Tides of Destiny

Part Fourteen: The Girls

Part Fourteen

The Girls

Alfina Guerrero

"Oh Alfina! We we're so worried!" Joan Artamonov wailed as she ran towards me and gave me a bear hug. "We thought you were dead! How is this possible?" Bettina Cappitani asked.

"I thought so too. Thank goodness someone rescued me and nursed me back to good health," I smiled as I thought of Matt.

"Is this someone a very handsome young lad?" Joan asked as she slowly let go of me.

"You idiot, she's clearly not over Claude yet! That shit is super traumatic, you know?!" Bettina exclaimed.

Strangely, I do not harbor any romantic feelings for Claude anymore. In fact, when someone mentions his name, all I can think of is the betrayal that he did to me. What we had was love at first but honestly at this point, I'm sure that it was all a ruse.

"She's doing well. In fact, there's this handsome bachelor in Norway that has been helping her," Francine shared.

"Who is this man?" Bettina asked.

"Why he's a businessman. He's a fishing magnate here in Norway. He's from new money. At least that is his cover story," Francine stated.

"Cover story?" Joan asked.

"He works as a whaler. He lives near the beach, he saved me. He's actually living a simple life and his name is Mathias Stoltenberg," I explained.

"He must be a great artist then; he's named after a painter!" Bettina said.

"I'm not sure myself. The only time I saw him pick up a pen was when he signed a contract with Francine," I admitted.

"Fill us in with the juicy details. We couldn't find you during your wedding," Joan pleaded.

I decided to tell the two about what happened after we ran away from the cathedral.

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"Curse that shitty woman!" Joan exclaimed in fury with her thick Russian accent. "That was horrible! They both deserve to be thrown in jail!" Bettina expressed.

"We cannot make a move now. We need to build up Matt's profile. That is where you two come in," Francine pointed out.

"You both are socialites and you know all of the exquisite parties in the world. We can start with Norway but let's be honest, we need to make Matt go global. Your task is to attend galas and charity events with Matt. Make sure that his face graces the tabloids. Make sure that Matt makes noise regarding my disappearance," I said.

"Alright then, but what good would that do? Shouldn't we hold a press conference and tell them you're alive?" Bettina asked.

"That would make me an easy target for potential hitmen or assassins hired by Zahria. I want Matt to be the one who will expose my cousin and my cheating fiancé for their attempted murder. As you both are busy doing that, I will go back to Spain and try to talk to the Queen. The power of the prime minister is weakening and the elections will take place soon. If they pardon me then I would be able to regain my assets back," I explained.

"I see, then I'll make sure that we'd make some noise." Joan assured me.

"I can't thank you all enough for what you've done for me, especially you Francine," I said.

"Hey, that's what friends are for. You stood up for us back then from Miss Spencer," Francine reminded me.

"Thank you so much girls. I love you all!" I cried, unable to suppress the tears that I have been fighting back.

"Group hug!" Joan said, everyone hugged me and I was still a mess.

I know that I am one step closer to my revenge thanks to these friends of mine.

Mathias Stoltenberg

"I would like you to meet my friend, Mathias Stoltenberg. Mister Stoltenberg here is fond of conserving marine life. He is a great supporter of charities such as these," Bettina said as she introduced me to an elderly zero-waste product conglomerate businessman named Carl Ballerini.

"Certainly, a fine young lad you have here Bettina! I would like to invite you to my charity masquerade ball in Milan, I'm holding a fundraiser for banning the use of single use plastics in Italy. It would be a big help if such a man like you would grace the event. The event is months away so I'm hoping you could spare some of your time for an old man like me," Bellerini exclaimed with his booming Italian voice.

Being a rich person is exhausting, no one signed me up for social events like this. Bettina assured me that I already looked the part of being a rich bachelor yet I need to play the part correctly. Bettina and I were currently in Mykonos, Greece. We were attending a prestigious charity event for the ban of fossil fuels that are used on jet skis and yachts.

"Certainly, Signore (Sir). I will be present there. It is my life-long mission to create a better Earth for a better future. I would like to request one thing from you," I said.

"My, you know your Italian, young lad. What is it you ask?" Bellerini chuckled. "Let's take a photo, shall we?" I ask as I gestured the photographers to take pictures of us.

"Certainly!" The elderly man said with a jolly tone. The photographers took our photos and I know that I was doing a great job. I could see some of the attendees of the event to be looking at us.

I thanked the elderly conglomerate and shook his hand. I immediately excused myself from Carl and Bettina. I needed to go to the washroom.

I admit that I was overwhelmed with how I was able to converse with a powerful person. Socialites, heirs, businessmen, and equally important people all graced the event. I clearly did not fit here.

I washed my hands on a sink that was made with pearl and gold. Rich people are insane. I fixed my black Armani suit and fixed my hair. I really did look the part of an eligible bachelor.

I wish Alfina was here.

My eyes widened in surprise with what I thought. Was I really in love with her? I did blow my chance of telling her that I had feelings for her. But right now, I wanted to go back home to Norway and to spend time with her again.

I went back to the venue and decided to eat some hors d'oeuvres that was being served on the buffet table. I was starving, this party is a bit boring but at least the food is great. I saw Bettina went to my direction and handed me a flute of champagne.

"Drink this, I can tell from ten meters away that your social battery is draining away. I secured three invites for you, including Carl Bellerini's event. We need to plan our next plan of attack. Alfina wishes to join you in the future," Bettina said before sipping on her glass.

"But I thought she didn't want to be seen?" I asked.

"She doesn't, that's why we're making sure that we will attend Carl's event," Bettina pointed out.

"Why did she suddenly become interested?" I wondered.

"Claude and Zahria will be attending the event," Bettina answered.

I quickly downed my champagne and smirked.

"Bring it on then," I said with determination.