Chapter 7
I drive with him to the airport nestled in his arm at the back of his chauffeured Benz. I can’t help but have flashbacks of Paris every time I sit with Bryce at the back of one of his luxury vehicles.
“This must be the shortest trip ever to the airport. There’s absolutely no traffic.”
“This might be the only time New York is quiet during the day. Within a few hours it will be mayhem again.”
We stand in the middle of the airport making idle chitchat trying to avoid the inevitable—in a few minutes he’ll board his private jet and he’ll leave my side.
“What are your plans during the time I’m away?” He’s speaking to me, but his attention is elsewhere.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” I blurt out to my surprise.
He looks down at me, grabs the back of my neck and forces me closer to him. “It’s only a few days, baby. I’ll speak to you every day and don’t forget, the minute I board my plane, your head will be swimming with ideas on how you’ll plan your comeback in the real estate world.”
“I’m being silly.”
“Oh, Sofia. You’ll never hear me complain about the fact you miss me. I love hearing that. I’ll miss you too, but we’re talking about five days. We have the rest of our lives together.”
“I guess you’re right,” I say, trying to cheer myself up.
“I love you so much,” he says, as he locks his eyes deeper into mine as if to verify that I believe him. “I’ll be back sooner than you think.” He looks at his watch.
“I hope so.”
“I have to head to the other side of the airport to board my plane. I should start walking. I love you,” he says, as he kisses my lips tenderly.
***
I’m sitting at the back of the Benz heading back to my own home. He offered for me to stay at his place while he was away, but I’d feel lost there without his presence. I’ll find more comfort in my own home.
I’ll have to remember to bring more clothes at his place when I sleep there again.
Alternating sleeping at Bryce’s and my place has become a bit confusing, but I guess I can deal with things for now. In time, I’ll get used to the idea of making sure I have enough clothes at his place.
My phone rings. It’s Ciara.
“Hey, sis. How was the night? Did the two of you get it on?”
“Ciara, you’re so bad.”
She laughs. “Listen, I can’t talk for too long. I wanted to call to let you know that I won’t be here this week. I’m heading out in a few minutes to the airport. I have to be in Berlin for the next five days and I wanted to let you know before I got on the plane.”
“You’re leaving too?”
“What do you mean?”
“I just left Bryce at the airport. He’s gone back to Silicon Valley for the next five days and now you’re leaving for Berlin. The two of you are abandoning me at the same time.”
“Bryce just left?”
“Yeah. I left the airport fifteen minutes ago and I’m riding at the back of his chauffeured Benz.”
“He’s off on his private jet, I suppose. Well, your little sister will have to be satisfied with business class.”
“Do you blame him for not flying like the rest of us?”
“No. I don’t. I’m sorry you feel like I’m abandoning you, but duty calls. I’ve got to go. This client is too important. Not to mention, you should be celebrating and making plans for your big comeback.”
“Did you text Bryce this morning or what? He said the same thing before leaving. I guess I’ll focus my attention on rebuilding my life instead of feeling sorry for myself.”
“We’re both gone for only a few days and I bet you that you won’t even have time to miss us. I’m sure by the time I come back, you’ll have sketched out the plans to your empire.”
“I love you for believing in me so much, Ciara. Have a safe trip.”
“I love you too and I’ll see you next week.”
I guess I’m on my own like a big girl.
Ciara and Bryce are right. Since they’re both out of town, I have plenty of time to plan out rebuilding my company. When I get home, I contact Misty to find out how quickly the funds Keller stole from me can be reversed back into my account.
“I’m still working on this with Liam and I’ll let you know the second I hear of anything. I’m sure it shouldn’t be too long because Liam has been pushing this hard and he’s called on people with influence and clout. I know you’re eager to get an answer, but I’m sure it shouldn’t be much longer.”
“I understand. I appreciate your help so much.”
“Don’t mention it, Sofia. I’m happy I can help you put this behind you. Let me call back when I get an answer.”
“All right. I’ll wait patiently,” I laugh, trying to hide my nervousness.
I spend the following days trapped in my office frantically typing at my laptop and making calls. Four days after Bryce left, I’ve found an office to rent, formed a new incorporation and taken care of hundreds of things that will help me move forward faster. I even get in touch with the publicist Bryce suggested I contact and book an appointment with her. Bryce feels strongly about putting out a powerful message in the business community to quickly re-establish my reputation. He’s offered to pay for PR since I’m still in limbo about my money situation and I agreed without hesitation. The past few days have made me feel like I have such a clear picture of my future.
Bryce and I have been speaking to each every morning and every night. I miss him so much. Our conversations are short because he’s in long meetings with this new client, but at least we’re able to connect. Ciara has texted me a few times and she’s elated by my progress.
Since Bryce and Ciara are both coming back tomorrow, I make sure to have my cleaning lady come by to spruce up my place. I text both of them and they both agree to come by my place for dinner.
I can’t wait to see Bryce tomorrow and I’m dying to hear all about latest drama surrounding Ciara’s German client.
***
I can’t believe how crazy the next day is and I’m so bummed out because I wanted to make an effort to welcome back Ciara and Bryce later tonight. I thought I was going to have plenty of time to cook before their arrival, but this day is turning out to be much busier than I expected. I have so many people calling me back and agreeing to the requests I made to help me get back on my feet. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude at how quickly things are moving for me.
I look at my watch and it’s already midday. There’s no way I’m going to have time to cook a full meal for three people when I have so many phone calls to return and emails to respond to before the end of the day. I don’t want to put this off to Monday. This is way too important to me.
I’m starving.
I get up to have a quick lunch when I received a text from Misty.
Can you call me immediately?
“Misty, is everything okay? Your text sounds urgent.”
“It is. I wanted to talk to you before calling back my boss. Liam just called to let me know the authorities in charge of this investigation have reviewed your case and they are going to release the tens of millions of dollars Keller stole from you.”
I stop breathing. I’ve been waiting to hear this good news for eighteen long months—since the day I received a call from my banker asking me why I had transferred so much money out of my accounts overnight.
“Sofia? Are you still there?”
“Are you sure of this?”
“Liam has heard back from people in pretty high places, so I’m confident this is accurate information. I think you can put all of this behind you now.”
“Oh my God. Is it possible not to tell your boss? I’d like to tell him myself.”
“I think Liam already told him. I was going to call him back to confirm that I had told you.”
“Oh,” I say, a bit disappointed.
“Bryce would have had my head on a platter if he hadn
’t been informed of this the minute it was resolved.”
“Of course. I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You don’t have to. Brad Keller was a crook and a real asshole. I really wanted all this to turn in your favor and it has. For me, that’s the biggest reward in doing this job.”
“Thanks for saying that.”
“Have a great day, Sofia.”
I look at my phone, still unable to believe what I just heard. It’s over. It’s finally over and I can pay back all these people I owe money to and reclaim my life.
I immediately text Bryce and Ciara, hoping they’ll answer quickly.
Hmmm. No reply from either of them. They must be in important meetings.
I run to the kitchen for a quick bite to eat and decide to take a page out of Ciara’s book. Instead of killing myself over a hot oven, I’ll order a spectacular meal. There’s so much to celebrate.
My phone rings and for one second I think it might Bryce until I notice Cassandra’s number.
“Cassie! Oh my God. What perfect timing. You’ll never guess what’s happened to me in the last twenty-four hours.”
“What?”
“Yesterday we found out that Brad Keller, aka Vladislav Ershova-Kamenev, had been arrested in India and was being extradited to the United States to stand trial. I heard back a few minutes ago that a judge has ordered the transfer of all the millions Keller stole from me back into my bank account. Cassie, I’m free. I’m actually free.” I’m shouting because I’ve finally allowed my feelings to surge. It’s as if I only now realize what has just happened.
“Are you serious? It’s over? I remember you texting me about the ongoing investigation, but I never imagined it would conclude so quickly. I mean I barely had time to blink.”
“Neither did I, but Bryce has people in high places. I can’t tell you how happy I am right now.”
“I bet you are. This was such a bad nightmare,” she says.
“How are you? I don’t mean to make this all about me.”
“I’m doing great. Todd is keeping me very busy. There are a series of big conferences and galas in the coming weeks and he has me booked solid. Are you sure you don’t want to come back to work for him?”
We both laugh.
“Working with Todd has helped me a lot, but I’m ready to rebuild my former company.”
“I don’t blame you. I’m so happy for you this is all over.”
“Listen, I’ve invited Bryce and Ciara for dinner. They’re both out of town and flying back to New York in a few hours. I’m pretty sure they’ll be way too exhausted to think about food. I thought of going out, but this is a personal celebration and I’d rather have it behind closed doors. Why don’t you join us and we can all celebrate together.”
“Bryce is out of town? When did he leave?”
That’s an odd question coming from Cassie. “He left five days ago. He’s in Silicon Valley dealing with a big shot client.”
“I see.”
“You see what?” There’s something strange about the way she’s asking her questions.
“Listen, Sofia, I don’t want to rain on your perfect day and I wouldn’t be calling had it not been the second time this week that I saw Bryce walking into the Cartier store on Fifth Avenue with a tall and stunning woman. I don’t know if she works for him or not, but I assume you would have told me about the bombshell Bryce works with. I’d be worried if my rich and sexy boyfriend worked with anyone who looks like she does.”
“What does she look like? I don’t remember any bombshells in his office,” I say, a lump in my throat.
“There’s so much to take in about her. She’s tall, she has tanned skin, or it’s olive or maybe she’s mixed or she recently came back from a sunny vacation—I wasn’t able to tell. I was across the street from them. I do remember the hair. Her hair is a massive mane of black curls.”
Good lord. Did Cassie just describe Ciara?
“Massive mane? Black curls?”
I think I’m going to be sick.
“Yeah. I couldn’t stop staring at her hair. It’s most likely why I missed the rest of her. I mean, she’s tall, she was wearing high heels and she had a mass of beautiful hair.”
“I’m confused. Bryce is in Silicon Valley. He left five days ago and he’s only coming back in a few hours. Are you sure it was him you saw?”
“The first time I thought it was someone else, but I saw the two of them walk into Cartier again about an hour ago. I saw them the first time a few days ago as I was coming from lunch with a friend. I’ve been debating for the past hour if I should call you or not. I think you should know.”
“No. You did the right thing,” I reply in a faint voice. My head is spinning and I feel like vomiting. Bryce is in town and Cassie’s description sounds eerily like Ciara.
“You say he’s away. Could he have come back early?”
“It doesn’t make sense. From your story, Bryce has been in town for days and from the description, he’s been hanging out at Cartier with my sister.”
“Your sister? Are you sure? I’ve never met her, but the woman I saw looks…” Cassie cuts her sentence short.
“You mean we look quite different from one another. Trust me. I’ve known that since the day she was born. There are other women in New York who could fit the description, but it’s quite the coincidence that both of them left within a few hours of each other and they both planned on being away for exactly five days and they show up on Fifth Avenue twice this week.”
“Listen, Sofia, maybe it’s nothing. Maybe it’s not your sister.”
“It’s something. If it’s not my sister, then it’s still not good news because it means Bryce is jewelry-shopping with another woman.”
“I’m so sorry to have to be the one to tell you. If I were in your shoes, I’d want to know.”
“Cassie, you did the right thing. It might not be much, but I think both of us know there’s more to this story.”
“Do you want me to come over or do you want to go out for a drink?”
“No. I’ll be okay. I’m going to call Bryce and get to the bottom of this. Thanks again for calling.”
I hang up the phone and I’m paralyzed with fear. Is Bryce really in New York? Is he seeing Ciara behind my back? Did they concoct the story about leaving the city to spend time alone?
What the fuck is going on between these two?
Cassandra’s news devastates me. I don’t know what game Bryce and Ciara are playing, but I’m not going to be taken for a fool.
I head back to the kitchen. Suddenly I’m no longer hungry. I open the freezer, dig my head inside to cool down, grab the tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, open the drawer, ignore the teaspoons and grab a tablespoon that I shove right into the ice cream before opening my mouth to appease my sorrow.
How can she do that to me? Bryce? What a liar. He’s doing to me what his brother did to him.
I stuff my mouth with another spoonful as tears roll down my face. There’s nothing a tub of Cherry Garcia can’t cure—even the betrayal of the man you love with your own flesh and blood.
I knew it. I knew she couldn’t keep her hands off Bryce. It’s just another conquest for her. I bet she’ll discard him in a few weeks like she’s done so many times in the past to men who’ve fallen for her.
My anger is boiling over and my head is about to explode. I need to talk to someone before I do something I’ll live to regret.
I need to call my mother.
“Mom, it’s Sofia. I hope I’m not calling at a bad time,” I say, trying to sound normal.
“Oh, sweetness, I only have a few minutes. Your dad and I are about to head out to a little celebration, so I hope you can make it fast, or I can call you back when I’m in the car. I still have to get dressed.”
“Mom…” I stop, unable to let the words out of my mouth.
“Sofia? What’s going on?”
“Mom, I think it’s over between us. I think Bryce has fallen f
or Ciara. She wins again.”
“What are you talking about, Sofia? Honey, I’ve seen the way that man looks at you when Ciara is in the room. He only has eyes for you.”
“Well, maybe his eyes are all mine, but his heart belongs to Ciara. My friend saw them entering Cartier an hour ago for the second time this week. The only problem is that Bryce is on a business trip in Silicon Valley and Ciara is in Berlin. How did they make it back to New York without telling me? I don’t get it. I bet you they never even left the city.”
“This doesn’t make sense. Ciara and Bryce would never betray you.”
“He bought her a piece of jewelry from Cartier. Cassandra saw them jewelry-shopping together,” I wail before letting loose my sorrow.
“Honey, you have it all wrong. Bryce loves you. Not Ciara.”
“Mom, stop defending her. You always take her side. It’s like she’s the chosen child. You know how she operates and you know men can’t resist her.”
“I know this for a fact, Sofia. Bryce loves you very much,” she pleads.
“I called you for support, but I realize that I’ll never get as much affection as your chosen child. So I’m going to hang up now and keep eating my ice cream. At least I get comfort from shoving it down my throat. You’re giving me no comfort whatsoever. Bye, Mom.” I hang up.
I hate how Mom always takes Ciara’s side. She’s not even willing to admit that Ciara would have no shame in sweeping Bryce off his feet. I’m consumed with rage at my sister and the more upset I get the more I shove ice cream down my throat. When I hit the bottom of the tub, I know with certainty that ice cream isn’t going to do it. I still feel miserable and I feel like the two of them have stomped all over my heart. Maybe I need a strong drink? I violently open my cupboards, searching for alcohol. Luckily, I still have the rum I brought back from my trip with Bryce to Bermuda.
If I get drunk, I can’t think of the two of them together.
I’m about to pour a fifteen-year-old aged rum into a large glass when my phone rings.
Fuck. I don’t want to speak to anyone right now. I look at the number and I can’t believe it. I bet Mom called Ciara to let her know how disgusted I was.
Unbearable Passion - Total Abandonment: Billionaire Erotica Romance (Unbearable Passion series Book 4) Page 9
