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