Chapter 2:
Alina's po
I nursed a cup of coffee as I looked out of the window and wiped my eyes for the umpteenth time. I watched the city below and envied the peace enveloping it.
Ever since I watched that damned video my heart had been hurting. My eyes were dry from crying so much and I thought that there was nothing left to lose. But I was mistaken. What the receptionist had said kept ringing in my ears again and again.
She was not mistaken, she knew what she was saying.
My attention was drawn to my phone screen by a gentle chime. Barry Thompson sent me a message.
My heart immediately skipped a beat.
He emailed me but why?
Did he know that I was back?
Bracing myself I opened it slowly.
And it read:
Alina. I am forwarding the divorce documents that have been signed. If you could complete your end as soon as possible Camille and I would be grateful. I hope the course was worthwhile.
— Barry.
The words made me blink rapidly , documents for a divorce?
Did he know I was back?
I know I didn't tell him because I was planning on surprising him but this email was too sudden and now I was the one receiving the surprise Instead.
I bit my lip tightly suppressing a scream. Maybe he was confused as I had hoped, maybe she finally told him lies about me, maybe this was a fake or something .
He had already decided. She had been his choice. I paced around the room and tossed the phone onto the bed. Pain gradually transformed into rage as my fingers combed through my hair. Then like a flashbulb I remembered a quote my father had used before he passed away.
Just make sure you are married or engaged if you ever need the family inheritance.They can't defraud you that way
I finally stopped pacing.
That was true. We might be married and he might be thinking that getting married to me and then divorcing me would get him a fortune but he was mistaken. I didn't need him to return to me. I needed my inheritance. For years I believed that my greatest strength was love but now revenge might be even more beneficial. I checked the time. Nearly seven o’clock from what I had heard tonight was the engagement dinner that Camille and Barry were throwing.
I had previously seen it on social media—so public, so proud. I knew that they weren't expecting me. But I would be there . And I would enter with the appearance of a woman they couldn't break. A long black gown with gold embroidery, a gift from a designer friend I met while studying abroad, was in my suitcase when I opened it.
With each stitch on it that whispered power and hugged my body in all the right places.
At exactly 8 p. m, I got to the venue and as I walked in, some heads turned, a few whispered and a few appeared taken aback. Then I saw them.
Barry and Camille stood by the champagne tower, they looked flawless and really seemed to be in love.
As soon as Camille's eyes locked with mine she froze. Her stupid smile faltered and Barry's looked as confused as anything.
“I thought I would be invited but I wasn't.” I said calmly . “But since I'm still technically family I figured I'd still come.”
Camille repressed a chuckle. “You returned so quickly? I thought you would be staying overseas longer.”
“I was.” I replied. “But I've heard that I overlooked something crucial.”
Barry's mouth tightened.
“You have no right to be here.”
I grinned.
“Are you worried I'll spoil the joyful scene?”
Camille hissed under her breath. “ Alina. Please, don't make a scene.”.
“You already did,” I said steadily. “ I was in my hotel bed when I was graciously given access to a video of you two.”
Their faces lost color.
“ You were away for two years.”.Barry yelled.
“ What were your expectations? Freeze time?. I expected loyalty or sincerity,” I said. “But, it's alright. I have the divorce papers signed already. My inheritance is the only reason I'm here.”
Camille chuckled a little. “You're just resentful and you think anyone will give you that now?”
I shifted my attention to Barry.
“You are aware of the clause. Betrayal or marriage? Of the latter I have proof. Or should I play the video now?”
I sensed the tension in the air even though those around us were acting as though they weren't listening. Barry gave a sly smile.
“You're bluffing.The court will not uphold that clause. You possess nothing.”
“ Try me.” I said calmly and smiled sweetly at them.
He took a step toward me and tried to smile but the sides of his mouth shook.
“You're in dire straits.”
“No,” I replied, maintaining eye contact. “I'm done being an idiot.”
Camille stood between us. “Lina you're making a fool of yourself.”
I examined her from head to toe. “Amusing. When I saw you on top of my husband that's what I thought.”
Her face flushed red as she gasped.
I wanted more drama but they were too shocked to give it to me,my heart was thumping with adrenaline as I turned and left.
Leaning against the wall I let out a deep breath outside the ballroom. I had gone up to them. I didn't shatter. I needed a plan though. That inheritance was important to me.
And I needed a person who was experienced in handling snakes like these.
I took my phone out and went to contacts. Dante Blake. My finger lingered over his name, I had once refused his proposal but I needed him now. I made a call. He answered after two rings. He purred in a deep voice .
“Alina Ross. You finally called, what a miracle.”
“I really need your help.”
A pause.
“What went wrong?”
“I lost everything,” I answered. “I'm going to retract everything now.”