Chapter_33
Chapter 33
“I-I’m… caught!” Emmeline wanted to explain that she wasn’t Adrien’s wife, but it seemed too troublesome to clear things up in front of the traffic police.
Adrien, not wanting to escalate the situation, decided not to challenge the authorities. He asked the officer politely, “How can we resolve this issue?”
The officer, maintaining a professional tone, responded, “You’ll need to pay the fine, and she’s not allowed to ride the bicycle without a helmet from now on.”
Adrien hesitated, glancing at the electric bicycle. “It’s too far for me to push it all the way back,” he said, his voice tinged with frustration.
The officer suggested, “If you can’t push it, we can arrange a tow truck for you. You can collect your vehicle from the traffic department tomorrow.”
Emmeline, unwilling to accept help, shook her head. “It’s fine, I’ll push it myself.”
But Adrien, noticing her fatigue, said, “Let me take over. You won’t have the strength to push it all the way home.”
Reluctantly, Emmeline agreed. Adrien paid the fine of fifteen dollars, dismissing his driver, and then began pushing the bicycle, offering to help Emmeline.
“You don’t have to do this,” Emmeline protested, trying to stop him.
Adrien smiled, pushing the bicycle steadily. “Just walk behind me. Isn’t this romantic? Like the couples we used to see in school.”
Emmeline didn’t know how to respond. She thought briefly about abandoning the bicycle, but it was a necessary cover. She needed it to maintain appearances.
Meanwhile, at the Ryker Group, Abel had just finished his work for the day. His luxurious Rolls-Royce was flanked by two bodyguards’ cars as it smoothly made its way through the streets. Suddenly, Luca, sitting in the passenger seat, spoke up.
“Mr. Ryker, I think I just saw Mr. Adrien with Ms. Louise.”
Abel, momentarily distracted, stopped pinching the bridge of his nose and turned his gaze toward the sidewalk. His sharp eyes landed on Adrien, who was pushing an old electric bicycle. Following closely behind him was a woman in sportswear, her movements graceful but casual.
Abel’s breath caught.
“Slow down!” he ordered hoarsely.
The driver, ever attentive, smoothly reduced the speed of the car. Abel’s eyes remained locked on Adrien and the woman.
Why does she look so happy with him?
His mind raced, jealousy bubbling to the surface. He had been the one who shared a past with Emmeline, and now Adrien was walking so closely with her?
Is she agreeing to marry Adrien?
What if… what if she really is the Wonder Doctor? How can I explain this to Granddad?
Luca, sensing the tension in Abel’s mood, cautiously asked, “Mr. Ryker, should we stop the car?”
Abel’s expression remained unreadable. “No, turn left at the intersection.”
“Turn left? Where are you going?” Luca asked, confused.
“I’m going to my rental house,” Abel replied coldly. “I’ll stay there for the night.”
Luca was struck by the realization. Abel had rented a place and moved out of his mansion—he had been trying to stay undercover.
As Adrien continued pushing the old electric bicycle, Emmeline followed closely behind him. After passing three traffic lights, they reached a left turn, which led them to Emmeline’s home.
Adrien was slightly out of breath but did his best to conceal it. His shirt, damp with sweat, clung to his body, but he remained composed.
In his mind, he imagined himself entering Emmeline’s home, taking a hot, steamy shower, and relaxing after their long walk.
However, his daydreams were interrupted when he saw a familiar figure standing near the entrance of the café—a man leaning casually against the lamppost. His presence was commanding, and there was no mistaking him.
It was Abel Ryker.
Both Emmeline and Adrien exclaimed at the same time, “A-Abel Ryker?”
Adrien’s heart sank. He hadn’t expected to run into Abel, especially not like this. He was certain this would ruin everything.
“Why are you here?” Adrien asked, trying to mask his unease.
Abel’s cool, calm voice answered, “Why can’t I be here? I forgot to mention—I live here.”
Emmeline was taken aback, her face flushed with confusion. “W-What?” she stammered.
Adrien, still processing the situation, turned to Emmeline with an incredulous look. “Em… are you… having an affair behind my back?”
