Chapter 4

5 years Earlier

Adele’s Pov

That morning I woke up to a warm sunshine and a cold ball of uneasy in the pit of my stomach. Today was my twentieth birthday and I was full of excitement.

So why the cold ball of fear? I had no idea, except I felt as if something terribly life-changing was about to happen to me. But what? Was anyone going to die? No! Of course not. I was being silly. Today was my big day and nothing bad was going to happen. I was just excited and why not?

Dad had promised me a big party. As the CEO of the largest winery in the state, and one of the richest men in the state, I knew the party would be the talk of town. I jumped out of bed and ran into the shower. I hummed happily as I showered, then got dressed, admiring my hot body in the full length mirror. I was already imagining the party and all the rich kids that had promised to attend. I was a bit disappointed though because my boyfriend Harry won’t be attending. He was out of the state. But I told myself I would send him so many pictures, I would break a record.

I walked into the dining room to join my stepmom, Tina and half-sister, Karen for breakfast.

“Good morning Mom, Karen.” I greeted and sat down to join them.

“Hurray the queen is awake.” Karen said rolling her eyes. “We were thinking of bringing you your breakfast in bed.”

“Normal people are up by 7am, you sleep till nearly midday.” Tina said disdainfully.

Midday? I thought. I glanced at my watch. It was just 8:30 am

“You know I am always up early Mom but today is Saturday, I haven’t got class so I overslept.”

“You always have an excuse to justify your laziness.” She snapped.

I sighed. Nothing I did seemed to please her.

“I am sorry. I will try to do better next time.” I promised.

“I am sure you will.” She sneered.

I was silent for a while then said, “You guys remember what day it is today right?”

They ignored me and began talking about an upcoming fashion show.

“Today is my birthday remember?” I cut in.

“So? What’s the big deal?” Karen asked.

“I am wondering that too. Who cares if it is your birthday? Are you expecting us to throw you a parade?” Tina asked.

I wilted. “No, I just wanted to remind you guys.”

“No one cares Adele now be quiet.” My step mom said.

“I want to go shopping for the party after breakfast, will you come with me?” I asked Karen.

“Don’t bother. There isn’t going to be any party.” Tina said sharply.

“What? But dad said I could have a party. I asked him yesterday before he left.”

“And this is today.” She shot back. “He changed his mind, so no party.”

“But mom-“

“No buts. He has made his decision. Stop arguing.”

“Why do you need a party anyway? It is not like you have any friends.” Karen said mockingly. “If you throw a party the only people who would show up were hobos looking for free food.”

They both laughed then continued their conversation, ignoring me.

I was hurt and puzzled. Yesterday while we had all sat at the breakfast table, I had asked my dad, before he left for New York, if I could have a party and he had agreed. So when and why had he changed his mind?

I hurriedly finished my breakfast and went to my bedroom to call my dad. I had to hear it from him.

“Hey Dad.” I said as soon as he picked up.

“Hey honey. Happy birthday.”

“Thanks Dad. How is New York?”

“Great honey.”

“Dad, yesterday you said I could have a party right?”

“I did, but that won’t be possible anymore.”

“Why dad? I have already made the arrangements.”

“Cancel them.”

“What about the guests?”

“Tell them the party is cancelled.”

“But you agreed!”

“And I have changed my mind.”

“But why?”

“Don’t argue Adele. I have made my decision. Go shopping with your sister. Buy anything you want ok? Love you.”

“Dad-“

He had already hung up!