The Promotion {Editing}

Chapter Fifty-Nine

The day had finally arrived. I never thought I'd see the day when project J.A.R.L was completed, done and dusted.

The opening ceremony to our sustainable and affordable houses was well under way. The four of us decided to set up a marquee in the communal garden. It was a perfect day for the ceremony, the sun shone brightly onto the houses.

As people filtered in, the four of us said a few words, and cut the ribbon to mark the completion of the houses. A wave of cheers echo around me, and I couldn't help but paint a smile on my face.

What started off as a sceptical idea from Jason, turned into a well-established project, with the insight from us four.

As the night proceeded, people were free to walk around the estate. The buzz and energy of those around, astonished me, it made the night feel like it was something to be proud of.

As Alexander and I go around, talking to various people, in the corner of my eye I spot Lucinda. My stomach churns at the sight of her.

"I'm just going to sort a problem out." I say craning my head to Alexander.

As I leave his side, I feel his grip on my arm, he stops me and shakes his head. Deep down I knew he didn't what me to go over.

"Don't worry, baby." I say sending him a reassuring wink. I plant a kiss on his hand, and then make my way over to Lucinda.

I throw back the champagne, place the glass to the side and pick up another one as I pass a waiter. Every time I see Lucinda it felt like anger hardened onto my chest. Part of me wanted to scream and drag her by the hair, but then another part of me had to be the bigger person.

"Don't think I've forgotten about the pictures." I hissed coming face to face with Lucinda.

"What? What are you talking about?" Lucinda scoffs, acting like she's clueless.

"Don't play with me." I snapped. "You think it's funny getting someone to give me old pictures of you and Alexander."

Her mouth gapes open as if this is new information to her. Her brows furrow as if she's trying to compute what I said.

She then chuckles in a menacing way. "You think I would be that petty to send old pictures? Well, I didn't."

She turns away from me, facing the opposite direction. I bite down, gritting my teeth, a vortex of anger swirled inside of me. The fact that she was acting all calm about this, I knew she had something to do with those pictures.

"I don't believe a word coming out of your mouth!" I snap, grappling onto her arm ensuring that she's facing me again. "You tried to come up with your bullshit lies to drive a wedge between us, it didn't work. And the pictures? Just another pathetic attempt."

"But it made you think, right?" Lucinda plainly says, sipping her champagne. A smirk creeps to the side of mouth, eyeing me up and down as if she's high in the clouds, looking down on me.

"I am telling you now!" I hissed, pointing my finger at her. "Stay away! Business with you is done, we have nothing to do with you now, so just leave us alone and carry on with your life."

I abruptly turn around, trying to make a quick exit away from Lucinda.

"How do you sleep at night, knowing that Alexander could have lied do you." She says from behind me.