The Billionaire's Betrayed Love.

105: Oh,Please!

ALMA.

The constant worry of being watched consumed my thoughts, making it difficult to focus on calling Carl. Was it Linda? What was she up to this time?

I was plagued with that sense of unease and it refused to leave. It wouldn't go away no matter what I tried, and Alice was there, too, deep in my subconscious and I had to register that she was no threat to me.

It didn't matter if he'd known her for longer, or if she was great at everything. Deep down, I knew that if Carl truly loved me, he would reject any unwanted attention.

To clear my mind, I put on my headphones and played my favorite playlist, allowing the music to transport me into a peaceful slumber.

***

The sun's rays filtered through the curtains, my eyes gradually opened and it followed with a slight knock on the door.

"Come in," I called out, and Agatha entered, carrying a tray of steaming coffee.

"Good morning, ma'am. I brought you this," she said, placing the tray beside the drawer on my bed. "It's a beautiful morning, isn't it?"

Though I didn't want to ask why she was missing in action yesterday. I thanked her and inquired about Velma's whereabouts. Glancing at the wall clock, I realized Agatha had already taken her to school.

I felt like I really was losing grip of things.
However, Agatha mentioned that a visitor was waiting downstairs for me. My heart skipped a beat when she revealed the visitor's name. Alice. Of course!

"Oh my goodness! The interview," I exclaimed, accidentally dropping my coffee cup in my haste to get up from the bed.

Agatha, concerned, raised a brow. "Is something the problem, ma'am?"

. I quickly explained the situation and asked for her help in finding something suitable to wear.

With Agatha's help, I freshened up and dressed in my favorite black trousers and white shirt, my hair sleeked back into a bun and I slipped out of the room.

Alice was wandering around the living room, and I interrupted her, clearing my throat to get her attention.

"Good morning, Alice," I greeted her, extending my hand for a handshake. She reciprocated the gesture. "Are you ready for today?"

"Hell yeah!" she exclaimed with a little jump! "Mr Harrison asked the same question!"

"He did?"

"Yes, ma'am. I bumped into him this morning...at the hotel."

Smile, Alma! Smile! "Great! Let's go get that job."

A few minutes later, we entered the building of Beverly's office and her voice called out from behind, "Hey, girlfriend!" I turned around to find her beaming with a wide smile, showcasing all thirty-two of her teeth.

Beverly always had this vibrant spirit that I loved. "What's up, Beverly?" I greeted her, pulling her in for a warm hug.

After releasing herself from my embrace, she replied, "I'm good." I then called out to Alice, who seemed lost, and she turned towards us.

"Wow! What a beautiful top!" Beverly exclaimed as Alice faced us, causing me to roll my eyes at her.

"It's the same as yours," Alice responded, pulling at it. "Just different shades! This must be fated, no?"

Trying not to feel left out, I chimed in, "Is it the one we got at our usual store? I almost didn't notice, it's beautiful!"

I knew it wasn't right to act that way, but I couldn't bear being invisible in this moment.

"It's lovely. Nice to meet you, Alice. I'm Beverly," she introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you, ma'am," Alice replied politely. "I'm Alice. Alice Raymond."

Beverly then suggested that they should get started right away, completely oblivious to the expressions I made. I wasn't proud of myself, at all. I needed to snap out of it!

"I'll let you guys do your thing..."

"Yes, sure," Alice agreed. Beverly turned her attention towards me as I mentioned that I should probably leave.

"No, stay, girlfriend. I'll be quick. Let's go, Alice," Beverly said, leading the way while Alice followed closely behind.

I agreed and waited near the entrance of the office, I tried to distract myself by surfing the internet. However, my thoughts kept drifting back to Alice.

She's not even close to my standards, so why am I so concerned and bothered? I don't think I care.

It's just my insecurities with Carl playing tricks on my mind, and I need to put an end to it. I am beautiful. I am enough, and I am not in competition with anyone.

A few moments later, the office door creaked open, revealing Beverly and Alice. The radiant smiles on their faces spoke volumes.

"I got the job! I got it!" Alice exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air, confirming my suspicions.

"Congratulations," I congratulated her, stepping forward to shake her hand, only to be surprised when she pulled me into a warm hug.

"Thank you so much, ma'am," Alice expressed gratefully.

"You're welcome, Alice. I'm thrilled for you," I responded, gently pulling away from her embrace.

"Don't forget our conversation, and keep in touch," Beverly chimed in, beaming at Alice.

"I won't, ma'am. Can I take a quick look around?" Alice requested. "Of course," Beverly and I replied simultaneously.

"Alright," she murmured before disappearing from our sight.

"She's such a lovely girl; I already like her," Beverly commented as we made our way to the cafeteria.

"Yes, she's a sweetheart," I murmured, exhaling deeply as I settled into a chair at the table.

"Alma, is everything okay?" Beverly inquired as she sat down.

"Hmm, it's nothing," I evaded, not wanting to burden her with my concerns.

"Alma, you know I can tell when something's bothering you. Spit it out. Is it about Carl?"

"I received an anonymous text last night," I confessed, showing her the message on my phone. The chill ran down my spine again. "I think..."

"What?!" she exclaimed, shocked.

"Who do you think sent this, girl? Any idea?" Beverly probed.

"I don't want to assume, but I have a feeling it might be Linda..." I revealed, my voice trembling as memories of Linda's past action replayed in my head.

No. No.

No!

"Really?" Beverly responded, raising an eyebrow. I nodded slightly.

"I'm not sure what to do if it's her," I admitted, tension evident in my voice.

"Hey Alma, look at me," she called out, capturing my attention. "Hold on to the message and don't let it affect you; everything will be alright," she reassured me.

"You really shouldn't worry about it; Carl only has eyes for you now," Beverly teased, playfully rolling her eyes, which brought a light chuckle to my lips.

"I don't want anything to ruin the happiness I feel with Carl; you have no idea how long I've waited for this moment," I expressed.

"And it will last, just believe. Now, give me a big smile," Beverly instructed, lightly tapping my hands, causing a smile to form on my face. It was funny how she always knew the right things to say; that's why she's my best friend.

Just then, the waiter interrupted us with the menu. I had almost forgotten that we came here for a light lunch.

Taking the menu, I checked off two orders of French fries for myself and Alice.

Speaking of Alice, I wondered where she had wandered off to. Beverly also made her selection.

"How's everything going with you?" I asked Beverly as soon as the waiter left.

"Good; I'm doing great, and I'm really glad to have Alice. She's not just beautiful; she's incredibly intelligent, and I can't wait to start working with her," Beverly shared, noticing the scornful expression on my face.

"Hey, what's with that look?" Beverly inquired.

"Nothing," I replied curtly. How do I shame myself by telling her I was plagued by jealousy? I couldn't possibly admit that.

At that very moment, Alice emerged right before us, accompanied by Daniel, Beverly's son.

As soon as Beverly caught sight of her beloved child, she exclaimed, "Daniel!"

He wasn't in school?

Rising to her feet, she approached Alice, "Where did you find him?" she inquired, cradling the little boy on her shoulder.

"I spotted him wandering around, he stumbled, and I offered to help? Alice explained. "He's Daniel?"

Intrigued, I stood up and took a couple of steps towards them, examining young Daniel. "I should have him checked and perhaps seek medical attention," Beverly muttered.

"No need, I already administered first aid for his scrape. He'll be just fine." Alice reassured her.

"Alice, you truly are a superhero." Beverly expressed her gratitude.

Alice, Alice, Alice. I can't fathom how she always manages to steal the spotlight.

Stop it, Alma! My subconscious nagged at me. How did I become so cheap? "Is he okay?" I glanced at Daniel who was seated on a couch at the far end of the room.

"I think? He'll be fine. He didn't go to school because he was down with a little fever." Beverly sighed. "Thank you again, Alice. I can't wait for you to resume."

"I think it's time for us to leave," I suggested.

"Absolutely," Alice agreed.

"See you later, Beverly. Take good care of yourself, Daniel," I playfully commented, sticking out my tongue and making a silly face at the little boy, who responded with giggles.

"Take care, ladies," Beverly waved at us, her eyes twinkling with amusement, as we exited the cafeteria.

Once we settled into the car, I ignited the engine and Alice's voice punched through the silence.

"Thank you for everything, really. Good people like you should be worshipped."

I nodded curtly, smiling through my teeth. "It's nothing, really."

My smile was effectively wiped by her next question. "Can we go to see Mr Harrison? I want to tell him I got the job in person."

Hello?