Twenty minutes later, Adeline was still standing right on that same spot with both arms folded against her chest. She was battling with the reality of having to swallow down her own shame if Viktor didn't show up.
With hopes of adding salt to her injury, Julian was frolicking with his new chick right there on the balcony while stealing purposeful glances at her from time to time. But Adeline refused to be broken by what was happening. She would not shed a tear. At least, not there.
Julian got up and looked at her.
"I give it to you, Adeline," he said. "You have a knack for being crazy. What's the little theatrics about?" He laughed in a mocking manner.
While he spoke, his chick ran her hands all over him. This newly found obsession of theirs seemed to have been amplified just to spite Adeline. She knew it. Julian just wanted to make her feel less of herself.
"It's been twenty-five minutes since you mouthed off your cheap lie. I knew you were just bluffing."
Adeline hissed. "It's not a bluff card."
"Oh yes, it definitely is, girl," Julian countered. "You threw your bluff card. I fell for it. But since you are dumb, you couldn't bring yourself to just walk away."
Adeline was fighting so hard not to break down. Her heart was about to explode from within her chest.
"He will come," she said firmly. But deep down, her hopes were getting watered down.
Viktor may never come. She could have at least let him know her location.
"Two more minutes to go and your mystery man is not here yet!" Julian laughed hysterically. "Maybe you are actually cursed. Don't you agree?"
Adeline shut her eyes. Tears were going to trickle down her cheeks. But she wouldn't give Julian the pleasure of seeing her broken soul.
"..... Viktor, come. Please, just come."
It was a quiet plea in her heart. Time was elapsing. Shame was about to be her portion. With her eyes shut, she could hear Julian's laughter from some steps away from her.
"Is he still coming?" Julian threw another jab at her broken soul. "Just a few more seconds to go, cursed bride."
Adeline's hopes were almost gone when her eyes picked up a sound. There was an incoming vehicle. Viktor? It could be. Julian was suddenly silent.
There was tension all over Adeline. Every thrum of the car's engine was followed by a sudden crescendo of an adrenaline rush. Her heart beat faster.
Viktor. She never knew she would be in a situation where she would literally hope that he would come to get her so badly. The sound of that car was a bridge between her despair and rescue.
The screeching sounds of tyres came just behind her. Almost in that same instant, the door flapped open and she felt really powerful hands wrap around her from behind. At that moment, she didn't need a prophet to tell her who it was.
Viktor Constantino. He had come for her.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting," he said in a very calm tone, almost a whisper into her ears.
Adeline felt a warmth that she could not explain. All of a sudden, her tears seemed to have been sucked out. Viktor let go and turned her gently. She flipped her eyes open. Those deep eyes of the Mafia were no longer terrifying at that moment.
"You took so long," she said.
"I'm sorry," he apologized right away. "I—"
Adeline cut him off.
"Thank you for coming to my rescue."
Viktor opened the backdoor for her and led her in. Then, he gently shut the door.
"Hmm," he exhaled heavily and cocked his hair.
That breath came with a devilish glare in his eyes. He turned and flashed those eyes at Julian. Julian knew him.
Viktor Constantino.
Julian gnashed his teeth. Between their families, there was something hidden in history. But beneath the tense atmosphere, he was shocked.
How on earth did Adeline meet someone he could not overpower?
Viktor let out a wry smile before assuming his position in the driver's seat. In the next couple of seconds, he was cruising away from Julian's sight.
Throughout the ride, there was an unbreakable air of silence between them. Viktor could not help himself. He kept on stealing momentary glances at her through the front mirror.
"Would you love something to eat?" He asked her. "I know a perfect spot where we can stop and eat."
Adeline gave it a thought for a moment. Then, she shook her head.
"Just take me home," she replied. "Sarah will take care of me."
"As you wish, my lady," he replied.
Silence took over again. No other words were said till he arrived in front of the building where her apartment was. He came out and helped her get out.
When they got to her room, he pressed the bell.
"It's damaged," Adeline said. "Just knock."
Viktor obliged. He knocked thrice and the door opened. The excitement on Sarah's face was quickly slashed by a sense of insecurity and uncertainty. She could tell that it was Viktor Constantino.
What was he doing with Adeline?
"Hello," Viktor said.
Sarah didn't respond. She quickly brought Adeline inside. "Are you okay, Ade?"
Adeline nodded and looked at Viktor. He understood he was not welcome to stay.
"Take care of her. Call me if you need me."
With that, the terrific being zoned out. Sarah slammed the door shut and grabbed her friend's hand.
"What was that about?" She queried her. "Why did you bring him here? Did he hurt you? Talk to me, Ade. What happened to you?"
Adeline walked to the couch and sat down. She was quiet for a moment as if trying to process her next words very well. Then, she dropped the bomb.
"Sarah, I just agreed to the devil's bargain."
The statement was heavy and undiluted. The shock on Sarah's face could not be hidden. Her jaw didn't just drop. It hit the tiled floor.