Second Chances

3. Adrianna

"How's everything going, bestie? I am so sorry I couldn't come with you. Even to the airport to see you off. This stupid project had to start at such a wrong time. I..."

"Tess, it's completely fine. I am not going to deny that having your company would have made this trip fun, but at the same time, I have this gut feeling that a solo trip is going to do me good."

"Are you sure you are not upset?"

"I was, when you had informed you couldn't... but the more I thought over it, the more I realised it happened for the best. And you know what, I am pretty excited for this trip," came Adrianna's genuine response.

"Awesome possum! I hope you are all set. Did you go shopping though?" Adrianna could sense the sheer excitement in Tess' voice.

"Actually, I kind of made a list and hired a stylist to go shopping for my holiday wardrobe..."

"Oh my God!" Tess' squeal was almost deafening for Adrianna. "Someone's pretty excited for their birthday. Or should I say someone is keen on reinventing herself?"

Adrianna simply laughed along with her and then bid her goodbye, desperate to hide the pain she was feeling currently. It wasn't that she never understood fashion or style. She simply was too comfortable being herself and focusing on things that mattered to her. Neither was she the kind of person to change herself to gain someone's attention or affection. The reason behind her sudden decision to revamp her wardrobe was, in fact, much deeper, but ultimately due to Elton. It was high time she moved on from things that reminded her of him, including her old wardrobe. It was a lost cause she was hoping to win. And overhearing Elton's conversation two nights ago was what had made her finally realise that there was no light at the end of the tunnel.

"Yeah, I am on my way. Will be there in as soon as possible," Elton responded as he hastily searched for his wristwatch.

Adrianna stood at the threshold of his room, wondering if she should wait for his eyes to see her or simply draw his attention. His parents were planning to come over on Friday, exactly a day before her birthday, when she was supposed to leave for her trip. And like always, parents' arrival was the only time they both talked a bit to each other, planning how to put up a convincing show. She was about to call out his name when she heard him speak about her, making her move a little towards the passage, away from his direct view.

"Adrianna? You aren't serious, are you? Ah... Jake, I am putting you on loudspeaker, need to search for something."

"Yeah, El, I am being serious. Why don't you get that showpiece you married?"

"And why would I get that woman to such a high profile event? Have you even looked at her? She is hardly what you can call a trophy wife. One look at her and the Smiths would just retract their offer...."

"Is she that plain? Damn, I thought we could have an upper hand, parading around the Morgan heir."

"The plan would backfire, terribly so. I mean just think about it, why didn't her parents ever bring her to such events? Because she looks so f*****g ug... Oh finally got my watch!"

"But weren't there strong rumours that she is the mind behind the latest ventures by Morgan?"

"Precisely, rumours. I guess she was working at her father's company but come on, she is a girl. Do you think she actually possesses the business acumen needed to make such decisions? Daddy's little princess can't hold a decent conversation and you think she is the mastermind? This has got to be the biggest joke I have ever heard in my life! Anyway, I have had enough of her presence in the house, let's not talk about her too. I will reach in the next twenty minutes."

Adrianna's eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she recalled what she had overheard. She knew she wasn't flawless or even the prettiest girl in the room. She simply didn't like attending gatherings. And to hear Elton talk trash about the way she looked, hear him question her intelligence was downright humiliating.

Behaving with her the way he was when they were alone was something she was used to. But mocking her and calling her names when talking to someone else was demeaning. She was also aware that she didn't have that air of confidence given her social status. Neither did she pay much attention to how she dressed. But calling her such names? What had she done for him to badmouth her in this manner? She never demanded his attention, time or even affection. They were like two strangers under the same roof.

She furiously wiped her tears. She was not going to waste her tears on him anymore. She was ashamed of herself for falling for such a man, for failing to realise his true nature. No, she deserved better than this, though her stupid heart somewhere was still hoping that there would come a day when Elton would change.

Maybe this trip just got another purpose. She needed to think through a lot of things, make some tough decisions. Yes, the timing couldn't have been better. Just then her phone rang.

"Hey, Ma."

"Sweetie, what time is your flight?"

"I will be leaving in about 30 minutes. Making some last minute checks."

"Great. I... uh... I was wondering if your dad and I could come see you off?" Patricia trailed off, unsure of how she would react. Adrianna had been the apple of her father's eye, and post her marriage, it seemed that she had become a bit distant from him.

"I... umm..."

"He won't discuss anything related to your marriage, honey, if that's what is bothering you. Nor Elton's absence."

"How di..."

"A mother knows when her daughter is sad. Anyway, cheer up, we are getting a surprise for you. Share your flight details, sweetie. We would have preferred you take our family jet, more so now that you are going alone but I won't force you. I guess travelling in this manner is all a part of your solo trip thrill. Get ready, chop chop! We will pick you up in sometime. Bye!"

A small smile adorned her lips as Adrianna disconnected the call. She looked at the clock once and hastily got up from her bed. It was time to get ready and leave, time to leave all obligations that came with being married.