Third Person's P.O.V
All that stood in the air between Adelaide and Carson was silence. Heavy dead-pan silence. They simply sat there staring at each other. One has the look of shock while the other isn't the least bit baffled. The surprise lay in how the reactions of the two were contrary to the expected.
Adelaide had a look of surprise evidently shown on her porcelain face whereas Carson was as calm as still water, ready to meet its unexpected ripples.
"When did you find out?" -Carson spoke first, understanding that Adelaide caught on to his knowledge of the truth.
"Before that, How did you know?" -Adelaide spoke, her voice revealing the surprise in it.
"I was there before you came Addie. I of course knew that you were adopted." -Carson replied while taking a sip of his wine.
"I guess that was expected" - she spoke as she poured herself some of the remaining wine.
"Now answer my question. How did you find out?" -he spoke in a serious manner and looked right at her.
"The lawyer needed a few documents while carrying out Papa's will. As I was searching for them I found the rough letter of undertaking given by what seemed like some nunnery. The date of adoption was not too far from the date at which I was added to the family register and also mama's death."
Carson didn't know how to reply. He didn't know whether or not he should ask how she feels after coming to know the truth in such a manner, as it must've been utterly devastating for her.
"You could say it hurt a lot to acknowledge it but, in the end..." -Adelaide smiled before continuing
"It didn't matter. After all, I had received so much love, affection and care from Papa that he never once let me feel like I wasn't his own. Blood might be the reason for various bonds being formed but, I and Papa never needed it in the first place. This is why I want to invest most of what I got from him in fulfilling mama's dream. Although not completely on my own, I'm glad I'm able to fulfil it at least in this way."
"You know they wouldn't mind it if you spent the money for yourself."
"Yes... I know but, I want to spend it on them. It's not about giving back, I guess it's about returning my feelings and gratitude to them although they aren't here anymore. I might be even doing this so that I am not guilty of taking their life or having their life dedicated to me. With this, I maybe am free to fly."
With that being said, Adelaide's and Carson's night came to an end. There were some words left unspoken but neither of them needed for it to be told. As they understood and leaned on each other all these years they continued to support each other even through necessary silence.