothing happen?"
"I don't know," Elaine admitted. "But I have a bad feeling."
Mary sighed. "Hold on, I'll text it to you."
The mont Elaine received the address, she didn't waste a second. She had to find Adrian.
The cab pulled up in front of a modest two-story house. Elaine stepped out, glancing up at the warm-looking ho. She felt an odd nervousness as she approached the door and knocked.
A mont later, the door swung open, revealing Autumn. His sister, The girl blinked in surprise before a teasing grin spread across her face.
"Oh? Elaine, Adrian's girlfriend?" she teased. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Elaine felt heat rush to her face. "It's not like that... I just—"
Before she could finish, the girl pulled her inside. "Well, you're already here. Might as well wait in the living room." Then, cupping her hands around her mouth, she called out, "Adrian! Your girlfriend's here!"
Elaine groaned. "You really don't have to call that."
Footsteps echoed from the stairs, and soon, Adrian appeared. He was dressed in a simple shirt and joggers, his dark hair slightly ssy—so unlike his usual composed and well-grood self. He looked tired, but there was still sothing effortlessly handso about him.
Elaine took a step closer. "You weren't in class today, and you didn't answer my calls. I got worried."
Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "My mom's unwell. I ca back to take care of her."
Elaine's expression softened. "Is she okay?"
"She's resting now." His voice was calm, but she could see the weight on his shoulders.
His sister, still grinning, nudged Elaine playfully. "Looks like soone really cares about you brother."
Elaine rolled her eyes. "Can you stop?"
Adrian smirked slightly. "No, let her continue. I'm enjoying this."
Elaine huffed but then turned serious. "If you need anything, let know, okay?"
Adrian studied her for a mont before nodding. "Thanks, Elaine."
She asked if she can see his mother, he agreed and led her down the hall to a dimly lit room where his mother was resting. The air inside was quiet, almost too still. Elaine watched as Adrian stepped closer to the bed, his usual composed expression betraying a hint of exhaustion.
"She's sleeping," he murmured.
Elaine's gaze softened. "What happened to her?"
Adrian exhaled, rubbing his temple. "A tumor. It's growing in her head. It all happened so suddenly... we don't know what will happen now."
Elaine felt her heart clench at the way his voice wavered, even if just for a second. She could see the exhaustion, the burden weighing on his shoulders.
"If you need anything, Adrian, tell . I'll help you," she said sincerely.
He shook his head. "There's no need. But I might contact my mother's father. He might do sothing."
Elaine frowned. "Your mother's father?"
Adrian nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yeah. My grandparents. When my mom married my dad, they cut her off completely. But my mother... she cos from a wealthy family." His jaw clenched slightly. "I'll try to reach them."
Elaine hesitated. He was confiding in her, trusting her. And yet, guilt pressed against her chest like a weight. She didn't have the heart to tell him about Alex. Not now. Not when he was dealing with so much.
And worse, she knew Adrian's feelings for her. If he found out... she wasn't sure how much more hurt he could take.
Elaine glanced at Adrian, watching the way exhaustion settled in his features. He already had too much on his plate. Telling him about Alex now would only add to his burden. It's best if I tell him another ti, she thought.
Noticing the sky darkening outside, Elaine decided it was ti to leave. "I should go. It's getting late," she said softly.
Adrian looked at her, then grabbed his keys. "I'll drop you off."
She shook her head. "It's okay, Adrian. You should stay with your mom."
But Adrian didn't budge. "I insist," he said firmly.
Before she could argue, his younger sister suddenly wrapped her arms around Elaine in a tight hug. "Are you leaving already?" she said glumly.
Elaine eyes soften at her reaction " yes and take care of your mama"
Autumn nodded softly and smiled "co visit again okay ?,it's nice to having soone around for Adrian ".
Elaine smiled, touched by the warmth in her voice. Adrian's family was small, but they clearly cared for each other deeply. With a final glance at Adrian's mother, she nodded. "I will."
Adrian walked her to the car, the air between them quiet but comfortable. As he started the engine, Elaine stared out the window, her mind tangled in thoughts. There was so much left unsaid—so many truths she didn't know how to share.
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