Two years flashed in a blink of an eye. Adriana was no longer eighteen but a fully pledge woman of society.
From the ages of eighteen to twenty-two. Women mostly attend social gatherings to grow their influence. But that was not the case for Adriana.
Adriana kept herself in the dark for at least two years for a reason. It was to calm down the rumors about the death of Astell Skydane.
The death of Astell Skydane shook the whole world. They all wondered how the Skydane family's heir can die just like that? No one except for the Belldonnas' knew what truly happened. However, none spoke the truth.
This made Adriana wonder why Astell faked his death. But this saved her since if he had not done this. Adriana will be in big trouble. This made her think. This was his way of thanking her.
"Lady Adriana, here is your medicine," said Joana who stood by the door.
"Place it here," ordered Adriana and followed Joana who then went to pour a cup of water for her. "I want to be alone. I'll call you if I need anything."
"Yes, My Lady," Joana bowed her head and left the room with a sigh.
For Adriana, she was living a normal life. But for her family and the servants in the mansion. They all think that Adriana had fallen depressed after her toy died. To add that Adriana had not been going out of the room, resting her frail body.
Though they were all wrong. It was the opposite. Since that day Astell had helped her. Her body not once went through a sudden attack. This made Adriana realize the power of light magic was great. But she wasn't sure when her body would stay strong.
As for the medications. Adriana had to fake it and acted like a frail woman who was unable to leave her room.
Yes, Adriana stayed in her room for almost two years now. And during those two years. It was the most peaceful yet calming time that she wished for time to stop moving.
Adriana stood up and threw the pills into the fire. She watched the pill burn then sat back down and look out of the window.
It was autumn which reminded Adriana. He was coming back soon. Also, her birthday was somewhere around the corner.
"I wish autumn was over," muttered Adriana who was tapping her fingers on the table.
The two years Adriana had spent were not spent on doing just anything. But something she had been preparing for. Though for now, it would be a secret.
Her body has been itching to show but it wasn't time yet. As she believed. The right place is the right time.
The door swung open and entered Jocelyn who was crying, walking towards Adriana. The makeup on her face was all smudged with her own tears.
Adriana did not want anything from her. It annoyed the fact Jocelyn had entered her room without even knocking.
"Is there anything you need from me?" Adriana asked in a low tone, still staring out of the window.
"A-Adriana won't you agree to have a grand celebration for your birthday?" stuttered Jocelyn who tugged her dress.
"Madam Jocelyn, I am not in the condition to have a grand celebration. I doubt those who invite will not be willing to come."
"But being reaching the age of twenty-one is important. It's the age for marriage," desperately said Jocelyn as she sat across from Adriana. "Many young men want to court you."
"Despite living in this kind of condition?" asked Adriana who finally looked into the eyes of Jocelyn.
"Yes, men are influenced by the beauty of women. You are one of the targets amongst the other men," Jocelyn smiled feeling that Adriana had gotten interested but she was wrong.
"Did not I tell you? Marriage is not in my priorities?" Adriana coldly asked.
"Adriana, you have to understand. You are now turning twenty-one. If you want to be favored by your father you need to get married. Especially to an influential man," persist Jocelyn while glaring at her and did not get feel threatened. "Or get married to Issac once he returns."
Adriana slammed her hand on the table which made the cup drop and crashes into pieces. Just hearing his name made Adriana boil. It was the last thing she wanted to hear.
"Everyone get out of the room," Adriana ordered the maids who had accompanied Jocelyn. "Now, Madam Jocelyn, I hope you know where your stance is."
"A-Adriana, I'm just concerned abou—"
"About me not getting married?" continued Adriana who stood up while black mist surrounded her back as a mask appeared beside her. "I would have agreed to have a celebration for my birthday. But for me to marry that man is impossible. You've ruined my day. Leave before I hurt you."
Jocelyn bit her lip as her body trembled in fear. She was still as naive as before. Not one thing about her had changed.
"Or do you want me to walk you out?" Adriana asked as her patience was running out.
"So will you agree to celebrate your birthday?" Jocelyn tried for the last time.
"I have no words for you. Now, leave."
"Adriana you have to listen to me. I am your mother!" Jocelyn barked which was unexpected for Adriana. So this is how she wants to play?
"And you were never there to help me," answered back Adriana who clenched her fist while crossing her arms.
"Still I gave birth to you. You should listen to me."
This whole conversation made Adriana want to cry out of frustration. But even if she did. No tears would flow. Those tears had gone dry. It all became hatred and pain.
"Why should I? I'm sure you're pressured lately since father had been favoring Madam Ebony," chuckled Adriana who continued, "Issac sure has done a great job. Is this why you want me to marry him? So that you can swoon over father?"
Jocelyn stood up and slapped her face She looked at Adriana with wide eyes, taking short breaths as she cooled herself down.
"You've said too much," said Jocelyn, watching Adriana's cheek slowly turn red.
"And the same goes for you," said Adriana making Jocelyn clench her teeth.
"That doesn't mean you can disrespect me."
"And the same goes for me," retorted Adriana who touched her lip, feeling a tear. She looked at her thumb and saw a smudge of blood. "If you want to be respected. You should have tried when I was younger. Now please leave. I want to take a rest."
The door shut and Adriana sat back down, massaging her temples. The fact that Adriana was twenty and not engaged or had a lover started to stress the elders.
At one point they all speculated Adriana was in love with that Skydane. But they were wrong. The truth was Adriana wanted to take her revenge before finding one. And if she doesn't find one. She did not mind staying in the countryside and retire until she dies.
There was still a long way to go. And getting married was not her priority unless it was needed in her plans.
Adriana touched her cheek which throbbed but did not react. It was just a bruise that can be covered up.
If Raven saw this while she welcomes him back. He wouldn't like it at all. He might storm into the room of Jocelyn and beat her down.
"I can't wait to see you," muttered Adriana.