Billionaire's Accidental Wife novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Dear Diary,

To say that I was surprised by my officemate’s observations is an understatement. I ended up denying everything. What can I do? How do I tell them that the CEO is indeed my boss? Of course not.

The next morning, I was awakened by the sound of my alarm clock. On the digital screen, the bright red number 6:00 blink. I sit up in bed and take in my surroundings. Outside, it is mostly dark, with only a few rays of sun filtering into my bedroom. Along with the gentle swishing of the trees, I hear the birds whistling and am reminded of Kenya. I close my eyes and immediately see snapshots of my kids. They’re bright, smiling faces playing under a clear blue sky. A loud knock on my door forces me out of my nostalgia. “Miss Chelsea. Your breakfast is waiting for you in the dining hall. The driver is on standby to take you into the city,” Marcel says warmly. Ah, yes. Today will be another day at the office. The realisation hits me like a ton of bricks and I slump down lazily under my covers to avoid my reality for a bit longer. Clearly, my defiance towards Dave was child’s play to him. He knew I would take the job.

“Okay, Marcel. Thank you,” I sing out, my voice slightly muffled from being halfway under the comforter. I have no choice but to get my butt into gear. My breakfast is ready; my ride is already here and in true Brown-style I am sure another outfit is primed and pressed for me in my walk-in wardrobe.

I make my way sluggishly towards the bathroom, where I enjoy a hot shower. Feeling somewhat rejuvenated, I slip on my fluffy white robe and make my way toward the wardrobe. I open the white double doors slowly and my jaw drops to the floor in astonishment. It is decked with all new work clothes, designer heels, and accessories, All my old clothes from Kenya have been pushed to the side and I feel like I have just stepped into a fancy Beverley Hills boutique.

Yes, I anticipated a few brand new outfits for work. But all this? Dave has clearly outdone himself.

My initial shock finally disperses and I grab a few items and the same red heels I wore yesterday. By the time I am dressed and ready to head downstairs, I look in the mirror and see another transformed girl staring back at me. She is much different from the girl who spent a year volunteering in Kenya. This girl is wearing makeup, high heels, and tighter clothes, yet she is confident, sassy, and opinionated. She is back to herself. I do have to admit, I kind of like her. I missed her.

Exiting my room, I head down the hallway and stop at the top of the stairs. I look down and see my sister, who I have not seen in what feels like forever.

apter 27

“Chelsea, sweetheart. You look divine! Sebastian told me the good news about you accepting the PA position. Come, let’s have breakfast together.” She smiles gleefully at me and squeezes her hands together in delight. Unfortunately, I do not share her excitement and find her over the-top, high-pitched tone annoying. I make my way down the stairs, tightly gripping the rails so I do not trip on my heels. In the dining room, I am greeted by the same lavish spread as the day before. I am no longer shocked by all the gourmet food, but I still find it unnecessary. In Kenya, a hot meal was considered a luxury.

“Oh, Marcel, you know I like my coffee hot. This one is lukewarm. And please make sure my toast is gluten-free and that you take the yolk out of my eggs before you make my omelette,” Christie states with a biting tone, already in her seat.

She smiles at me as Marcel leaves the room to fulfil her request. I am not impressed by it. “So, Chelsea. Tell me how yesterday went? Are you excited to become a Brown team member?” Oh, goodness. She sounds just like Dave. “No,” I say dryly. She glares at me with disbelief. “Chelsea, you think I haven’t noticed your unbecoming attitude since you got here? What’s gotten into you? It’s not like you to be acting this way. Sebastian has been so good to us and I am appalled at the way you have been treating both him and Dave.”

My eyes narrow in on her, anger and frustration welling up in me. My chest rises and falls slowly as I gear up to fire back at her.

“Good to us? We were not destitute and homeless, Christie! And how dare you talk to me about change? Since when did you become a stuck-up debutante that only eats gluten-free bread and has a chauffeur? Was our life before not good enough for you? Since when is shopping your only hobby, and since when do you have the audacity to command others? Do me a favour….remove that stick from up your ass and get a grip on reality because, in case you haven’t noticed, you don’t seem like a nice person anymore.” I pause to take a quick breath.

“I don’t know what Sebastian’s interest in you is, but he’s from money, and in my experience, people like that always have specific reasons for why they choose to keep others around. I bet he doesn’t even care about you that much. You’re a trophy wife to him, Christie. Nothing more.

Although I am completely aware that my statements must sting like a hot poker, I cannot apologise for them.

Christie’s eyes swell with tears, and in one swift motion, she rises from the table and dashes out of the room.

A surge of distress comes over me. I have never spoken to her like that in my whole life. For years, we have had a close bond. She has always been my best friend and confidant. But now when I look into her eyes, an outsider looks back at me.

“Miss Chelsea.” I look around quickly to find Marcel not too far away.

“Yes, Marcel?” I ask, my voice trembling. “May I take you out to the car?”

“No, thank you, Marcel. I’ll go by myself in a few minutes,” I say with a slight smile.

Here I am in a ball of misery and in a couple of hours, I will be face to face with Dave again. It is not exactly the kind of day I am looking forward to. As I re-enter the luxurious SUV and the driver begins to drive away from the mansion, I can’t help but contemplate my actions earlier. It is heartbreaking to see my sister so distraught. But am I sorry for hurting her?