Click, clack, click. Rapid footsteps echoed as it ran beside elegant leather shoes.
"Secretary, the showcase will begin in an hour."
A person with glasses reminded him, white-knuckling his clipboard like his life depended on it.
"Very well, remind our guests."
He replied calmly.
"Yes, sir."
His steps gradually ceased, he stepped back and turned.
The secretary smirked as he slid his hands in his pocket, seemingly excited for his "showcase."
"This project took me 12 years. 12 agonizing years of failures and trials. Adrian, oh, my Adrian. You… are my greatest achievement."
The secretary mumbled to himself, chuckling madly as he strolled along the silent halls.
***
A knocking sound vibrated through the door, shattering the poised silence within the room.
The door cracked open, light shaded the room as the secretary walked in. His smile was wide as he spoke with a childish beam.
"Hello, dear. I have yet to introduce myself." He bowed in front of the tightly wrapped Adrian and raised his head, followed by a sinister grin. "I am Oliver Brooke, a pleasure to meet you."
Adrian blinked. His eyes rested on Oliver, tired but analyzing. He gave a languid nod and closed his eyes.
Oliver straightened and adjusted his tie, slowly making his way near Adrian. He stopped and knelt, grabbing Adrian's cheeks as he spoke.
"My dear, no need to be so cold. It's hurting my feelings seeing you ignore me."
Adrian kept one eye open.
Oliver beamed, he released his grip and patted Adrian. "There, good boy. See you later, love."
Adrian faced Oliver's back and glared. Though his voice was muffled, Oliver could feel the daggers piercing his back and the message Adrian was giving.
Get your disgusting hand off me f*cker.
As Oliver reached for the door handle, his hand shook and mumbled.
"You do know that this is the best for us, don't you?"
His voice fractured as he slammed the door, leaving Adrian fuming.
Oliver's stride was a practiced lie as he marched through the halls. His hand trembled violently while he clutched his chest, heaving.
Crack.
Fragments from the wall his hand landed on fell to the ground. He dropped to his knees as he ran his fingers through his hair, collecting his composure.
With one final, forced breathe, he returned to his cool and joyful persona. He stood up and fixed his suit.
He skipped away from the wall, joking to himself. "What's the point of remembering him? He's just a kid I killed. Hah! Idiotic self, how stupid."