"I'm afraid they won't enjoy their youth because they feel like they need to be more mature in order to make me proud. You know what they told me once?"
"Apparently, they were going to use their talents to work and support me. They told me to quit my job and stay at home and they would take care of everything else. 'Mommy, you have worked hard enough, let us handle the rest' they said." She laughed as she continued.
Kimberly smiled. "You raised two children alone, went through people's evil schemes, and built up your career. I think they are right. You should take some time for yourself sometimes."
"Mmm, they are quite the blessing, aren't they?"
Kimberly nodded in agreement.
"The more I hear from them, the more I can see a part of my brother in them. I don't think you would have gotten away with it if you haven't told me about their existence."
Adriana shrugged. "That's why I told you."
"I have been wanting to ask. When you take your revenge to whoever harmed you in the past, will you finally tell him?"
"I won't answer that question. I will cross the bridge when we get there."
"Oh, really? Kimberly's playfulness disappeared in a matter of seconds.
Adriana noticed that right away. She might play her playful and carefree role well, but her influence is no joke, and neither is her hidden side. Plus Noah is her younger brother so she will always do what she can to protect him.
That's the thing about her, you might get easily fooled at first, but eventually, you'll understand just how real she can be.
"What if he crosses the bridge first? What are you going to do then? Lie your way out of it? You realize you can't keep it hidden forever, right?"
"Hah." While running her fingers through Aria's hair, Adriana's lips curled upward.
"When I say I will cross the bridge when I get to it, I mean that I'm confident that I will know what to do then. Right now the situation might change."
"I noticed something." Kimberly smiled and faced her. "You underestimate my brother more than I imagined at first."
"Is that so?"
"I know him well. Right now he doesn't know what to do because of how suddenly you appeared back in his life, but as soon as he comes to his sense he will dig up the past until he faces the truth. Soon enough he will expose all your secrets and one way or the other he will make you face him."
"So you are making me face the fact that I wasn't the only one who got hurt. That he too was hurt and that what he wants the most is an explanation therefore he will do anything to get it." Adriana shook her head.
'Oh, Kim, if only you knew.'
It startled Adriana a few seconds ago when she heard what Kimberly had said, but then she realized that Kimberly doesn't have it all figured out as much as she thinks she does.
Kimberly chuckled. "Is it that obvious?"
"I get what you are saying but as soon as I found out I would be a mother things changed. My children come first, and I had a decision to make. It hurt, yes, it hurt like hell it did, but I don't regret it."
Kimberly pursed her lips, knowing she was right. A mother would do anything for her children, even if it means sacrificing their own lives. Divorcing Noah to protect her children is nothing for her.
The way Adriana spoke told her she would do something larger than just that if the situation presented itself.
"If Noah heard you right now, he would understand. He will be upset, but he will understand. That's what makes this frustrating. You know he will understand and yet you still stay quiet."
"How much did she tell you?" Adriana lifted her head with a serious expression.
Kimberly panicked when she saw her expression.
"I think the one I have been underestimating was you all along. Your ability to get the answers you need is quite impressive, unfortunately you won't get anything from me. I told you what I trust you with at the moment. Don't push it too far."
Kimberly took a deep breath.
"The abortion was all a lie, wasn't it? If it were true Aria and James wouldn't be here. But you won't speak because it's part of your revenge. You know at first I thought the villain of the story was my mother, I even considered my father. I listed so many people and yet I couldn't point it out. Until it came to me. It's always the wolfs dressed in sheep's clothing."
"Briana, I knew she had a hidden face, but it still took me by surprise."
"Kim, I always knew you were a risky move. My scheme has succeeded, but it brought me consequences."
Kimberly shrugged. "Do you regret it now?" Adriana shook her head and looked down at Aria.
"I only do things I'm certain of doing to avoid regret. I can assure you I have no regrets as of now."
A few seconds later, the light rain outside poured heavily. "Thankfully, we left long ago, imagine if the rain had caught us." Kimberly looked out the window and sighed., changing the topic.
Maybe she got carried away just now. When she heard her mother confess what had happened, it was shocking and she wanted more answers.
At least she was sure of one hint right now….
"Is it that you are afraid?"
"Kim." Adriana's tone turned cold and it was a warning for Kimberly to stop now. "But what are you afraid of? That the same thing will happen again? Are you afraid to love him again, is that it?"
"Did you bring an umbrella?" Adriana asked Ralf ignoring Kimberly.
Kim pursed her lips knowing she was right.
Ralf shook his head in response. "I will park here and get one right away."
"No need. Take Kimberly to her apartment."
She covered Aria with her jacket ready to carry her inside.
"I'm sorry. I won't question you like this again." Kimberly apologized.
"I really hope so." Adriana opened the door and closed it, rushing inside the hotel. She walked inside the elevator and when she arrived at her room she placed Aria down on the bed.
After picking up a set of pajamas Adriana changed Aria's clothes and covered her with a blanket.
She sat down beside her and took a deep breath in. "Why is it so hard for people to stop questioning me? I will answer when I'm ready to."
When she had come inside she had gotten wet so she picked up a robe and walked inside the bathroom to shower while holding her head, feeling an incoming headache.
She turned on the water and closed her eyes.