Chapter 1

The Unwelcome Guest:

Adriana's Pov

The evening drew very quickly, Chelsea wore a blue short sleeveless straight dress, reaching her mid-thighs, with a pair of black heels. Her brunette hair collectively held together, leaving a perfect view of her back.

Mom and Krista wore regular white dress but it was beautiful. I was in my peach dress, with my face well groomed, postured on a couch staring around, although there hadn't been any form of decoration, the room was filled with pure joy.

"Sister?" Krista called, "here, your phone is ringing." The caller ID read, Drake.

"Hey, sweetheart? I am very sorry I will be a little late."

"Okay," I replied, sighed then turned my gaze to the cake resting on the table, imploring God he would be here before I made a wish.

"What did he say?" Chelsea asked, fishing for information.

"He said he will be a little late."

"Adriana? I always tell you I don't like that guy, I don't know, I just_"

"Chelsea? Please, it's my birthday."

"Yes, it's your birthday, I will keep quiet," Chelsea replied, rolling her big eyes.

"Thank you," I replied with a kind grin.

"I didn't say welcome.

Let's toast to a beautiful future for my best friend."

We were drinking when the door suddenly flew open. Three burly men stood at the entrance, dressed in expensive suits. Considering the school I attended I could tell by my appearance, an expensive suit. I stood up with unnatural haste moving towards them, I stopped a few meters away.

"Excuse me? Is there anything I can help you with?"

"We are here for Adriana Williams". He said, looking like a police officer on a mission.

"Yes, I am Adriana Williams, what do you want from me?" I asked, with keen interest.

"We are here to take you" One serious man spoke, while the other two scanned the hall.

"Take me? Take me to where? What do I have to do with you?" I asked, looking lost and shocked.

"We are only following orders."

"Can you speak clearly? I am sure there's a mistake somewhere."

"This is exactly where our boss sent us to." I smiled, thinking Drake was behind it, I had to question him anyway.

"Who is your boss and what right does he have on me?"

"I am." A masculine voice echoed in the room, then a handsome man from behind entered, wearing the same suit but much more expensive. Honestly speaking, I hadn't seen such handsomeness before, his physique is something to discuss in the future, for now, I need answers.

"Excuse me? Are you their boss?" I asked with eyes wide open, hoping he could say no, Drake sent us to surprise you.

"I just made that clear". He replied arrogantly. My heart sank, standing expressionless, glimpsing at a man of my age claiming to be the boss of three muscled men. And I'm supposed to believe this? I am not that stupid.

"I think you are making a mistake, I am Adriana Williams but I don't think it's me you are looking for," I said defensively.

"Isn't it your birthday?" He challenged, twitching his lips into an almost sardonic grin.

"It is," I replied, with my eyes glued to him, awaiting his next statement.

"You are exactly who I am here for." He said, looking neutral, leaving no room for judgment.

"Excuse me?" My brows naturally creased, I lowered my eyes and curved my lips into a smile. One thing is for sure, I admired the way he is portraying the character of a Hollywood billionaire when I strongly feel he's a nonentity in reality.

"I know Drake is behind all this, can you stop putting up with this act? It's getting far. Be forward with the reason you are here."

"Miss Williams? I have no idea who you are speaking of." He said keeping a straight face. Why does he talk leaving people suspenseful?

"Well, if you claim you don't know who Drake is then make things a bit clear? I don't get anything." I said in full anticipation.

He lowered his gaze without saying anything, then, he handed me a file.

"What is this?" I asked, looking up at him slacking, hoping he would speak.

He didn't speak, relatively, he placed both hands in his pockets.

I glanced at him unblinking, then back to the file. Slowly and more gently I opened it, glared at him again, then back to what I had in hand.

"Sorry? Do you not know how to read? I inquire because you're taking more than enough time."

Without paying attention to his rude remark, I carefully scanned through the file. For a period, I stiffened in an attempt to take a step, my joints betrayed me in unison, my feet struggled to keep me in balance, and my hands trembled. Everything suddenly tilted upside down, was it me or the planet? With much effort, I moved my hand to hold my head steady. My brows crinkled, looking shockingly at him. It was crazy, nonetheless, I giggled. I mean, what could I do? It was absurd.

"Sam? He called. I'd rather we treat ourselves to a seat. I guess we will spend half of the night watching her display sentiments. Females can surprisingly take certain stuff to a whole new level. Miss Williams? May we?" He asked, directing his hand to the sofa.

Not seeming to have needed my approval, he swayed to take a seat. Adjusted well and gave me an approving and satisfying smile. His men, however, walked ceremoniously to stand behind him.

Meanwhile, I stood motionless with my mouth glued, only striding my head to and fro at his confidence.

"Who are you and what in heaven's name did you show my daughter? What makes you think you can come to my house and ruin my daughter's birthday celebration? I would advise you to take whatever it is to where you brought it from." My mom warned with furry in her voice.

Suddenly, I felt hands warmly encircling my shoulders, assuring me the world hadn't come to an end. Pleading me back to my sanity, because there was so much to be clarified. The person spoke and I realized it was Chelsea, my best friend.

"Are you alright?" She asked concerned, forcing it to be audible enough.

My mouth had gone dry, I swallowed hard. I couldn't speak, so I allowed my head to do the speaking. I turned my head back and forth.

"Can I see?" She asked and collected the file from me. She couldn't also say anything, she became as lost as I was. However, she started to laugh uncontrollably.

I took it from her for a second read, maybe there was a mistake somewhere, it read........

"On Adriana Williams' birthday, she lawfully belongs to Alexander Johnson, the son of Mike Johnson. Furthermore, her marriage to him follows exactly the next day."

Beneath it had the signature of my father, his name, and Alexander's father.

"What nonsense is this? You must be kidding." I retorted as I found my voice…

"Chelsea? Mom? Read this, and tell me if you can make any sense of it. How could my father exchange me for money? How could he trade his daughter."

"Mom?" Krista called. "Didn't you say father died a long time ago in a car accident?" She asked in a calm tone.

"Chelsea, please take Krista to her room," Mom said.

"Right away, aunt Grace."She replied and left with Krista.

"You understand everything now, don't you?" He asked, touching his nose.

I walked straight to him, to give him a piece of my mind.

"Look here, Mr whatever your name is, I am Adriana Williams but it doesn't mean I am who you are looking for. Excuse me, my birthday celebration is still in session, I won't allow you to ruin it for me.

"Honey? there's your signature behind it". Mom said with a shaky voice. My heart skipped a beat at her revelation. I asked again for confirmation.

"Mom? Is it true?"

'Yes." she replied with a nod, looking at me with consideration.

"Miss Williams? I don't care what you think, everything was clearly stated, we are getting married tomorrow and that is that." He said looking like it's the big deal to him.

"Ana? Are you getting married to him tomorrow?" Drake asked quizzically, coming in.

"Oh God, is this the only time he could arrive? This is indeed my 20th birthday celebration, so far so wonderful." I blink to ultimately allow the tears to fall, I couldn't laugh again, nothing was really funny from the beginning.

"Drake? listen to me first_"

"Listen to you? The reason you've been ignoring me this whole time? What do you have to tell me?"

Don't worry, you can go ahead. I wish you happiness".

"Drake_"

Don't call me, it's over, goes ahead with your wedding. This is your present." He left it on the floor and flounced angrily.

I ran to hold his dress and knelt with tears running freely along my red cheeks, with my nose running. "Please listen to me, don't go." He ripped his shirt, and peeked disappointedly at me, leaving me kneeling.

"I will arrange for your gown and other things, and be prepared for tomorrow."

He whirled to leave when he suddenly stopped.

"Don't even think of leaving the country, oh, don't worry, all your papers are withheld.

And if you leave this house, I will find you. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Miss Williams."

He said, tapped me on the shoulder, and left with his men behind him.

" Sweetheart, what are you going to do?" My mom came, helping me back onto my feet.

I turned to my mom who was lost in thought.

I wiped my eyes, managing on my own to stand up. "What do you think, that I will agree to this marriage? Oh come on, I'd rather die. Just wait and watch what will happen in this house tomorrow."

Come here honey, what you need is a hug." She said with her arms open.

"No, I want to be alone, goodnight".

"Sleep well, honey, please don't overthink."

She said as I quickly left to my room, locking the door.

"Is this a dream or something? If it is, I need to wake up. What did I do to suffer this cruel fate?" I asked myself time and again, crying and crying. Someway somehow, I drifted into a peaceful sleep

Hours earlier;

As I turned off the alarm and sat in bed, I heard a loud bang on my door, with voices in the background.

"Who is there? Relax, I am coming." I opened the door and Krista screamed, "Happy Birthday sis."

"What the hell! you scared me. Uff.... I have even forgotten it's my birthday, thanks for reminding me, though."

I glanced up and realized mom's presence. Oh, you are here also.

"I am. Here, take this present I got for you, I hope you like it."

"I certainly will, thank you very much, I can't love you less, "I said as the three of us hugged.

"Enough, I have to be in the kitchen, breakfast will be ready in the next 30 minutes, don't take long".

My mom said and they left.

I am just wondering what is in there, well, I will find out soon. I slammed the door and sat on the bed, curious to open it.

Slowly and more carefully, I opened the present. wow... it's a dress, a peach straight dress, that's my favorite color. Thanks again, mom. I said pressing the dress to my chest.

I just wish I had my dad around. Dad? I asked my inner goddess, seeming a little bit down. I needed a cold shower to clear my head, so I tossed the dress aside and sashayed to the bathroom.

After showering, I quickly dressed and joined my family for breakfast.

"Mom?" Krista called.

"Is it because it's my sister's birthday? Breakfast tastes different today, more delicious than ever."

"Yes, I made it special today. Don't worry, yours will be more special, it's only 2 weeks away."

"Mom is right, yours will be more special."

I glanced at my mom and smiled, such a beauty, even at the age of 45. If anyone wants the definition of beauty, they have to see her. She's got black long straight hair, cascading down her waist. Coupled with naturally long lashes and well-behaved brows beneath her endowed glowing large emerald eyes.

"Adriana?" My mom called.

"Do you have plans for today?"

"Should I not be the one to be asking that? Well, not yet, but I was thinking we could arrange something small in the house."

"I guess it's a good idea, the cake is on me". My mom replied supportively.

"Krista? why are you staring at me like that, is today the first time you are seeing me?"

"Will I be beautiful like you when I turn 20?"

"You will, even more beautiful."

"Really? Will I also have a boyfriend?" She asked with a grin.

"You would if you want. Go help Mom in the kitchen, I will be there in a while."

I just remembered Drake hasn't called, did he forget it's my birthday? I doubt it, I promised him sex, he can't just forget. Where's my phone? I asked, looking around. Oh, it's in the bedroom.

Immediately after I entered the bedroom, I heard it ring. I answered immediately.

"Good morning, sweetheart. How are you doing?"

"I am perfectly fine, and you?"

"I am also fine. Happy birthday."

"Oh, I thought you forgot."

"No, I didn't. I got busy this morning. Any plans for tonight? I want to take you out for dinner."

"I can't make it, I already planned something small at home."

"Then what happens to our plan?" He questioned disappointedly.

"You know you can always spend the night here."

"Well then, I will be there. Take good care of yourself." He said and hung up.

I placed the phone down when I heard a knock. I opened it and then saw my best friend.

"Hello Chelsea, how are you?"

"I should be the one to ask first, how are you?"

"I am fine."

"Are you sure?" She asked.

"Yeah.......does it look like I am not?"

"Oh! it's okay, I thought you would be angry. I am very sorry I haven't been here earlier, you know how annoying my new boss can be, he called me to do something for him. You are not mad at me, are you?"

"Don't be silly, I have no reason to be mad, you've always been there for me, I love you for that."

"I also love you for loving me. Wait! I got something for you."

"Thank you. What is it? Can I open it?" I asked, perplexed.

"No, open after the celebration, when I'm gone".

"As you wish"........ I said placing it down.

"What is your mom busily doing in the kitchen?"

"Baking," I said while laying on the bed.

"I think we should help her

out, "Chelsea said.

"Sure, let's go."

"Ana? I think I should leave now, I have to prepare enough for tonight."

"I will walk you out."

"Krista, aunt Grace? I have to leave, bye……"

"Make sure not to be late," I said, kissing her cheeks.

"I won't." She replied and left.