Billionaire’s Side Attraction

Lula Lopez

My feet felt too heavy to carry my body weight as I returned to my office. My lips shivered because of the cold outside, I wrapped my hands around my body to cover myself from the freezing chills but it did me no good. I dropped myself in my swivel chair and let my mind wander. A faint scent of lavender mixed with alcohol and vinegar lingered in the air, the sound of my thumping heart filled my hearing. My eyes stayed on the white ceiling and slowly, it went down the floor-to-ceiling window. Everything I own is because I bent over for someone else to have their wish: my mom, Carlos, my fans, and even my friends. When other people saw me as an easy target, Javier saw more than just a pretty face. He truly loved me and yet again, I hurt him.

That morning, I got a call from my mom and I rushed to the bathroom to take the call. “Hi, momma”.

Her strong voice responded. “Where are you?”

My heart rate multiplied. “I’m home, ma”

“Lies. I’m in your house and you’re not home.”

I closed my eyes and covered my mouth. Just the fear of my mom being in my house made me want to empty my gastric contents. “I’ll be there, ma”

“Don’t bother, I wouldn’t want us to sit in this filthy house anyway. How long has it been since you were here? it’s dusty.” I didn’t answer. “Don’t tell me you have started seeing that loser again?”

“Mom please”

“Whatever. I know I taught you to be smart, but I’m still appalled by how dumb your decisions can be.”

I heaved out a sad sigh. She always knew what to say to ruin a happy mood. “Mom, why have you called me?”

“Carlos called me”. I knew where this conversation and I didn’t want to have it. She continued: “He wants to meet with you.”

“Mom, I-”

“Hush now, you foolish child! What have I told you about being smart? I made a mistake with your loser of a father, I will not let you make that mistake or follow in that stupid Adriana’s footsteps. Love is just a facade, don’t let it stop you from achieving your goal. Am I clear”

I gritted my teeth. “I’ve heard you.”

“Good. Now meet me at the office.”

“Okay, mom-”

“And wear something beautiful. Not those sad excuses for dinner dresses you got in Paris in January. I have my designer on standby in case you disappoint me with your outfit.” She hung up before getting a response from me.

I had a shower and wore a plain T-shirt with jeans, just my little way of rebellion. I am so tired of her pushing me around. I got to the room and found Javier fast asleep.

I wanted to tell him about my call to my mom, but I didn’t want to worry him. Plus, he is fast asleep. since he sometimes deals with insomnia, I thought to let him get as much sleep as possible. I kissed his forehead and told him how much I love him, then I went out of the house.

Just as expected, my mom gave me shit for dressing the way I did. I knew that even if I picked the best clothes in the world, she would have something to complain about. Her fashion designer made me wear a black dress with some glitter on it, and silver shoes to match. He did my hair and my makeup. It beat me how I have to dress so much just to meet some old men.

When the meeting started, I was escorted by Charity to the meeting. I sat down silently while my mom did all the talking, informing the board about their newest member. I had no idea who it was, I thought it would be one of these big-time movie directors. But when Carlos walked in through that door, I felt like I was going to die. He had a smile plastered on his face as he made his way to my side of the table. My mom got up and greeted him with a kiss on his cheek, then she introduced him to the board. She offered her seat to him which was nearest me. But before she walked off, she slipped me a note that only I saw. It read: “Smile”

She stood in front of the board and started talking again. “Ladies and gentlemen, I just received word that my beautiful Lula and Carlos have rekindled their engagement.”Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

I gaped at her because of the lie she just told. How could she expect me to be okay with this? I got up to leave the conference room when she grabbed my hand without anyone noticing. Then she whispered in my ear: “If you walk out of here, you can forget about me.” I stopped in my tracks. “Now, smile,” She said as she grinned at members of the board.

I forced out a smile even as tears threatened to leave my eyes. I hated feeling weak because I know I have so much strength in me, except when it mattered, I barely show it. I love my mom so much and the fear of losing her love and ending up like Adriana cuts me to the bone. My mom is the kind of woman who can give you the entire world, but she is also the type of woman who can snatch away everything in a heartbeat. In her youth, she rose to fame and has stayed there ever since now she wants me in her footsteps.

Charity signaled me to something at the window and I looked up to see Javier watching me from the outside. The look in his eyes made me realize that I have lost him forever. I pushed out of my mom’s hold and ran downstairs just in time before he got into his car, but I was right, I have lost him. Now, I don’t know what to do with myself.

***

As I was mourning the loss of my relationship, I heard footsteps enter my office and looked in the direction of the entrance. I frowned when I saw who was standing there. It was Celia looking different from the last time I saw her. She had gained a few more pounds and her belly wasn’t as flat as it used to be. She wore a short A-line gown and a pair of slippers on her feet. I pushed off my backrest: “I thought I told you to stay far away from me?”

She angrily marched down to my desk and hit her hand on the table: “That was before I realized you are a whore who wants to steal Carlos from me!”