A Wife for the Billionaire
Chapter 98: SOFIA

Chapter 98: SOFIA

It was weird riding with Alicia in the back of the car like mother and daughter.

Carlos, her chauffeur drove us. My nerves were killing me the entire time. Not even the city sights calmed my nerves. Being this close to Alicia was as uncomfortable as being the smelly passenger in a public transport. Outwardly, you will claim not to care, whereas inwardly, you are praying for someone to teleport the transport to the last bus stop.

Even with the air conditioner, the air was stifling, what I wouldn’t give to wind down the window, but Alicia didn’t want her hair one strand out of place, so the morning breeze was a no no.

It was already bad enough that being this close to Alicia was making my heart hammer like crazy. And then there was what could happen when we got to our location. Honestly, it was like dread upon dread, killing me as fast as the speed of the car.

From the tinted glass, I watched people and the city brace a new day. Joggers and runners, navigating the streets with their headphones. A group of teenagers laxing on their way to school, stray dogs sniffing through garbage bags and trash cans. Construction workers in their overalls and tools bag buckled to their waists, hurrying to sites with their to go paper bags of breakfast.

Tired runners taking a break in front of coffee shops, a line of people waiting for the services of a food cart. Security guards yawning their way home after their night shifts. A man in a blue suit, running to catch the bus, his tie and unbuttoned blazer flapping in the wind.

There was a lot to see and yet so little

held my attention long enough to quell the dread that welled up within for what was and what’s to come.

"Are you nervous?" Alicia suddenly asked.

I nodded my answer, too scared to speak. I wasn’t just nervous, I was terrified. This scheme of hers to get rid of me by marrying me off to Charlie has to work. Well, maybe to the latter, but today’s plan has to.

Not only that I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t move either. I just sat immobile, not wanting to break the rare ice of kindness Alicia was showing me.

It still felt too good to be true, that Alicia had accepted Charlie. I felt like any movement I made might disrupt the whole thing. So in staying as still as possible, I willed Alicia to stay the same.

Yes, that sounds ridiculous, but I know Alicia. One wrong move, a strand of hair out of place and she might second guess the whole arrangement and once that happens, ’I’m fucked’ will be an understatement to what she would do.

The success of it all lies in Charlie’s ability to play it right. He loves me, quite alright, but what begets of his emotions when Alicia waltzes into the Vet to tell him of my love for him and in doing so, show her support of the union.

And being that that was one of my major reasons for breaking up with him, I doubt he will take it well.

Even his response to my message had hinted at his unpreparedness for what’s to come. He had replied,

"Okay?"

And that was too weak of an answer for such a simple message. How would he fare standing before the imposing presence of Alicia?

I fear to respond to that question.

In truth if I had known that Alicia would be in support of my relationship with Charlie, maybe I would have accepted his love. Maybe by now, I would be addressed as Mrs Fray, ’Fray’ being Charlie’s last name.

And all this shit that I’ve been going through, won’t be present. It’s true that I hated love and the idea of marriage, but I had really loved Charlie and I think I would have gone through with it.

"Gone through with it" my mind echoed, scoffed rather. If Alicia had been alerted of my relationship with Charlie and had been in support of it, I don’t think I would have been left with much choice. I would have married Charlie whether I wanted to or not.

Picturing such a life, a wife and a mother. Strangely, I was content with it. It was better than my shitty life now.

Another bone of contention was Mrs Holman, the crone hates me already for breaking Charlie’s heart and who’s to say she won’t capitalize on it when Alicia starts rambling about how her bastard daughter has fallen in love with her boss.

The more I thought about it, the more dread washed over me. Each thought was like a needle puncturing at my small inflated balloon of hope, and with how many thoughts that have crossed my mind, there was little air left in my balloon.

I had given up hope of Alicia uttering another word, in fact I had been grateful for the silence even though our last conversation felt undone. But then she said,

"There’s no need to be nervous, I know what I’m doing and trust me Charlie will definitely like you"

Another slow nod, while my mind screamed,

"He already likes her, a bit too much in fact!"

The car pulled to a stop. Without waiting for anyone to come open my door, I alighted. In seconds, Alicia was beside me, and together we trod to the Vet.

On the waiting desk this early, five individuals huddled with their animals. A dotage widow with her cat, a man with his Rottweiler, parents consoling their son who held a limp guinea pig.

"Don’t just stand there, go and start working and call your boss while you’re at it" Alicia said, shifting away from those at the waiting desk as if they were contagious.

I greeted Mrs Holman and she answered with a glare. Heading into the door that says ’Employers Only’ I took an apron and gathered my sweeping tools. Dropping them at the side, I went in search of Charlie. A light knock at his office door and I was shoved in.

"You had me worried," he began, "what is wrong?"

Quickly as fast as I can spill it, I told him the truth and my desire to work for him because I was going to turn down a better job offer. I didn’t really give him all the deets, but I made sure he was properly informed.

But that wasn’t even the problem, the

the main issue was facing Alicia and convincing her. Just when I thought everything was settled, that he was ready to go out there and face her, he asked, halting my reach for the doorknob,

"I thought you said that your stepmom would never approve of us?"

"Shit!" I muttered, quietly before turning towards him.

"Yes, that was what I thought until Sir Felix brought up this ruse to save me from her wrath. None of us thought she was actually going to like the idea and be in support of it, I swear it’s the truth. At least that I know for certain, now"

"You are unbelievable" was all an enraged Charlie said, before dashing out of his office.

Running after him, I pleaded,

"Charlie, I know I don’t deserve this that I ask of you, but please just help me and you can keep my first pay as my token of appreciation"

Somehow that got him more angry, and before I could do or say anything else he walked into the front hall. Greeting his patients, he came to face Alicia. I quickly gathered my sweeping tools, aiming to start from the door, which was a vantage point to eavesdrop. But to my surprise and to my utmost dread, Charlie led Alicia away towards his office.

I tried not to fidget as time stretched while they both sat in there talking about me.

"Sorry," I apologized, to the man with a rottweiler, while looking at the closed door of Charlie’s office, I had mistakenly hit him with the sweeping brush.

"You can’t even do this simple thing, right, but if it is to wreck a man, you do that perfectly" Mrs Holman accused.

I turned to her, ready to lace her with the uneasiness and dread that has turned to a poison. I wanted to curse her old ass out, but as I opened my eyes to speak, I remembered who was in an enclosed room discussing me.

I hated to give Alicia another reason to talk about me, so I held my peace.

"Yeah, you better keep your mouth shut or I will run mine to your stepmother"

I didn’t need to be told twice, and through her expression, the hag meant every word.

How she has come to love Charlie like a son, shielding him from people like me, heartbreakers. I don’t really blame her, Mrs Holman never married and never had a family, so it kinda makes sense that she sees Charlie as a son and family.

And for family, one can do anything. I just hope I won’t be outed for family’s sake.