16th October 2022

I wake up with a headache. I shouldn't have drank as much. My mistake. Now I have to act like I want to be here, while being hungover. Fucking fantastic. I jump into the shower to wash off the whiskey from last night. After I've completed washing my body I feel a tiny bit better from the cold shower. I get dressed and head to dry my hair. I want to just curl it and pin some hair onto the back with a bow. Nothing too much.

I finish with my hair and almost on cue I hear knocking on my door.

"Come in." I yell and the door reveals Richard carrying a piece of cake with lit candles that read 30.

"Oh Richard." I feel tears welling up.

"Happy birthday my sweet Lena. Make a wish." he says and steps in front of me with the plate.

I wish I'll get to kiss Scarlett today

I blow out the candles and Richard puts down the plate on my desk and embraces me in a hug.

"You're all grown up." He says quietly

"Thank you for this Richard." I say and he just smiles.

"There is no need to thank me. I consider you family Lena."

"You are my family Richard. The only one I could choose." I say and he tears up at that.

"I need to get changed before the guests come. It's already noon." He says and I nod. He clears his throat and leaves my bedroom.

I decided on a black pantsuit with a coat on top and some black shoes. I didn't plan on wearing the coat inside, it's only in case I get cold. I put on my makeup and start getting done with ny hair. It grew a lot and now it's past my shoulders. I look over at my forearm and see the healed tattoo. I smile at the thought because I know for a fact that it will be visible for everyone to see.

I finish getting ready and decide to put on some jewelery. Since my entire collar bone is exposed I want to put on a necklace. I also decided to pair the necklace with one of my many watches. This gold one is my mum's. She used to wear it all the time.

I walk downstairs and see the usual havoc that is the catering service. There are workers everywhere. I walk into the kitchen to grab a bite to eat. I can't be eating just cake in the morning. Although, it was delicious.

I found a table with some shrimp. Why not? I sat down and ate in peace. No one even stopped by my table. Everyone was walking past and talking and I just enjoyed being ignored for once. Today is sunday, which means there will be more people showing up. Usually on work days there are tons of people who have jobs they can't leave. Now, everyone who wants will show. Isn't that great? Let me answer the same question. It is not great. In fact it is terrible. I just want this day to be over with.

I finish eating and pop in a gum so my breath doesn't smell. As I walk through the house I see Mark standing in the living room.

"Happy birthday Lena." He says hugging me.

"Thank you Mark. You're too sweet." I say and hug him back.

"Is the special lady coming in today?" He asks

"Does everyone know about her?" I ask and he chuckles.

"We're not oblivious Lena. Besides, you have my blessing and she seems to be the right fit for you. From what I've heard at least. I can't wait to meet her properly." He says

"I hope she arrives. I didn't hear from her since yesterday." I say

"She'll come." He says patting my shoulder and walking past me.

I welcome some people and take them to the main room. There is a stage in the ballroom and there are staff preparing everything for people when they arrive. I see my uncle and go to say hi to him.

"Hi uncle Tom" I say to him

"Hello dear, happy birthday." He says giving me a gift bag.

"You didn't have to do that." I say

"I know, it's a little something from me." he winks and walks away.

I take the bag and put it in one of the rooms for that. Everyone knows it's my birthday today so almost all guests bring a present. I rarely ever keep any because they're either jewelry or designer items. I give them to my staff and friends because I don't need them.

"Ms Adams, Richard is calling for you in the kitchen." A young man tells me.

"Okay, thank you." I say and walk to the kitchen to find Richard sitting in a chair."

"Hey, whats going on?" I ask

"I got a call from the guards that Scarlett has arrived." He says

"Really?" I ask him.

"Yes. The only problem is, I can't find her. There are hundreds of people here already." he says

"Don't worry I'll find her. Thank you Richard for letting me know." I say kissing his cheek and walk out side.

I need to freshen up before I see her again so I hurry up into my bedroom. I fix my lipstick and my hair and I reapply some of my favourite perfume.

As I'm walking down the stairs I see Chris standing at the end fence. His charming smile and a giant gift bag in hand.

"Chris!" I run into his arms.

"Hey you." He says and puts me down.

"You didn't tell you would come."

"We wanted to surprise you." He says smiling.

"We? Who did you come with?" I ask him.

"My beautiful girlfriend, duh." He says

"Right, sorry, let me get you a drink." I say and walk to the bar.

"One martini." I say to the bartender

"Getting drunk already?" I hear a raspy voice say next to me.

"Scarlett." I say relieved and embrace her in a tight hug.

"God I missed that." She says as we separate

"How are you?" I ask her.

"I'm perfect, now that I'm here." she says giving me one of her special smiles.

"Okay charmer, save the pizzazz for later, I have guests." I tease.

"Miss your drink is ready." the bartender says and I take the glass

"Thank you."

"Come with me, I need to take this to Chris." I say and she puts her left arm around my right bicep.

"Lead the way." She says and I nod.

I would be lying if I said I didn't turn bright red as soon as her skin touched mine. We walk into the main room and in the corner there are Chris and Selena.

"Here you go" I say giving Chris the martini.

"Thank you, do you take tips?"

"Hilarious." I say and he laughs.

I go to hug Selena.

"Hello beautiful, you look very nice today." She says eying me up and down.

"Thank you. There are going to be pictures." I say disgusted.

"Well I know you'll look great." She say smiling at me.

"Look at this little shit. You got a tattoo and didn't tell us?" Chris says

"Oh Chris, she told me." Scarlett says proud.

"Let me see." Selena says and I show her my arm.

"Renner huh?" She asks and I nod.

"I'm still waiting for my hourglass." Scarlett taunts.

"Oh yeah? Where would you want it?" I taunt back.

"Maybe....hm.. I don't know, yet." She says looking into my eyes.

"Are you guys hungry? I can get you some fantastic crab cake Richard made." I say to the three of them

"Isn't the event starting soon?" Chris says looking at his watch.

"Yeah, but I don't really give a damn." I say

They all eye each other and then Selena speaks up.

"We'll eat later, come, let's join the others." she says grabbing my hand.

We walk into the main room and I don't know how but it is packed with people. I was here half an hour ago. Wow. We find some seats and settle down. I sit in between Selena and Scarlett.

"Welcome to all newcomers and our old guests. Today we are gathered here today for the annual event where we celebrate life and remember the great loss that happened on this day seven years ago. First and foremost I would like to have a moment of silence for William, Abigail and Maddison Adams. For the effort and the love that they've put into this company. We couldn't have done it without them." Nate says.

"Now firstly I would like to call the head of the company, the strongest woman I'll ever meet. No she is not Wonder woman or Black Widow. She is a true life super hero, Lena Adams." He announces and I stand up to walk onto the stage. I stand behind the mic and breathe in.

"Thank you Nathan for that wonderful introduction, you're too kind. Hello everyone and thank you for being here. It is my pleasure to stand here before you. This is the biggest event we've held so far in the name of my deceased parents and sister. Thank you for showing up and for donating each and every time. Like most times we have new projects we can't wait to put into works. I know you'll just love the idea so stay tuned when my dear uncle and colluege Tom, talks all about what the Adams Charity Organization has in store. Here today we have more than just guests. I have my wonderful staff, my employees, family and friends. I've been running this company for the last seven years. It's a rollercoaster every day. I would like to thank my employees for all the patience they had with me. I know I can be a bit bossy at times and thats not a virtue. Thank you also everyone for the birthday wishes alongside the terrific presents I've received. This event is not about me. It's not even my original idea. It is truly about remembering the possibilities.I would have never taken this job otherwise." Everyone gasps.

"Oh don't be surprised. Why would a twenty three year old want to do this? This is boring and there is tons of responsibility, but then.. Then I got the point of it. Then I joined the charity foundation and then I got a wonderful team. And then I fell in love with helping people who have no one on their side. And then I flew to the other side of the world because I couldn't do it from here. I met some people and I truly think everything happens for a reason. Don't waste the time you have left with the ones you love. You'll never get the time back. No matter how hard you try." I say and walk back to my seat.The room erupts into cheers and claps and I lean my head on Scarlett's shoulder.

"You did great" She whispers into my ear..