The next morning, as the sun's rays gently spilled over the city, a sense of urgency permeated the air outside Ann's apartment.
A lady, her heart pounding like a drum, pressed desperately on the doorbell. Each ring echoed through the beautiful duplex, rousing the peaceful tranquility that enveloped the place.
Ann awoke to the persistent chimes. She hastily slipped on her favourite nightie, a delicate lace creation that hinted at her graceful femininity.
With a sense of curiosity tinged with concern, she descended the spiral staircase that graced her elegant living room, each step echoing softly against the polished marble floor.
As Ann reached the door, her hazel eyes widened at the sight of her best friend, Adele, standing outside.
Adele's normally radiant face was clouded with displeasure, her expressive emerald eyes reflecting a mix of hurt and confusion.
Ann's voice had been imploringly present in countless voicemails and calls, and Adele's visit now seemed to be the response long overdue.
"Adele," Ann greeted, her voice tinged with both relief and apprehension. "I'm so glad you're here."
Adele's response was measured, her voice betraying her inner turmoil. "I got your voicemails."
Ann's heart sank, realizing that Adele had not yet been informed of the recent developments in her life.
"Please, come inside," she urged, gesturing for Adele to step into the welcoming warmth of her tastefully decorated apartment.
Adele's slender figure moved with graceful poise, her presence commanding attention in any room.
Her velvety voice held a hint of smoky allure, contrasting with the unsettled emotions etched on her face. "I can't believe you kept this from me. Why didn't you tell me about Elon?"
Ann's eyes filled with remorse, knowing that Adele deserved the truth.
"I... I just needed to be sure first, you know. We've come a long way and I am tired of telling you about my relationships which never end well. Please understand, Addie."
Adele's frustration was palpable as she paced the room, her hands gesturing with a mix of exasperation and concern.
"Understand? How can I understand when my best friend has been keeping such a secret? I thought we shared everything."
Ann's voice quivered with regret.
"I never wanted to hurt you, Addie, believe me. Elon and I aren't even officially dating yet. It all just got complicated last night."
Adele's piercing gaze softened momentarily, revealing the depth of their friendship.
"I'm hurt but we've been through so much together which is the only reason why I am letting this one go. "
Tears welled in Ann's eyes as she reached out to hold Adele's hand.
"Thanks. "
Adele sighed her voice a blend of resignation and forgiveness.
"So he told you he was a movie actor," Adele said, as she took her seat on the yellow-coloured couch.
"Yes," Ann replied, sitting beside her and turning her body towards Adele. She also folded her legs and maintained a long face.
"And you have a problem with that?" Adele asked.
"Of course, it's a big deal. It's a huge deal. Don't sound like it isn't.
How do I trust a man who can be anybody? Like hand him a script and he could perfectly switch from Jesus to Judas and back." Ann responded agitative.
"You have a point, yes but… You already love him don't you?" Adele inquired.
"Yes. Which is why this fucking hurts. You should see him, like spend 3 hours with him and you would wish he would kiss you already.
He is so- so nearly perfect. I felt lucky, I did but once he told me who he was,
I just crumbled inside knowing that it all just got ugly before it even had the chance to get beautiful." Ann responded in a heartbroken tone that showed the hurt in her eyes.
"I don't know what to tell you. I can only say "Follow your heart." Adele said.
"He wouldn't stop calling. I feel bad because I pressured him to open up to me and when he eventually did, here is me, judging him.
But I have been too selfless for so long, this is my one time of being selfish. Of putting me first. Do you think I am doing the right thing? " Ann inquired.
"I think you are growing and that no one else can give you the advice you need other than yourself," Adele told her.
"I don't want to make another mistake. " Ann stated. " Tell me the truth, what do you think about an actor?" she asked.
"I think…. it will be hard but. That is what I think.. " Adele said.
But before she ended her statement, Ann had rolled her eyes and her face distorted like one who was trying her hardest to hold back tears.
She had hoped Adele said something different. Maybe lied and she could work with that but the truth only felt like thunder in her ears, something she couldn't ignore.
Frustration was like a coat on her, finding it hard to hold it all in, she got up and paced about.
"You should calm down. Give yourself time to decide. I will suggest, you avoid him to get a clear head and to be sure your decision won't be biased or sentiment based. " Adele told her.
"You caused this. If you had time for cinemas then you wouldn't be in this mess. Show me a photo of him. " Adele suggested.
Heaving a sigh, Ann went up the stairs and returned with her phone. She scrolled through with so much focus and stopped at one.
Soon, she handed Adele the phone and after a brief gaze, Adele handed it back.
"He must be a rising star because I don't recognise him. Now I believe it's very possible he may have an ulterior motive in your life." Adele said,
"I don't think so. He got me a deal. That shows he must be wealthy or be from a wealthy family. " Ann said.
The topic soon came to an end and they talked about something else from work to men to family and other experiences that had occurred.
The dark sky had gone unnoticed by the two and Adele had to leave. Standing by the door, they shared a warm embrace before her departure.
Ann couldn't help but admit Adele had been a great distraction and now that she had gone, the wound opened up again.
Meanwhile, in a luxurious bathroom, steam billowed from the shower as Elon Musk lathered his hair with shampoo. Just as he rinsed off the suds, a faint sound echoed through the house—the doorbell.
Panic surged within him, and he hurriedly grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist.
With dripping wet hair and a racing heart, he dashed towards the door, anticipation and hope filling his thoughts.
But as he swung open the door, his face froze in disbelief. Standing before him was not Ann, but Adele, his heart sinking as reality crashed down upon him.