The Billionaire’s Betrayed Love

24

CARL

"What do you mean I can't go with you?" Linda rang as she rushed out of the room with a towel over her damp hair.

You guessed right, I had to go back home after Linda's little blackmail scheme. As little and as vain as it sounded, I knew that recording would ruin a lot of things for Alma. I couldn't afford to be that person for her. All through these years, I'd not been able to do anything good for Alma.

Hell, I was the worst thing to ever happen to her, so it would be very inconsiderate of me to have that recording flying around the internet all because of my own selfishness. It was Linda; though staying with her was external torture, I wouldn't mind doing it for Alma's sake, until I got a solution to the problem at hand. If I ever could.

I picked one of my cuff links on the table and put it on, half turned to her and how she glared at me. "Are you not going to say anything? I'm already preparing for the gala!"

"And I said you are not going with me," I said again, her response calculated. I was already enjoying the torture of being under the same roof and laughing at her. It'd be way worse if we had to attend a party together. I might lose it.

Might? I'd most likely lost it. Linda moved from where she stood and crossed my path, her thin brows pinched together. The more I looked at her, the angrier I got- for no reason at all. Her pretty exterior couldn't hide all that ugliness that she bottled inside.

"We are attending this gala together, my love," she wrapped her hand around mine. They were warm, clammy, and probably the most discomforting thing on the face of the earth. My body squirmed as I walked barefoot in a pool of earthworms, and I jerked back, rashly pulling away from her.

"It is a fundraiser! It's not even that much of a party, so why are you hell-bent on going? You don't even have an invitation! Not to mention, I do not want to be around you, to be seen with you. I don't want to have to touch you or even listen to your voice because, frankly, Linda, you disgust me."

Let me hope those were enough to kill her resolve. They were not. Linda waved dismissively, her lips pulling into an innocent smile. "I knew you'd say that, so I prepared in advance. If it's the invitation, then I want you to know that I have mine. I got it from a friend, and about the other things you said. Sweetheart, we can definitely work on it!"

Her fingers briskly brushed my face, and I held her hands together right in front of her face, pulling closer until I was staring intently at her. "Do not touch me, Linda. You're not coming with me either."

I was walking out on her when her next statement had me rooted to the ground. "Don't tell me you're still mad about the little recording prank?"

Little? LITTLE? By the time I turned, her arms were now folded across her chest, and she gawked at me, unwilling to hide the twinge of mockery living behind those eyes. "Of course, I won't circulate that recording except when necessary. Stop acting like a child, Carl, and help me return this relationship to the happy one it used to be!"

Was she serious right now? I inhaled deeply, too stunned to even say a word. Like I said, I must have done something terrible in my past life to be gifted a life like this. Or maybe these were just consequences of my own actions.

"Carl! You will not walk out on me!"

I didn't say a thing.

"Felicity!" Linda yelled, and I instantly rushed back to her, placing my hand over her mouth to shut her up. Linda slapped my hand away as she muffled incoherent words.

"Leave her out of this!" I whispered, biting into every word. "What the hell is wrong with you, Linda? Hm? Do not disturb her about this!"

"She knows I'm pregnant and is the only one who offers to care about me!" Linda ranted, biting my fingers to let the words out, and she slapped my chest to pull away from me. "If you don't do it, let her do it!"

I still tried to stop her, but it was way too late. My mother's footsteps as she descended the stairs, and I ruffled my hair, feeling the frustration set in already.

"Did someone call for my aid?" My mother joked as she appeared from the corner of the room. I was still in the middle of processing why Linda had flown her in from Europe, guising it under a surprise for me.

I was surprised, no doubt, that she'd include my mother in whatever she was scheming, and the worst of all, I couldn't even tell the truth as my mother loved the news of Linda's pregnancy. Anything that might deter that- Alma- she wouldn't hesitate to blow off.

Either way, with these two, Alma could be in trouble. "No, no one," I quickly responded. "We were just talking and-"

"Felicity!" Linda interrupted, cutting through my words. She approached my beaming mother and took her hand. "I need you to help me pick the perfect shoes for tonight's event!"

"Oh, really?" My mother glanced at me, throwing me a mischievous grin before she diverted her attention back to Linda. "I'd definitely love to, darling!"

"You're not going," I countered. "Mother, you don't have to worry about anything. Linda is not going. I doubt her 'condition' allows for that level of stress."

"What do you mean by her condition, silly?" She pulled Linda closer. "My daughter-in-law is pregnant, not handicapped, and I can assure you, she needs the thrill now more than ever."

Handicap? Your supposed daughter-in-law is crazy! I could already tell that I couldn't get out of this one. Linda squealed, "I have the perfect dress! Let's go upstairs, Felicity!"

Oh, god. Oh, god.

*

I sat in the living room, impatiently tapping my foot as I waited for Linda to finish getting ready for the gala. The minutes dragged on like hours, and with each passing second, my frustration grew. Finally, I heard the click-clack of her heels against the hardwood floor as she descended the stairs.

My jaw practically hit the floor when I saw her, and not in a good way. What the heck!? Linda was dressed in the most extravagant gown I had ever seen. It was so lavish, it almost resembled a wedding dress, and she was wearing this to a gala?

What absurdity! The dress has way too much going on. Too many details, too many glitters, too much mass, and there I was in a normal tuxedo. I couldn't help but stare in disbelief as she twirled, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"What do you think?" She twirled again, holding the hem of the dress. "It is superb, right?"

"Are you aware it's not your wedding?" I blurted out, unable to contain my shock or even fold my expression into something that slightly deferred from disgust.

Linda smirked, her gaze locking with mine. "Oh, I'm well aware, Carl. But tonight, I want to be the talk of the town. And this dress will get me all the attention I need!"

I shook my head in disbelief. "You don't need to dress like this to get attention."

She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "You're just jealous because you can't pull off a look like this. Neither can the plaything you've been fantasizing about. What? Are you scared I'm going to rip her off from the attention she deserves?"

Crazy, even crazier, to think she had anything on Alma. I thought that, and the guilt set in. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "That's not the point, Linda. Why are you so dressed up? It's just a fundraiser."

She rolled her eyes, stepping closer to me. "I want to make a statement, Carl. I want everyone to see how fabulous I am."

I eyed her in disgust, struggling to keep my composure. "Well, you certainly succeeded in making a statement. I'm not sure if it's going to be a good one. Get in the car."

Linda frowned, her hand instinctively moving to her belly. "You're not being very romantic, Carl. My baby is upset because of your negativity."

I clenched my fists, feeling a surge of frustration. "Don't bring the baby into this, Linda. And don't guilt-trip me with your nonsense."

She huffed, turning away from me. "Fine, let's just go already." She slipped past me as she continued to murmur. God save my soul and that of everyone who would witness this tonight.

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to remain calm as I helped her into the car. I hated it so much that I was going with her. But for Alma's sake, I had to endure this torture a little while longer.

As we arrived at the fundraiser gala, the grand hall shimmered with elegance. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the room. Tables adorned with exquisite floral arrangements filled the space, and the air was filled with the sound of chatter and laughter.

But all attention was immediately drawn to Linda as we entered. Heads turned, whispers filled the air, and all eyes seemed to be on her. She reveled in the attention, clinging to my arm with a smug smile plastered on her face. With a dress like that, anyone would be awed, or appalled.

I felt a knot form in my stomach as I noticed the judgmental glances directed at Linda. People whispered behind their hands, casting disapproving looks her way. I couldn't shake off the discomfort, knowing that they were all talking about her extravagant dress.

"Linda, maybe we should find our table," I murmured, trying to steer her away from the prying eyes.

But she brushed off my concerns, her grip tightening on my arm. "They love my dress, Carl. Can't you see how they're looking at me?"

I remained silent, refusing to indulge her ego as I led her further into the party. The thought of dancing with her made my skin crawl, but before I could protest, Linda tugged at my arm.

"Let's dance, Carl," she cooed, flashing me a seductive smile.

I hesitated, scanning the room for an excuse, but before I could respond, a commotion caught my attention. The spotlight shifted to one corner of the room, drawing everyone's gaze in that direction.

Linda pulled me towards the crowd, excitement gleaming in her eyes. "Let's go see what's happening!"

Reluctantly, I followed her, my heart pounding in my chest. And then, I saw her.

Alma stood there, radiant in a breathtaking gown that took my breath away. She was accompanied by her daughter and a handsome young man, and the sight of her rendered me speechless.

I felt a surge of emotions wash over me as I gazed at Alma, unable to tear my eyes away from her. She looked ethereal, a vision of beauty that left me in awe. The rest of the world seemed to blur, and Alma became the only beautiful thing about the party. My heart skipped a beat, thumping so fast it could tear out of my chest.

"Linda, let's go," I said, my voice barely above a whisper as I turned away from the crowd. But deep down, I couldn't shake off the overwhelming feeling of longing that consumed me in Alma's presence. The dress was so beautiful on her. A tailor-made perfection. And the guy, watching him stand next to her like that, it killed me. "Let's find our seats."

Linda pulled me back before I could walk away. She looked at me, nursing a growing smirk. "Not before I greet my sister."