•CHAPTER THREE•
Fiercely determined..
For the first time since morning, I turned on my phone, falling heavily on my bed to release my tears as I got to my room.
Everything had happened so fast..
So damn fast.
Losing my marriage and virginity within twenty four hours was something I wouldn't have believed if I was told a day before..
But then, it's all for good right?..
“Adeline, you can't do this..” Mum walked in and i sighed.
“I don't want to disrespect you mum, please leave” I muttered from where I was laid while the phone began beeping repeatedly.
Annoying notifications…. Well I expected them anyway.
“You are not leaving this house, are you?” her voice portrayed both fear and worry.
I scoffed, sitting up.
“Are you seriously asking me that?” I demanded bluntly.
“Adele, your brother isn't in town and you know it. How do you expect us to be fine without having any of our children around? Consider my feelings please” mum pleaded. She couldn't dare scold me for what I did ’cause she knew she was guilty and I was the victim.
“Did you just say feelings?” I arched my brows.
“Did you care about me and my feelings when you got me betrothed to a man old enough to be even your own father, claiming I was going to marry his son? Besides, you were going to adapt to situations if I married that old hag, do the same now” I glared and she sighed.
“Adele, that decision wasn't my fault. Your father insisted and –”
My phone's ringing sound interrupted.
She exhaled.
“You have a call.."
I spared her a final glance before turning to the ringing device.
The caller was ‘Ellen’, my senior at work.
I wondered why she was calling for a moment before swiping green.
“Hi?..”
“Ms. Adeline, I've been trying to reach out, your phone has been off” she informed.
“I had a flat battery” I lied.
“Okay. It's a work-related issue" she informed and I batted my lashes with a glint of fear.
“But.. but I just left the office” I muttered, hoping the Pakistan girl who came around to borrow a book hadn't reported me with offensive claims because I couldn't understand her English and attend to her satisfactorily.
“Exactly why I'm calling” she gave a quick reply.
“There's an impromptu transfer order from the headquarters.. Miss Jude from the museum branch in California got transferred here due to her urgent demand for relocation and one person in our branch has to get transferred to go replace her.” she began.
I sat up properly, getting interested in her words. I have plans to relocate too, could this be an opportunity?
The call wasn't placed on speakers so mum had no idea what we were discussing.
“You both specialise in the same task that's why we are bringing you into consideration and since you began working with us, you haven't accepted any transfer approval, will you do so this time?” Ellen asked and I immediately nodded like it was a physical dialogue.
“I..” she interrupted.
“ If you accept, you'll be given twenty-four hours to make some preparations and
first thing on Friday morning, you'll be leaving in the plane that brings her over. Also, your basic needs will be provided till you fully settle in the new country” she informed.
Gawd..
“I'm in!” I screamed inwardly. This wasn't just going to save me from so much spendings, it was also going to give me a chance to start a new life somewhere else.
“I accept ma'am, I'm fully ready in fact!” I responded quickly and I saw mum stare curiously.
“Okay nice, let's talk about this tomorrow at work” she concluded and I gave a fast reply before the call ended.
“Hmmmmph..” I exhaled sharply, tilting my head backwards in gratitude to the heavens. Everything has just been working in my favour!
“What's the news?”. Mum asked, reminding me of the situation on the ground with her voice and I breathed, letting my smiley face fade away.
“It's no one's business” I replied bluntly, getting up and heading to the wardrobe.
I had to start packing now because tomorrow will be a very long day at the office.. – having to pack my stuff, give records of accounts of all books and transactions..
Sighs..
“It will be a very long day”
“Adeline, I know we wronged you but honestly, you've caused a big mess and you know your father's financial strength” she attempted to make me feel guilty and that was annoying..
“Is it my fault that you took loans to bet?”
“Is it my fault that you were too greedy? and You wanted more money?!"
I was forced to yell out those words.
“I'm grown and I can take care of myself without you” I concluded in a calm but fierce tone.
Packing didn't take much time at all since most of my loads were in my boxes and mum kept feeding my ears with pleas till I was done packing.
‘Spend the next two nights in a hotel before finally leaving'.. was my sole intention.
“Adele, you can't go..” Mum tried stopping me as I struggled out of the room with my bags.
“You can't dictate my life. If you truly loved me, you wouldn't have hurt me that way!" I raised my voice, ignoring her pleas till I got to the sitting room.
Dad was right in the cellar, drinking himself to stupor and muttering nasty things.
“Don't let me injure you mum, stop dragging my bag!" I warned as I struggled to leave with the bags and her drags.
“Let her go, she messed up with our reputation!" Dad suddenly growled.
“And you think I'm happy to expose such shameful video to people too?, My dignity was messed up with too. Stop playing the victim here!” I yelled in response
“Adele…"
Mum got me more annoyed.
“Let me go!” I screamed, making her flinch
“Klara, if you move an inch again, I'll make you regret it” Dad instructed from the cellar and I smirked.
“Listen to your husband” I told mum and with that, I completely moved out.
I was leaving all behind even after all I'd just lost ..
My friends..
Family..
And even a bigger part of my joy..
But just as the saying goes, some things just can't be controlled…
This was it..
… the reality of I, Adeline Or lov..