They arrived at the Walters mansion. It was almost lunch time.Peter parked his car and got off to open the door for Martha.They were greeted by Felicia and Patrick, who were very much excited to see the lovely couple.They looked like a match made in heaven. Adrianna came running in from the garden, she was missing Martha.
She immediately leaped into Martha's arms and kissed her cheek. Martha kissed her forehead and picked her up and twirled her around. Patrick and Felicia's heart warmed just seeing them. Peter hid his dark feelings and smiled. He leaned in and gave Adrianna a hug and kiss,"we can't wait to have you home darling".
They all sat for lunch in the great dining hall.Martha walked to the far end of the table to take a seat. " Dear, where are you going, please sit next to me", Peter looked at her with warning."Silly me, public, public, I need to get this right", Martha mentally scolded herself. They did not eat much. The awkwardness was straining. Old Walt
Adrianna was growing into a beautiful young lady. Her skin glowed under the rays of sunshine as she sat in the garden reading a book. William Shakespeare's Macbeth. She loved to read, it helped her escape reality. She was a prisoner in her own home, homeschooled five days a week, and the weekends spent at her grandparents house learning business tactics from the best tutors in England. They were flown to New York to tutor her. She was intrigued by business analysing and stock market figures.She also enjoyed painting. She was artistic and creative just like her mother. She enjoyed the outdoors and often painted the garden scenery. She gifted her father for his birthdays but he always just threw them out without even looking at it.He hated looking at her, why would he want to look at a painting of hers, or anything that belonged to her. He just counted down the days to get rid of her. He had no bond with her. They just shared the same blood.
The Walters mansion was adorned with white and red roses. A three tier cake and a buffet menu in celebration of Adrianna's birthday. There were so many famous people, business partners and reporters. This was an event of the year.Upstairs in the main bedroom, Adrianna was getting dressed. She wore a white off shoulder dress with red velvet trimming around the neckline. The maids had styled her hair in a loose bun with curled wisps of hair falling loosely around her face. Felicia had gifted her gold bangles and a gold and red hair pin. Old Mr walters had gifted her a gold and red brioche that complimented her dress. Martha stepped forward and handed Adrianna a white silk handkerchief. Adrianna opened it to find a gold necklace with a locket. Inside it was a picture of her parents. " I have held onto this for eighteen years, it was your mothers. I always kneew in my heart she would want you to have it", Martha said with tears in her eyes."It is beautiful. Thank y
Adrianna entered the dining hall and elegantly walked onto the stage with Martha. They sang happy birthday to her and she sliced into the red velvet cake. Peter brushed through the crowd and made it in time to feed Adrianna a peice of cake. After his conversation with Andrew, he felt a little guilty. He knew this wasn't right but he also felt he needed his peace. Eighteen years he lived in torment. He just wanted out!!!!Celine Dions " I love you" song was playing, it was Peter's obligation to open the dance floor with the first dance with his daughter. He had made it this far, a few more weeks wouldn't kill him. He drew in his breath" my darling Adrianna, may I have this dance". Adrianna smiled and placed her hand in his as they made their way to the centre of the hall. She put her arms around his shoulders and swayed to the music as she hummed along. As he twirled her around, a tall handsome figure made their way to the pair," may I cut in". Andrew winked from the corner of
Martha woke up at 5am. As she hopped out of bed she realised Peter was already dressed to go out,"Where are you going?"Peter replied sarcastically" to look for Adrianna ". Martha could not help but feel uneasy. Her gut told her something was wrong." wait for me".She quickly dressed and left their room. It looks like all the members of the Walters family was looking for Adrianna and coincidentally Lady Francesca was the one to find a locked door. They where knocking but no one answered. " bring me the keys" Felicia shouted at the maid.They opened the door, gasping in horror. There laying under the white sheets were a girl and a boy." Adrianna, how could you? If this is how you planned on spending your eighteenth birthday, why in the Walter's mansion. Why would you slander the Walters name, you whore. You should be ashamed!!!! The evidence is there on the floor" Lady Francesca spat out venomously. She knew by saying this, Adrianna wo
The driver took Felicia to St Marys private hospital. The drive was only 15 minutes as he weaved through traffic but for Mrs Walters it had felt like they traveled for hours. She was worried. She couldn't help thinking what if she is too late. A tear slid down her eyes and she lifted her gold silk handkerchief dabbing her cheeks. She walked through the main entrance to the help desk." Good morning, I am here for Mr Patrick Walters". A tall blonde girl with thick glasses looked up from her computer screen. " and you are?"" Felicia Walters, his wife! " she almost screamed.Wait a second while I check. She punched a few buttons and squinted at the screen" well it seems your husband is in the intensive care unit, private suite 1. Its the third floor. Take the lift at the end of the passage to the third floor and take a left at the end of the corridor".Felicia thanked her and hurried to the intensive care unit. She read the top of the closed doors, I
Outside the hospital, Andrew asked Jefferson to ride with his mother. Peter and Andrew had some business to attend to at the company.They all left the hospital. "Where are we going?" Peter asked. He had no idea where Andrew needed to be or what business was so urgent.Andrew parked the SUV on the corner of the street and beckoned Peter to walk with him. He took out a suitcase from the boot and strode around the corner. There stood a large historic church building the sign read ST RUPERTS ORPHANAGE . "Ah, so you are doing charity?""Just keep walking", Andrew said in an annoyed tone.Around the corner they went into a small alley. It was a dumping site in the area. In between the large dumpsters crouched a boy in a suit, with his head in his palms. Peter recognized the boy from last night." Well John, you have done well. Your performance last night and this morning was well played. Here is your payment. One million dollars" Andrew through the sui
Adrianna got dressed and walked to the garden with her head down. Her face drooped with sadness. She sat next to Martha under the large apple tree. " Where is the boy?" Martha asked, slicing an apple and handing it to Adrianna. Adrianna just shruhged her shoulders, she did not know. They both sat in silence until Martha asked, " what happened? This isn't like you, but I have faith in you". Adrianna felt tears sting her eyes, just hearing her that her mother did not doubt her warmed her heart. " I don't remember what happened last night. I had a drink with this boy, er, his name was, Jake,no no no, John, yes that was it John. And then after that it was a blur."Martha looked into Adrianna's eyes, she held her cheeks in her hands, " do you think he had done this? "" I dont know"."My dear, we are powerless in this family. Don't ever let your guard down. Learn to see beyond what is in front of you and you will see the truth" Martha left Adrianna with these wise
Three months in the hospital, Patrick has finally been discharged from hospital. He had spent two months in the intensive care unit and a month in the rehabilitation centre to get him back to normal life. The doctor had told him about his condition. At first it came to him as a shock but gradually he had come to terms with his cancer and planned for when he is gone. They said he had just over a year to live. At his mid eighties he felt that he had lived his life to his fullest. He had seen his children grow up and his grandchildren as well. He knew deep in his heart that he would have to make a sensible choice about the company. All his grandchildren were equally qualified and competitive. They all possessed great qualities to lead but he also knew he needed someone that would lead with compassion. He knew that was Adrianna, but he could not base his decision on his feelings. He knew his sons would put up a fight of jealousy crying favoritism, especially his two daughter-in-la
One year later.Patrick Walters had left this world. Adrianna and John had stuck to their word and did not divulge his secret. And in return Patrick Walters had stuck to his.He eventually broke the news to them a week before he could pass away.He had traveled the world with Felicia. He finally took the holiday. He finally spent timw with his wife. He did all the things he wanted to before he closed his eyes. Everyone was heart broken but they now knew that he was safe in the arms of the lord. He had one last and final request and they had honored it.He asked to be buried next to Annie. He knew he could not make amends in this lifetime. But he maybe after death he could.
The lights in the hall went out and everyone gasped. As a blue spot light shone on Adrianna only.The bright light now caught her by surprise. She was startled but held her composure.Although......She felt nervous standing all alone, she looked down and John was no longer in his wheelchair. Alex had also disappeared.She felt scared, her breathing was now frantic and her heart was pounding.Her mind was racing, all the thoughts of losing John flooded her imagination, her hands trembled.She felt she was going to have a nervous breakdown when a song started to play.She was taken out of her frantic mind torture. The song started to soothe her. It was a s
Alex, John and Adrianna now entered the art gallery in the museum. It was huge. Paintings were hung all over the walls. Adrianna absorbed its beauty. Taking it all in. She reached a sunset painting on the wall and froze.She could not help but stare at the name engraved in the bottom right corner.ANNIE WALTERS.Adrianna looked at John mouthing the words thank you. As a tear slipped from her eye she gently dabbed her cheek.This was something to be happyabout. Her mothers painting was in one of the worlds famous museums.She walked around a bit more until the MC took the stage and welcomed them.Adrianna walked to the front of the room where a high table was set up.She did not know what was going on, but she stood listenin
John and Alex arrived at the museum. It was just before 5pm. They place was full of people. He could already see Sierra enjoying the spotlight before she entered. John's parents where already at the venue. They had called to let him know.John looked at the reporters, every journalist is New York was here. He smiled. Today they would get a good story.He lookes at the spotlights highlighting the old museum. It made it look like it was an ancient relic. He knew Adrianna would love it. He loves it. "Alex, thank you. Everything is to the tea. It is better than I imaginedit"." If you think this is fly, wait till you see the inside", Alex chuckled.Alex got of the limousine and waited for the chauffeur to bring John's wheel chair, " do you really have to use this? I mean can't you just walk? You can say u miraculously recovered!!!".
Patrick adorned himself in the finest suit. Black with navy trimmings, a navy tie and a white shirt. He looked handsome for his age. For a dying man he looked happy and healthy. He smiled at himself in the mirror. Felicia was brushing his thinning hair. Today he knew that he would sign over his company to Adrianna. He knew that she was the most suited. She had earned it. Felicia had worn a navy blue dress. It was long sleeved and draped the floor as she walked. Her hair was curled and pinned to one side. And around her neck she wore her wedding jewelry set. A bright blue gem set onto a white gold choker. " You look ravishing my darling", Patrick said as he turned around to look at her. He hated lying to her about his illness but he didn't want anyone's pity. He knew he had just few weeks and after tod
Adrianna reached home after her spa treatment and hair appointment.Her skin glowed like a new born baby. It was soft and supple. Her hair had been put up loosely with curls. A few tendrils of hair fell lightly on her face,framing it. She looked gorgeous. Her make up was done plain but simple.Her eyes had a gold evening glow eye shadow with a hint of glitter.Her rosy red cheeks were powdered and blended. And her lips had a blood red lipstick which brought out her beautiful features.She looked at her nails, they were french tipped with red roses on them.She sat on her bed and applied rose scented lotion on her body. Adrianna changed into the lacey undergarments. They were a white lacey bra with neted tassels and a matching thong. She put on her ba
The doorbell rang and Adrianna answered it,it was the delivery guy. He had a big box and a boquet of roses and a card, all for her. Adrianna signed and took it excitedly, she knew it could only be from John. She opened the card. It was an invitation for a ball in honour o her. She took the box to the room and opened it. Inside was a white silk gown with red roses on the one sleeve, it was gorgeous, Adrianna held it against her and twirled. Her husband had great taste indeed. It had matching glass slippers and matching under garments. Adrianna's face flushed with embarrasment. She picked up the phone and called John,''Thank you, I simply love it''. John smiled to himself at her response, ''You are most welcome''. There was silence before they bid each other good bye. This ball was at 5pm. Adrianna looked the time , it was 10am. She needed to get to a salon and have her hair and make up professionally done. She wa
Two weeks were up and Lady Francesca and Andrew had returned. They arrived at the Walters mansion like a newly wed couple. ''Good morning Father, Good morning mother'', They greeted as they walked through the door. Patrick stood in shock,they were different. They had learned manners. Adrianna was there to welcome them.They hugged her tightly thanking her. Adrianna smiled, they had really changed. Jefferson and Sierra had also arrived and Andrew and his wife embraced them in warm hugs. They all thanked Adrianna. ''The person you need to thank is John. He had done all this to bring us all together as one big happy family'', Adrianna said. ''Let us all surprise him with a visit'', Sierra said. They all agreed and left to the hospital. As they all went into John's room they brought him gifts and were roudy. John looked at them confused. He wondered why they had all come. They dropped gift
Adrianna knew that that this week was going to be the toughest for some of her family members. Jefferson was gone to rehab, Sierra started acting again and Bradley was at work. Lady Francesca and Andrew had gone off to their couples retreat, leaving Michael at the Walters Mansion. Adrianna decided that she would start spending more time with her grandfather. She went to the kitchen and cut fruit slices. She walked out into the garden where she found Patrick sitting on the bench. Adrianna sat down next to him and offered hima fruit slice. Taking a slice of apple he started to talk,'' I don't know why I just could not accept her. She was so innocent and so pure. Humble and kind. Everything we were not,everything my children were not. Everything I had taught them were wrong. I don't know why I denied her space in the family burial plot''. At that moment Adrianna knew he was talking aboy her mother. ''I deeply regret everything,her