Back Better Than Before

[17] The Plan

    Stephen had been having dinner with the Hernandez family ever since he could remember. However, never had it been so awkward. There was no noise except for the click-clack of the dishes and the maids asking if they needed anything. Maria's eyes were red and a little bit swollen from crying while she heard Adrianna's story. Xavier had one hand on Maria, consoling her. Adrianna was lost in thought, staring at the maids. Adrian and him were the only ones mentally in the room, everyone else was here only  physically.

    Stephen was thankful when the painful dinner ended. The family migrated to Xavier's study. They had an emotional talk and now it was time for the more serious talk.

    "Are you sure you want to take your revenge, Adrianna?" Stephen asked her quietly.

    "Yes, I'm positive." She replied. Xavier took a seat behind his desk, pulling Maria onto his lap. It was such a natural move that showed the love that kept them together all these years. It was the kind of love someone would read in a book and dream about. It was the kind of love Stephen wished he had...

    Adrianna and Stephen sat in the chairs in front of Xavier's desk and Adrian pulled a chair in between them.

     Xavier pulled out a paper and pen and titled it "Revenge". Stephen couldn't help but laugh in his head. That was creative. "So, what do you want to do?" The question from Xavier was directed towards Adrianna.

    "I want to become what they thought wasn't possible. I want to become someone independent and strong so they know that they can't bring me back down." Adrianna said without the slightest hesitation.

    "How are you going to do that?" Adrian asked. Adrianna looked up and met his eyes, before they slid over to Stephen's.

    "I was going to sell paintings and open an art gallery." Adrianna said quietly. Looking up at everyone's expectant faces, she explained further how she planned to become successful by first selling paintings online and then opening a gallery.

         "That's a good idea," Xavier started but everyone could feel the but coming. "But that will take much time before you are stable, let alone famous." Of course, Adrianna already had thought of that. Her face showed no surprise or shock. "Do you have any plan to speed the process?" Adrianna shook her head, dejected.

        "There is one way," Adrian started. "If we promoted Adrianna, our clients and friends will be compelled to see Adrianna's paintings and if they like them, then they will buy them. And since, rich people love to show off, Adrianna will become a household name quickly, not to mention she will be financially stable considering she can sell her paintings at a higher price." Adrian smirked, proud of himself for thinking of this.

          Maria broke into a smile. "That's a wonderful idea! Adrian's birthday is coming up in two weeks. We can hold a party for the occasion and Adrianna's painting will be the highlight of the party. We will hang it in a place where everyone can see it." Maria looked at Adrianna. "What do you think, dear?"

          Adrianna, who was silent, listening to everyone talking nodded her head. "It's a great idea... thank you." She smiled at Adrian and Maria.

        "Are you going to use your name or a pen name?" Xavier asked. "If you use your real name, the Montclairs will find out about you." Adrianna shook her head.