My ex-husband's nightmare - Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Gloria
Some days earlier.
I sat on the balcony with a glass of wine in my hand. By my side was Lydia, she was seated on the chair in front of me. Her glass of wine remained untouched.
"Have you thought about what I told you?" I asked.
She adjusted on the chair, her hair flying in the evening wind. She had just put Liam and Melanie to sleep.
"Mom, I know you want to help me, but I don't really think this is a good idea."
"It is a good idea," I paused and gauged her expression. I had told her about my intention to help her.
The first day I told her about it she had vehemently refused. But since that day I had kept the idea fresh in my mind, waiting for the perfect opportunity to bring it up again.
She reached for her drink. I watched her closely; her brows were slightly curled, and it hurt my heart to think this was a difficult decision for her.
"If this is about the twins, then you shouldn't worry; their nanny is doing a good job; I've been watching her,” I said.
Lydia shook her head, tucking some strands of hair behind her ear, "It's not about the twins," she said, settling her glass on the table.
She returned her gaze to the city which was in front of us. The city was brightened by the light from cars and headlights standing on each side of the road, creating a perfect sight on nights like this.
"I just don't want you to get hurt. You know what Victoria and Mason are capable of doing,” I nodded.
"Of course I know, but That doesn't stop me from wanting to help." a small smile began to find its way to my lips.
"In fact, I've thought of the perfect way,” I said.
She raised a brow, curiosity seeping into those orbs.
"I'll share them with you if you agree that I'll help you," she moved back into her seat, contemplating.
"Let's hear it first,” I was tired of going back and forth with her, so I agreed to tell her.
"Yesterday, after Mrs Naomi took the children out for a stroll, I felt bored and decided to go relieve myself; it has, after all, been very long."
Lydia listened with raspe attention as I spoke.
"I met Mrs. Everett."
"How did you know her?" Lydia asked, surprised.
"I am your mother; I have my ways. I know more than you think," I said with a sense of pride.
"It was really easy to become acquainted with her. She seemed so taken by my dress, you know, the one you got for me from Paris the last time she visited. " I didn't know the worth of that dress until I met her.
I can still remember the look of admiration in her eyes as she spoke to me. Telling me how she had been trying to get her hands on the dress, but the last had been sold.
"It is a very rare collection, one dress for each design, and the designer is well known; he only makes clothes once a year.” I related her words to Lydia.
I had no idea, but I simply played along.
She asked to meet frequently, saying that she had just returned to New York and had very few friends.
"But of what benefit would being friends with her bring? It would only lead to you spending so much money on shopping.”
She wasn't getting it, "You know she is close friends with Victoria," Lydia nodded, finally getting it.
"Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer."
"Yes," I smiled.
"What do you say? I make friends with both women, keep an eye on them, get good, and use info on them that you can easily use against them. What is more, we can still put their mind and attention towards anywhere we want it to."
"I didn't think of that, but you'll have to be careful. Victoria can be very smart."
And that's how I ended up here.
I wore a designer dress and accessories with a diamond necklace, earrings, and bracelet. From the moment Victoria stepped into the mall, her eyes were pinned on me.
The woman Mrs. Everett had come with. I held my head high, loving every beat of her curiosity
"You are finally here," Mrs. Everett said. She and Victoria hugged. a brief awkward hug,
when they pulled apart, she said, "Was around and thought it would be a good time to spend together." Mrs Everett said before introducing me.
"Meet my friend, Gloria."
As Victoria and I exchanged pleasantries, all I could think was that they used the term friends a bit too loosely.
I was not her friend, and I think it was very stupid to introduce me as her friend when this was the second time that we were meeting.
But I played along, keeping just enough smile to look harmless.
We walked around the mall together, picking things that may be of no use to us.
They may not be the most intelligent people I've walked with, but I could say that they had a good fashion sense.
But what do you expect from women who did nothing other than spend the money that was earned and presented to them on a platter of golf?
From what I've learnt about them, Mrs. Everett had no position in her husband's company. Her husband runs the company and he seems to be a very generous man. So her account never went dry.
"I think that will look good for you," Victoria said behind me as I traced my finger through a silver necklace.
"You think so?" I asked; although I didn't like it, it was not like my usual style.
"Yes," Victoria replied readily.
"Mam, would you love to try it on?" the sales girl, who was walking beside us, asked.
"Yes,"
I ended up buying the necklace.
We spent over two hours in the mall.
By the end, Victoria had warmed up to me and no longer threw me those curious and suspicious gaze.
"Julia doesn't like it when I buy things for her, but it gives me joy. I couldn't help it when I saw those heels," Mrs Everett said as we walked to our cars.
Some sales people were in front of us, taking our bags that were filled, to the cars.
"Oh, she sounds just like Zoe.”
They both looked at me. I realized I had to say something.
"My daughter likes it when I buy things for her. She would wear them all through," my voice grew sad, "Maybe it was because I didn't grow by my side; you know we were reunited recently."
"OH, I'm sorry to hear that."Mrs Everett said.
I smiled sadly; this part wasn't faked. “Thank you.”
If only I had been with Lydia from the beginning, then Victoria wouldn't have had the opportunity to treat her dirty.
“How about lunch together?” Victoria asked.
“That sounds fine to me.” I was first to speak, and Mrs Everett nodded.
We went in our different cars.
Victoria must have made a reservation on our way here because immediately we stepped into the restaurant, we were received by a waiter who wore a black shirt and trousers.
“I heard the food here is great.”
“This is where Julia and Mason came to have lunch.”
“How did you know?” We walked past some people.
“You know how Julia can be; whenever she is excited about something, she doesn't shut up about it.”
We were shown our table. " She must really like Mason a lot, then,” I chirped in.
“You bet.” Victoria said with a smile, “On the outside, this marriage between them is just business, but who knew they would fall in love with each other?” Victoria laughed, and Mrs Everett joined in.
“I still remember their first date. Julia wouldn't shut up about him. I believe it was love at first sight.”
At that moment, a waiter came in. I was grateful he took their attention for the time being.
He handed us a copy of the menu. When they left, we picked up and continued the conversation.
“It's so nice to see young ones in love. Especially when it's their first love.” It would be strange if I didn't engage in the conversation.
I tried to match their level of enthusiasm.
“I never got to experience that; I'm grateful my daughter did, although it's sadly not the same for Mason.”
The waiter returned with our orders and set them on the table. The conversation halted and continued when he left.
“Is Julia not Mason's first love?” I asked, sounding as curious as I could be.
“Mason was once married,”
“Oh!” I pressed my lips together in a thin line. “Did he divorce? Or a widower?” I covered my mouth with my hands, “sorry, I'm prying too much. You don't have to answer that.”
“It's fine.” She stated. “He is divorced, although it would have been better if he were widower. I'd have preferred that.”
Mrs. Everett placed her hand over Victoria's.
“I understand how you feel.” She gave it a light squeeze.
I clenched my fist under the table.
This bitch!