Adele’s Pov What the hell! Why were they doing this to me? When Karen turned seventeen a couple of months ago we’d had a huge party. I had helped organize it and had been very happy for her, despite my efforts not being appreciated. So why couldn’t I have a party now I was twenty? Why had dad suddenly change his mind? I had a feeling Tina had something to do with it. She must have convinced him to change his mind after I had left for school. I felt tears sting my eyes. Why couldn’t Tina treat me like her daughter too? Why the hate? I sat down heavily on my bed. Tina hadn’t always been this way. Dad had met and married her three months after we had lost my mom to a car accident. I had been three years old then. Looking back now I suspect he and Tina may have been having an affair, although I had no proof. But if my suspicions were correct, it would be very heatless of him. Sleeping with another woman while he was married to my mom. At first Tina was an angel, or so I thoug
Adele’s Pov “You are not going to a party dressed like that are you?” Lucy asked as she let me into her house. “What is wrong with it?” I asked, looking at my blue blouse and miniskirt. “Everything is wrong with it. Come on let’s get you into something sexy. Today is your birthday. You need to look sexy.” She said and led me to her bedroom. “Where are your parents?” I asked as I noticed she was unusually loud and carefree. Usually she was always quiet and acting innocent when her strict parents were around. “Out to a party of their own. Here put this on.” She pulled a dress out of her wardrobe and handed it to me. I put it on. It was black, short and tight. “It is beautiful, but isn’t it too short?” I asked trying to pull the dress lower. “Nonsense! This is perfect for the party. You look hot girl! Even Harry won’t recognize you.” I laughed. “Right!” “When is he coming back to town?” She asked. “Next week. I am so horny I can hardly wait!” “Ma
Adele’s Pov I woke up the next morning with a headache. I groaned as I opened my eyes then shut them quickly. The sunlight streaming in hurt them. I was tired and sore, with no memory of what had happened the previous night. I tried to open them again and was able to keep them open. I looked round. I was in one of the bedrooms and I was alone. My heart skipped in fear. What had happened last night? I tried to remember. It was all a blank. But my underwear was missing and I was sore. I looked at the bed and the soiled sheets confirmed my fears. I’d had sex. I nearly passed out with fear. Sex with who? And where was the person now? Why would I do something so reckless? How could I have cheated on Harry? I was dying of shame. I looked around and found my panties on the floor besides the bed. I picked it up and shoved it into my handbag, then staggered out of the room and went to find Lucy. All the partygoers were sprawled everywhere, snoring drunkenly. I found her lying on th
Adele’s Pov“Wait! Are you serious right now? You had sex!” Lucy exclaimed.“Shhh!! Keep your voice down.” I whispered glancing at the closed door.“Sorry.” She whispered back.I got up and went to the door. I opened it and looked out to make sure Tina or Karen weren’t outside listening in on us.“Are you sure about this?” Lucy asked when I came back.I had just finished telling her what had happened at the party.“Yes I am sure. I had sex with a stranger last night.” I sighed in distress. “I don’t know what happened to me last night Lucy, but something happened. I wasn’t myself.”“How do you mean?” She frowned.“I was high, not alcohol high but, I can’t explain it. And I was so horny, like really horny and by this morning I couldn’t remember a thing.” I paused and gulped with fear. “ I was looking up the cause on Google before you came and I think I was drugged.”Lucy’s jaw dropped.“No. No. No. No. You are making a mistake, like how is that even possible?” She asked also distressed.
Adele’s Pov “How is this possible?” Lucy asked when I showed her the result. “How can it be positive?” We were in my bedroom. I had called her the minute I saw the positive result. “Are you sure you took the pills the way I told you to?” She asked. I nodded. I was sitting on my bed shaking and sweating. What would my dad say? He would be so disappointed in me. How could this be happening to me? I was pregnant, worse I didn’t know who was responsible. “What am I going to do Lucy?” I asked tearfully. “My dad will hate me!” “Relax.” “Relax! He is going to be so mad. And Tina and Karen, what will they say? Please you have to help me.” I begged. “ We will think of something.” Lucy said. “ But not here. Let’s go to my place. My parents are out. We will have more privacy there.” She grabbed the test stipe and put it under my mattress. “Shouldn’t we take it with us?” I asked. “No leave it. Who will find it there?” “But-“ “Come on.” She said dragging me
5 years later Jason Turner sat in the restaurant of The Millionaires Club tapping his feet impatiently. A blond waitress stood near the bar watching him anxiously, her grey eyes scared. She had been assigned to his table and recognized him as one of the richest men in town and the most important member of the club. She had hurried over to him when he had come in, but he hadn’t been ready to order and had waved her away. So she went away and stood where she could keep an eye on him and come running immediately, in case he wanted service. She, like all the other staff, risked getting fired if they kept any member of the club, especially Jason Turner, waiting. He glanced at her. She was about twenty, the same age as Adele when she…. He shook his head. He didn’t want to think about his daughter. He studied the waitress again. She was pretty with big grey eyes and golden blonde hair. He smiled a little. When he and his late wife Claire were dating, she used to read to him al
Chris Richards stood in the doorway looking round the room, then he spotted Jason and walked towards him. He was tall and broad shouldered, his greying hair had been dyed back to it’s original ash blonde color. He was well dressed like always in a dark blue suit. He was the richest man in California and was known as a ruthless businessman who did anything to score a point in business. His personal life wasn't the best either. His four ex wives had all complained of how mean and abusive he was. He sat down and smiled at Jason arrogantly. “Hey Jay, sorry to keep you waiting. I was in a meeting that is going to make me millions, so you see I couldn’t leave it to come and see you. Hope you aren’t mad?” He asked mockingly. Jason gritted his teeth behind a false smile. “No, never. Business before pleasure.” He said mildly. Chris smirked. He knew Jason was fuming but pretending everything was fine because he needed something for him. Humbling Jason Turner and treating him like a nob
Chris' eyebrows went up. “Dead? When? How?” “Yes, five years ago.” “I am sorry to hear that, how did it happen?” “She did something foolish like some kids do and it took her life.” “What did she do?” Chris asked, eyes narrowed. “I don’t want to get into it. I would rather forget the bad memory.” Jason snapped. “I understand. But it never made the news, not even on social media. Why is that? You are a big name in town, the death of your daughter would have made news.” “I didn’t want it to. Please forget about that. Let’s concentrate on business.” “We are. Adele is part of the deal, it can’t be done without her.” “Come on Chris! Of course it can. Ask for something else you want.” “I already have. The only thing I want is for us to be a family.” “Why? We are friends already, that should be good enough for us.” “No it isn’t. The alternative is I have a stake in the winery.” “You want a stake in my winery! Okay how much stake?” Jason asked reluctantly. “How mu
For the next week, Ella tried to see Chris, but he refused to see her. A day before Zoey’s trial, he went home and found her waiting in the driveway.“Don’t you give up?” He asked angrily.“No. Not when my kids are involved.”“Stop pretending. You don’t care about your kids; you just want to use them for your selfish interest, and it won’t work.”She laughed mockingly. “You have the nerve to call me selfish when you are such a selfish asshole. All you care for is yourself and your stupid company.”“I don’t have time for this. What do you want?”“Zoey’s trial is tomorrow, what are you doing to help her?”“She won’t go to jail if that is what you are asking. Happy?”“And Craig?”“He is recovering, what else can I do?”“When Zoey gets out, I want you to give her a higher position in the company; it will make her feel better,” Ella said.Chris stared at her. “I am getting Zoey released, and it ends there. She is not coming back to my house or company. She can go and live with you.”“No, s
Adele's Pov By the time we got to the office the hunt for Tina was already in the news. “Poor Dad, this is so embarrassing.” I said as we took the elevator to my office. “How do you think she got away so easily? She must have had help.” Dan said. “Or she may have suspected the cops would one day come for her and was already prepared. I can’t believe she would try to frame me for a murder she committed.” I said shaking my head in amazement. “She is insane. I’m glad trash like her took herself.” He kissed me. “We better go break the news to dad.” He said. But Chris had already heard the news. He listened with a smile as I told him about Jason’s request. “So he wants my help? After trying to ruin me.” Chris said. “Please Dad, he really needs the help. Do it for Adele.” Dan said. Chris shrugged. “There isn’t much I can do. I don’t make the law or control those that do.” “But you can help. You know people. Talk to them and help her get a plea deal.” Dan said. “Maybe, b
“What do you mean gone?” He asked alarmed. “On our way to the station she asked me to buy her a cup of coffee and sandwich. I left the car and went to a café, by the time I came out. She was gone.” “I hope you didn’t plan this with her? Because that would make you an accomplice.” Jason warned. “I didn’t! I swear!” “She is acting crazy! She can’t get far, she’ll be caught.” “What do we do?” Before he could answer, the detectives arrived with a warrant. “I’m calling Adele, maybe she can help.” Jason said. “What? No. You can’t let Adele know what is going on.” “She will very soon when the cops declare your mom wanted.” ** Adele was in a meeting when her dad called. She tried not to groan. Not again! She thought. The meeting with her dad the day before hadn’t gone well. Her dad had told her that now Chris was facing personal issues, and he and Owens weren’t on good terms because of what happened between their kids, this was the time to strike. He had tried to persuade Adele
“What? Why? What has my mom got to do with it?” Karen asked. “We will like to talk to her, it’s urgent.” “Well you will have to wait. She went shopping but will soon be back. Excuse me I need to get some more ice.” She said. “Are you alright?” The woman asked looking at her eye. “Yes. I am fine.” Karen went into the kitchen. Where Marie was washing dishes. She slipped into the laundry room and called Tina. “Mom, the cops are here. They want to talk to you about Hal's murder.” Tina gasped. “Mom? Are you okay?” “Listen honey, let me know when they leave, okay?” “Sure. What’s going on mom?” Tina had already hung up. When she came back to the kitchen Marie was frowning at her. “What is going on Karen?” She asked. “I don’t know.” She went to join the detectives in the living room. “Can I get you guys anything?” They shook their heads. “Wouldn’t you tell me why you want to see my mom?” Karen asked nervously. “We will like to speak to her.” The detective said. They were s
On the day of the murder, Lucy decided she would have to do something. She couldn’t leave it to Craig, she had a lot to lose if Hal was to open his big mouth to Adele. She got dressed that morning and went to her wardrobe to get the gold necklace she had looked at days before. It was a birthday present and was worth a lot. She would give it to Hal and tell him to get out of town. She took a cab to the hotel and went straight to Hal’s room. Craig had already mentioned which room it was so it was easy for her to find it without asking questions. She knocked on the door. Hal opened the door he looked sleepy but the looks disappeared when he saw her. “What are you doing here?” He asked. “I came to see you, can I come in?” He reluctantly let her in. “I am not in the mood for talking if that’s why you are here.” He said. “I have told Craig what I need is money, or I am going to Adele.” “You will get in trouble too.” She reminded him. “Not if I cut a deal.” “Relax, no need for tha
You bitch!” Lucy said attacking her. “Get off me!” Karen yelled. Lucy grabbed her hair, dragged her to the floor and began just kicking her. The commotion attracted Marie, who rushed in to separate them. “Stop it the both of you! What is going on?” Marie asked. “This crazy person is attacking me!” Karen said. “This bitch has ruined everything! Harry is in jail because of your lies! You won’t get away with this!” Lucy yelled. “I only told him the truth about you! Or are you going to pretend you weren’t sleeping with Craig you slut!” Lucy tried to attack her again and Marie struggled to hold her back. “Stop! Both of you stop!” “What the hell is going on here!” Tina asked coming in. “Call the cops mom! This psycho is attacking me!” “This bitch has ruined my life!” “Enough! Lucy get out of my house! Now! Or I will call the cops!” Tina yelled. Lucy glared at Tina, then Karen. “You will pay for this, if it’s the last thing I do.” She promised. “Whatever you think you are going
Dan carried her to their bedroom and gently put her on the bed. She opened her eyes some minutes later to see him looking down at her and stroking her hair. “Did I pass out?” She asked. “Yeah, and I can't blame you. The past twenty-four hours have been crazy. “I dreamt Chris was my real dad, and you were Jay's dad.” He laughed a little. “Sounds like a nightmare.” “So Jay is your son? That night it was you not Hal? I knew there was something familiar when we first had sex.” He laughed again. “Was there? Wow, all this time he was my son, and I kept acting like an asshole to him.” “You were good to him. You acted like an asshole to me.” “I am sorry about that, too. I know I have some serious apologizing to do, maybe I should start now.” He began kissing her. “Not now. Where is Rachel?” “Downstairs with my dad. They wanted to call a doctor but I managed to persuade them not to. Do you feel like joining them?” “Yes.” They went downstairs, where they met Chris and Rachel in the li
“No, you can't arrest me. I didn’t do anything wrong. You are making a mistake.” Zoey protested. “No, we are not. You were caught on camera getting the murder weapon from a storage unit.” The second detective told her as he put handcuffs on her wrist. “Dad, do something.” Chris ignored her. Dan and Adele just stared open-mouthed. She kept protesting as they led her away. “For heaven's sake, what is going on?” Adele asked. “I was about to ask the same thing. Is everyone in the city involved in Hal’s murder?” Dan asked sarcastically. “I was going to tell you guys everything this evening,” Chris said. “And I still am, but first, I have to go to the company. We need to find a way to deal with the press.” “Tell us what?” Dan asked. “Later.” “I will wait and see if there is any improvement from Craig before I head home,” Adele said. Dan nodded. He kissed her and followed his dad. As Adele waited she tried to get her thoughts in order. What the hell was going on? Why were Harry
Adele’s PovEveryone was quiet after Chris finished talking.“Does my- Jason know I am not his daughter?” I asked finally.“No,” Rachel said.“I would like to tell him, but not yet, not while he is going through so much,” I said softly.“I understand.” Chris nodded.“So now we all know the truth, what now? Does it change anything? Because it doesn't for me.” Dan said.“Me too. Adele has always been and is still my daughter.” Chris said.“And you, Adele? How are you feeling?” Rachel asked.“I honestly don’t know, it’s a lot to take in,” I said slowly. The truth was that I felt numb, the whole thing felt so unreal. One minute I was thinking of Chris Richards as my father in-law now I find out he is my father.“Take your time, babe, don’t rush it.” Dan kissed me and stood up. “I have to return to work, or do you want me to stay with you?”“No. Go to work, and I will be in tomorrow.”“I will go and pick up Jay,” Rachel said. “Give me a lift, Dan.”They walked out, leaving Chris and I.“A