She stood at the base of her bed packing the rest of her stuff. Not that she had much anyways. The good stuffs she once had were all sold out to raise money for her father's treatment.

It was only on her Father's deathbed, that she found out, the mother she thought was dead in 19 years of her life was alive and well. Somewhere in another country, with her new family. Her father was a government worker, that earned about 60,000 Naira monthly.

Although, the money was small. It was still good enough, for the both of them. Due to the sudden ill-health, her father's savings was used for his Cancer treatment and the little that remained was given to her in hope that she would find her mother.

She did a quick scan around the place, seeming as though she wanted to burn the picture of the place she once called home, to memory.

There was nothing holding her back though. She had neither friends nor family here. She was 5'4ft tall, with earthy brown eyes, a cute button nose, glistening chocolate skin and a beautiful face. She was overly thin, apparently, she lost weight with everything going on.

All her friends were online friends. She broke up with her boyfriend when she caught him having sex with Gina; her nemesis.

They have known each other since kindergarten. Gina was known as the school tyrant, bullying the weak and fearing the strong. Gina's personality never suited well with her, making them argue and quarrel about everything in school.

She dragged her suitcase into the awaiting taxi. Glancing back at the old house, she sighed. Her pose filled with absorbing melancholy and stepped into the car. Ready to face the New phase in her life.

She felt really nervous, to meet her mom after all this years as she flipped the photo of the elegant woman to see an address behind it. With her last savings, she managed to take a flight to Florida.

**

"Oh. Mrs. Luther, your Son is quite intelligent. He even won the mathematics, Olympic. You must be very happy for having such a brilliant son."

"Yes, yes. Lucas is such a good boy. And a brilliant one at that. He's always making us proud." Grace Luther couldn't contain a smile. She raised her hand to pat the little boy's head, With a smile on her face.

The principal smiled and escorted them out of the school Gate.

Meanwhile at the airport. Adeline's Flight Landed much earlier Than she'd, thought.

She glanced around, taking in the beauty of the place. "Finally!" She exclaimed excitingly, Bringing out the photo from her bag, She flipped it around. And Turned to check, the address behind it.

She stopped a cab, And showed the driver the address On the photo. After seeing the address they driver Smiled and politely helped her put Her suitcase, In the boot.

She went into the cab with her purse. Everywhere, looked so new to her. The city was Beautiful.

A few minutes later, she noticed the driver sneak a glance at her from the mirror and could not help but ask. "Is there a problem?" the young driver scratched his head embarrassingly after getting caught. "Miss. Are you related to the Luther's?" she raised her brows at the question. "No."

"Oh. When I saw the address, I thought you were related to them. They have a Mansion around there, you seem new around here. So you probably don't know about them. They are, one of the most influential people in Florida..." the young man chattered continuously, as she looked through the window. Seems her mother found herself a rich husband.

After a long drive, and several turns, the cab pulled up in a Humongous Mansion.

After she dropped from the cab, she pulled out the photo and turned to the address. Making sure it was correct, She Walked to the gate, and rang the bell. Several minutes later, A security guard came Out. "Excuse me, what can I do for you?"

"Hello I'm looking for this lady. Grace Luther." She showed him the picture and the address on it.

"Wait a moment." The security guard went into the house And came out a few moments later, with a middle-aged lady before the gates opened. She went in and whispered a greeting to the lady, "Hello."

"Please come this way." She was led to the resting room. The lady walked in with a lovely smile on her face. "Please, make yourself comfortable, While I make a call."

"Mom, can we go to the park?" Lucas asked when they walked towards the car. "No, dear. We have to pick your sister up from her mentor's place." Lucas pouted and whispered, "But the driver can pick her up later."

"Not today, Lucas. Maybe some other time."

"Okay." Lucas pouted and lowered his head in silence as his mom reached for her phone to pick up the call.

"What is it, Linda?" The middle aged lady answered professionally, "Madam, there is a young lady at the house. She said she wants to see you."

Grace Luther frown slightly before asking, "Who is she? Did you ask her what she wants?"

"She didn't say, Madam."

"Hmm.. I'll be back shortly." She calmly turned signaled the driver. "Return to the house." The lady walked back to Delight, with a smile. "The madam will be here soon, would you like anything?"

"Yes, yes. A little bit of water will do." She rasp in a hoarse voice. She was very much hungry and tasty as she has not taken anything, since morning. She was consume with worries, would her mother accept her or will she be cast out? She could not continue on the thought as she was very much broke and penniless. Only a little money from her books remained.

♦♦♦♦♦

"So, I heard you were looking for me?" An elegant woman walked in with a little boy by her side. Adeline stood up as she accessed the lady. She looks more beautiful in person, slightly plump with curves, shiny black hair, earthy brown eyes and light chocolate skin. Seems like she got her eye and skin color from her.

"Hello, mother." Grace looked at the young lady in front of her in shock. A sense of recognition flash in her earthy orbs as she looked at the familiar face.

"Mom, who is she and why  did she call you, mother?" the seven-year-old Lucas asked in confusion as he peered at his mother.

Grace Luther, broke out of her daze, hearing her son's question. She strokes his head before patting him on the back. "Go to your room, Lucas. I have something to discuss with her."

The little boy gazed at the both of them before turning around to walk to his room.

After that, she turns to Adeline and beckons her, "follow me."

 Adeline followed closely behind her as they entered a room that looks like an office. "Sit." she gestures to the couch while taking a sit by the desk. "So, tell me. Why are you here? Is your father here with you?" Grace stared hard at her while attacking with questions.

For the first time, since the burial of her Papa, her eyes glisten with tears at the mention of him. she blinked hard to stop the tears from falling. "He is dead."

Grace stared at her, not believing what she heard. "He gave me a photo of you, that has an address on it and told me to find you." she paused before bringing out a handwritten letter that was written by her Papa for her mother. In it were his last words and he asked her to give it to her mother. "he said I should hand this to you."

Grace Luther read through the letter with a frown;

Dear, Gracey.

I assume you have met Adeline already as you read this letter. She has already grown to become a nice young lady. When you see this letter, I reckon I am dead. Please take care of Adeline for me. She grew up without you by her side and has never known a mother's love. Don't worry, I didn't tell her anything, I have kept that matter a secret. All that I beg of you, is that you treat her better and  let her finish her education.

                                          yours sincerely,

                                              David Matthews.

Adeline watched as she went through the letter in calmness while her mind wondered, what was written on it. Grace sighed and calmly put away the letter, before looking at the young lady before her. "Nobody should know that you are my daughter, understand?"

Adeline peered at her mother before nodding her head in agreement. "You will stay here, as my niece. I'll get a maid to show you to your room." She rang the landline and A few minutes later, a maid walked in, "yes, Madam. You called."

"Alicia, kindly take her to one of the guest rooms, she will be staying with us from now on." Grace Luther glanced at the maid before walking off somewhere else.

"This way, miss." the young maid calls out as she was led to her room. Along the way, she tried conversing with the young maid that was presumably around her age but it seems like the workers around here are very professional never saying much than when required. The maid led her through the second floor, as she walked to the very end. Turning to the corner, they arrived at the room. She mumbled a thank you before dragging her suitcase with her into the room and then closing it. Her, the room was located in a good area, from her window, she could practically see the view of the mansion from above. standing here, she could tell when a car drove in.

Adeline turned around and examine the room, and smiled with satisfaction. Even though her mother, would not recognize her as her daughter. At least she had a roof over her head and free food. Besides, it will be awkward to be calling a woman she is not familiar with her mother. That word was odd. She took a bath got dressed and plop on the bed and went straight to la la la land.

***

"What do you mean, we have a sister?" a young girl's voice could be heard from the mobile phone. "A lady came to find mom, she even called mom, Mother," Lucas reported what happened to the other person as he was convinced that the lady he saw before was his sister.

The voice on the other side yelled impatiently, "Lucas stop spouting nonsense, none of what you just said made sense. How can we suddenly have an elder sister? I have to go, my mentor is calling me."

Grace Luther, waited for her husband to come back before talking to him about Adeline, her niece, who will be staying with them for a while.

" So, hun. can she stay?" Grace Luther acted cute as she hugged the middle-aged man on the waist. "Didn't you already give her a room to stay? Since you have allowed her to stay with us, I do not see any reason not to."

"Great, then I'll introduce her during dinner tonight. She might be resting from the long journey though. come let me massage you, your shoulders look stiff."

***

••••

The young lady muffled a groan as the sun rays infiltrated the room. She blinks her eyes several times to adjust to the bright lights. When Adeline opened her eyes she realized, this was not her old room back in Nigeria.

 She stretched and got out of bed energetically and sauntered towards the window. She must have slept all through the evening till morning.

A smile caught on her face as she watched the Gardener tend to the flowers. The fresh breeze blows in through the window, it was such a lovely sight. She paused slightly as a knocking sound was heard from the door.

Adeline opened the door to find the maid that showed her to her room, yesterday and greeted her with a smile. "Oh. hello, Good Morning Alicia."

"Morning, Miss. everyone is waiting for you downstairs and breakfast is ready to be served," Alicia replied smiling sincerely. Adeline gave her a polite nod and followed her downstairs. When they reached the last steps, Alicia excused herself and went off to somewhere.

She raised her head to see a middle-aged man; he seems to be around 40 years or so and was extremely good-looking and surprisingly fit for his age. She swept her eyes across to find her mother seated beside the man, the little fellow, she saw yesterday and a pretty young lady by his side. together, they seemed like a happy family of four.

Just then, her mother's eyes coincide with hers as she raised her hands and beckons her closer. 

  "Sorry, I overslept earlier." Adeline apologized after greeting them.

"There is no worries, you must have been pretty tired from your journey. let me introduce you.." her mother acknowledged and turned to her family introducing them respectively.

"Adeline this is my husband, Rex Luther. You can call him Uncle."

"Hello, Uncle. it's a pleasure to meet you." She greeted in a soft voice, as he smiled in response. "Nice to meet you too, Adeline." 

While her mother introduced the two kids; the young girl who looked around 16 years old was known as Madeline and the younger boy, Lucas. They were both her children.

"Hello." she greeted them with a smile. "So now we have another cousin? where is she from?"

"Madeline, don't be rude!" The young lady snickered and turn her face to continue eating after being reprimanded by her father. While the Little boy smile back and asked sweetly, "Your smile looks pretty, can I call you sister?"

Adeline paused feeling awkward, as everyone turn to look at her. She lets out a fake cough before replying, "If you want to."

"Alright." the boy acknowledged and continued with his food.

***

"What major are you study?" Mr. Luther peered at her and asked.

"Arts, Sir. I am through with high school and about to take the college's entrance exam." Adeline answered honestly.

"Do you have any college in mind?" Adeline shakes her head and mumbles a "No."

Mr. Luther looked surprised, "why don't you go back to attend the last class and then write the Entrance exams with everyone else. What do you think?"

 Anyway, she came to study. what is a few months in high school, she just needs to follow them and write the entrance exams. "Yes, Sir."

"Alright, then. You will be attending the same school as Madeline." Grace Luther look on expressionlessly and gave a quick peck on Mr. Luther's chin as he walked pass.

She turned back to Adeline and asked, " how are your grades?"

"It's Alright." Adeline responded calmly. Having A's was considered alright, right? Grace Luther raised her eyebrows at her, before giving her a black card. "Use this and get what you will need for school and some clothes for yourself. Madeline will take you to the Mall."

"Mom! Why should I be the one to take her?" Madeline shrieked annoyed with the fact of having to accept the fact that she gained an unknown 'cousin,' and has to babysit her to the Mall. I mean what will her friends say if they saw them together. She looked like some country bumpkin.

After breakfast, Madeline went ahead and entered the car, with Adeline following closely behind her. When She saw this, she turned her head with a scowl before saying, "let's go."

Grace Luther had her driver send them to the Mall, personally. Madeline was feeling annoyed for having to take 'this cousin' shopping. She quietly left her side, thinking she would embarrass herself, and went ahead to shop for herself. She looked down for a while, before typing something and posting it on the school forum.

While shopping, Adeline bought a laptop, a bag, and a few books. she then walked into the clothing section. She had picked 3 to 5 outfits that were just her size. 

Madeline observed Adeline and noticed she has a great sense of fashion. The clothes she picked were the right colors that complimented her chocolate skin. 

Not wanting to be scolded, she made sure they got matching shoes, for the outfits.

Adeline had thought about it, she did not want to stay idle in the room all the time. She would rather work and make money. One of the reasons she got herself a laptop was to update her novels. Her books needed updating, and her readers were already clamoring for new chapters. She had withdrawn entirely, the period her Papa fell ill. Now she has a laptop, she would continue her writing. Making money this way gave her a sense of security and self-sufficiency.

When they got home, Adeline took out the card to return it but her mother refused and said she might need it in the future. She paused before putting away the card. Anyway, it would not hurt to have some money for an emergency. She gave her thanks and walked away with a satisfied smile.

***

Early Monday morning.

 A young lady strode towards the dining with a backpack on one shoulder and a leisure smile on her face.

Madeline was drinking her milk when she saw Adeline walking towards them and snorted before wiping her lips. 

A delicious aroma drifted to her nose just as she walked in. "Eat up, the driver will send you three to school." Grace Luther said with a rear smile on her face as she looked at Adeline.

LUTHER's ART SCHOOL. School Gate.

The car pulled up to the gates, as the two girls were dropped off. The car turns driving Lucas to his school. "Bye, Sister." Lucas waved briefly before the car took off. "Bye," Adeline replies and turned around, catching Madeline's glare as she runs off.

•••

Adeline walks down the hallway, taking a turn, she arrived at the Classroom. A furor of voices filled the classroom but as she pushed the door open, the voices sank into silence and the commotion was gone.

Everybody stared at her astonished.

"Who is she?"

"I heard, Madeline's cousin will be attending our school."

"Gosh! could this be the country bumpkin?" the other one said in realization.

"But she is a stunning beauty, though."

"Keep shut! How Can she compare to our Madeline!"

Adeline walked in as if she did not hear a word that was said, she scanned the Classroom calmly to find a seat. Before, walking towards the last row. she found an empty seat by the window.

After a while, A male teacher walked in with a file in his hand. "Everyone, we have a new student in class, she will be taking the College Entrance Examination with guys. Miss. Matthews, come and say a few words." 

The young girl stood up and took a few steps to the front of the Classroom. "Hello, everyone. I am Adeline Matthews, hopefully, we can get along." she finished with a gorgeous smile.

The students were stunned to silence at the beautiful scenery. They only woke up from their dazed state when they heard a Clapping of hands. Some guys whistled with smirks on their faces as she returned to her seat with a red face.

"Hi, I am Caleb. You can call me Cal, nice to meet you." the guy whispered with a cheeky smile. He looked quite cute with his slightly ruffled hair.

"Hello, nice to meet you too." she gave a small smile before turning to the teacher.

"Class, Open to page 14 of your textbook..."

°°°°°°°

Usually, Mr. Williams always comes back during the weekend. But he came home today, which is truly rare. Adeline had noticed two maids chatting earlier. So when she walked into the kitchen to get water, her curiosity made her ask Mrs. Doris the housekeeper.

"Mrs. Doris, who is Mr. Williams?"

"Oh, dear. Mr. Williams is the master's younger brother." Mrs. Doris explained.

"Doesn't he live here? I heard that he comes back only on weekends." The middle-aged lady simply nodded and replied, "That's true, he is only visiting. He has his house but it is far from here. He seldom comes to see his brother and leaves after two days."

"Oh," Adeline murmured and look at her ringing phone. She excused herself and went to her room.

"Hello, Debs." Her mellow voice sounded through the phone. She initiated a video call, a few seconds later, a fair face with slightly plump cheeks, was revealed. Debbie is one of the most important friends she has. Adeline met her online on her book website. She was a fan of her works, Gradually, they became good friends.

"Adel, how are you? It has been a long time, I saw your post, I really can't wait for you to conclude that book." The girl's heartily babbled. 

"Ehn," Adeline replied lazily. Come to think of it, it was her fault for not contacting them, for a while. Thinking about it, Adeline misses them a lot.

"Wait, a minute. why is your location showing Florida, U.S.A? Are you in Florida?" the girl squeals and grinned widely showing her cute dentition. Adeline nods with a charming giggle and explained how she landed in Florida. After that, they agreed to meet up later.

"Debbie, you can text me the address and time. I will see you later, till then."

She said and hung up.

••

"Mary did you say, uncle Williams, is back?" Madeline who just got back from her mentor's place asked. 

Mary was one of the maids in the Luther household. she was particularly close to Madeline who she constantly flatters.

No one disliked compliments. naturally, Madeline was not an exception. She likes compliments no doubt but she indulged in false praises making her proud and arrogant.

 "Yes, Miss," Mary reported with a fawning smile.

If that was so, it will be a very good opportunity to teach Adeline a lesson. She remembers her uncle hated people entering his room and touching his things. Her eyes twinkled mischievously as She ran upstairs with a plan in mind.

Adeline had just gotten out of the shower. she wore a spaghetti-strapped top and pajama pants. When she received a text message from Madeline. 'Cousin, do you have an extra pad? mine is finished. Please can you help out?

 I am stuck in the bathroom.'

Adeline paused and read the message again.

 When did this girl become so polite?

should she go?

In the end, she picked up a spare sanitary pad and walked out. "where is your room?" she texted back. A second later, a reply came in. Adeline strolled to a particular door and entered. As she went in, she scanned the room. It did not look like the room a girl like Madeline would live in.

she shrugged, then walked to the bedside table and placed the Pad on it. She turned to leave when the bathroom suddenly opened. A gorgeous Man walked over in just a towel wound around his waist. She looked at him and gasped, in a split second she was pinned to the wall next to her with a hand firmly over her mouth. 

"Who are you? Are you a new maid?"

The deep voice floated into her ears turning the tip red due to embarrassment.

"Did you plan to tempt, me with the clothes you are wearing?" He suddenly said as his eyes lowered to her bare shoulders. He caught a glimpse of her cleavage and his eyes turned darker. His hands fell to her waist as he groped around and squeezed her ***.

Adeline's eyes enlarged and she struggled to get out of his hold. When his hand came on top of her ******, she stepped on his foot. 

Williams raised his head to look at the lady carefully, her eyes were spitting fire as she seemed to mumble something against his palms.

"let go of me, you jerk!"

The more she struggled, the more he held tight.

His towel had fallen long ago, Adeline could feel something stiff poking her. she glanced down in realization, and her eyes widened in fear.

Luckily, there was a knock on the door. He released her and picked up the fallen towel and wrapped it around his waist.

Adeline did not care about the dumbfounded maid, as she ran out of the room towards hers.