Better Beginnings 💞

32 - Storm of Emotions

As I sat in my room, grappling with the overwhelming truth of my adoption, a storm of emotions raged within me. Anger, confusion, and a profound sense of betrayal churned in my gut, threatening to consume me whole. I wanted to scream, to lash out at the unfairness of it all, but more than anything, I needed answers. But I couldn't face Ivy, not now. Not when the wounds of deception were still raw and bleeding. So, with a heavy heart and a mind reeling with turmoil, I grabbed my bag and the adoption papers, steeling myself for what lay ahead.

The drive to the Smith mansion was fraught with tension, the weight of the truth hanging heavy in the air. As I pulled up to the imposing gates, a sense of foreboding settled over me. This was where Adelaide resided—the woman whose warnings had set my life on a collision course with chaos. Entering the mansion, I was met with a cold reception from the staff, their disapproving glances serving as a stark reminder of my status as an outsider. But I pushed past their judgment, my determination burning bright despite the uncertainty that lay ahead.

As I made my way through the grand halls of the mansion, my footsteps echoing in the silence, I felt a surge of anger rising within me. Adelaide had orchestrated this—her cryptic warnings, her sinister machinations—all designed to upend my life and tear apart the fabric of my reality.

Finally, I reached Adelaide's private quarters, steeling myself for the confrontation that awaited. Pushing open the door, I was greeted by the sight of Adelaide lounging on a chaise longue, a smug smile playing at her lips.

"Well, well, if it isn't little Sadie," Adelaide purred, her voice dripping with malice. "Come to confront me, have you?"

I clenched my fists, my anger boiling over. "You've been playing games with me from the start," I accused, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. "Those warnings, those cryptic messages—they were all from you, weren't they?"

Adelaide's smile widened, a glint of satisfaction dancing in her eyes. "Guilty as charged," she admitted, her tone unapologetic. "But you should thank me, Sadie. I've done you a favor—revealing the truth about your origins, exposing the lies that have shaped your life."

I felt a surge of fury coursing through me. "You had no right," I seethed, my voice laced with venom. "Toying with people's lives, manipulating them for your own twisted amusement."

Adelaide shrugged nonchalantly, as if my words were of little consequence. "Life is a game, Sadie," she replied dismissively. "And I play to win. You would do well to remember that."

With a final glare of contempt, I turned on my heel and stormed out of Adelaide's quarters, my heart pounding with righteous indignation. She may have revealed the truth of my adoption, but she would never break me.

As I stormed out of the Smith mansion, my emotions still raw from the confrontation with Adelaide, I almost collided with Noah at the exit. He looked surprised to see me, his expression a mix of concern and confusion.

"Sadie, what are you doing here?" Noah asked, his voice tinged with worry.

I glared at him, my anger bubbling to the surface. "Don't act innocent, Noah," I spat, my voice sharp with accusation. "You and Adelaide—you planned this from the start, didn't you?"

Noah's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Sadie, I have no idea what you're talking about," he protested, his voice tinged with hurt.

"Don't lie to me," I retorted, my tone laced with bitterness. "You knew about my adoption, didn't you? That's why you and Adelaide were in cahoots."

"No, Sadie, you've got it all wrong," Noah insisted, his voice pleading. "I had no idea about any of this."

I shook my head, unwilling to believe him. "Save it, Noah," I replied, my voice wavering with emotion. "I trusted you, and you betrayed me."