CHAPTER 2: THE INEVITABLE CONCLUSION

~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~

            “Are you there, Miss Belgrave?” Mr. Edwards asked.

            Oh, God, my father’s dead. I’m alone. There’s no one coming to save me. No apologies. No redemption. He’s gone. How do I mourn someone I hate yet loved? It hurts.

            I blinked at the phone as my senses returned. “Oh, yes. I’m here. Sorry, I wasn’t expecting this.” My voice breaks. I can’t cry and damage my makeup. I must return to the club. The bouncers won’t let me in if I’m a mess.

            “Miss. Belgrave you have an appointment with me at nine tomorrow morning and your presence is mandatory.” His words were firm, yet urgent, as if it wasn’t a choice. This call and his other attempts at calling me over the last month made no sense. How had he found my number? Until tonight, I never answered him.

            “Why? I was disinherited years ago. You need to check your records.” I wouldn’t be doing anything without assurances there weren’t mistakes. There’s no way I’ll be the family’s laughingstock again. This scapegoat escaped long ago.

            “I’m sure Miss Belgrave. Your information is wrong. We must transfer ownership of Mr. Belgrave’s estate and financial portfolio to you.” On the club’s stoop, I glanced at my phone again to ensure this wasn’t a prank. I thought I’d have to fight them. Which I couldn’t afford. They’d use the Belgrave fortune to keep it. I’ve got nothing.

            “That’s wrong. He disinherited me.” Upon receiving my inheritance from my mother, I learned I’d been banished from the family and disinherited.

            “Something changed Miss. The company needs a leader. That leader is you.” Mr. Edwards sounded almost happy.

            “But … What about his second family?” It amazed me Jacqueline hadn’t gained control of the company. I expected her to rally everyone to help prevent the theft of her and her daughter’s very means of survival. Never mind, my survival. I didn’t count.

            “A pre-nuptial agreement limits Mrs. Vines-Belgrave to no more than ten percent of Belgrave Tech shares joint ownership with her daughter and any future spouse of theirs. They can’t hold a seat on the board. You’ll have fifty-five percent once everything is transferred. Now, where shall the driver pick you up in the morning Miss Belgrave?” I was half listening to Mr. Edwards because the agreement’s ramifications caught me off guard. My alcohol-soaked thoughts made it difficult to process what this meant to me. I should have questions. I couldn’t get past my father doing this. Did he help me? Or did he do it for an unrelated reason? What else was in that agreement? How did my father get her to sign it? I knew he could manipulate people.

            “No, I’ll find my own way, thank you.” I said. It still felt odd saying this. I pandered to people and pleased them. I’d promised not to contact the Belgrave family or staff.

            Another reminder to me why I couldn’t stay with David. Beyond the mistress issue soon. The bride’s identity made it imperative I leave sooner. My father’s death changed everything. I must leave tonight. How could I explain this to David? How could I explain David to Mr. Edwards? I couldn’t.

       When a tear fell on my phone’s screen, I realized I was crying. I wiped my face and returned to the club. I didn’t hide my tears, because I couldn’t, and I didn’t care. Another drink for courage before I do what I must. It’s my only option. I couldn’t stay for too many reasons. Seeing David with another woman it’s unbearable. But Sabrina? Once she discovered me as his mistress, my life would hold no value. She’ll kill me. Yes, kill me.

            Sitting down, David didn’t notice me for long moments. “Who was that, Maria? You know I don’t like you talking to your friends when you’re with me. I pay for your time, so please don’t waste it on people like that. If that happens again, I’ll have to punish you.” These men ignored me, focusing on talking about his new fiancée. This evening was unrelated to me. I’ve no reason to be here, except to remember I’m worthless. Yet, I couldn’t take a call telling me my father died. The irony wasn’t lost. I laughed into my champagne and shook my head. David frowned in annoyance, because he didn’t see my reality. He preferred his fiction. He paid me to be whatever he wanted, a nobody he picked up in a club. My past and future, my identity, I wasn’t real to him. If I wasn’t beside him, I didn’t exist.

            Another flute of champagne poured from the bottle. I found I’d emptied the bottle. David paid me to cater to him, not the reverse. Let David order another bottle after I’m gone. I took a sip from the flute. Okay, I drank half of it in one shot, and I didn’t taste it. “So, Sabrina Vines. That’s who you’re marrying.”

            “Maria? What’s your problem? Do I sense an attitude?” David frowned, unhappy with what I’d said. I could see his irritation bubbling up now. By the time I finished this glass, he wouldn’t have to handle my attitude. “No, I’m marrying Sabrina Belgrave. She is Edgar Belgrave’s daughter, the man we’ve been discussing all night. Haven’t you been keeping up? I’ve said this already.” He corrected me, so he looked perfect. I looked like the barefoot bumpkin he’d squandered money on to dress up.

            Of course, I’d been keeping up with everything, that’s why I’m bored. As part of their high-profile family, remaining unaware of their activities was difficult. I struggle to withhold my confession about what I knew from David. No, I could say nothing to him. I am in pain and if I shared too much with him it could only make things worse.

            “I’ll correct you on this one David. Sabrina is the stepdaughter of Edgar Belgrave, not his biological daughter. Whoever told you she’d give you the company lied. I wish you luck in breaking that contract. But I signed on to be a kept girlfriend, not a mistress. I don’t mess around with married men and their families it’s too messy. So, as much as it pains me, I’m using the escape clause we agreed upon. I can no longer do this. Have a good evening. I’ll be out of the condo as soon as I can. Goodbye David. Enjoy your life. I’ll miss you.” I said to David. It hurt. Trying to make it sound like it didn’t make it worse for me. He stared at me, shocked surprise spread on his face, as if my words were unexpected. I closed his mouth with one of my well-manicured fingernails under his chin because he appeared to have forgotten to close it himself. I picked up my clutch from the table; stood up straight and left the club. It brought me a sense of liberation. It would have, if I hadn’t struggled to not stumble when leaving. Between the champagne, the pain, and the tears, I was doing my best.

            This proved David saw our relationship as nothing but a contract. I think I heard him call out from behind me. He could find someone to replace me. I’m sure he could. In case I heard wrong, I won’t respond and look crazy.

            David didn’t stop me from leaving. He didn’t try. Nor did he follow. He didn’t threaten or use intimidation. David didn’t shout. He didn’t care.