Two Can Play (Celeste and Dominic) novel Chapter 393

His gaze lingered on her as he continued. "A woman should have a career. It is very important in life. I mean, look at Pat. At her age, she is successful. She is a boss. She has a lot of money. She is not lacking for anything. Even Pat's best friend, Celeste, the one who was present when the five billion was invested into Helix, she also went to school. She made a name for herself. Look at what she and Pat are accomplishing. That is how a woman should be. That is how much a woman should be passionate about having her own career. If a woman does not go to school, does not have a job, what exactly is she doing with her life?"

Kingsley was saying all of this deliberately. I was sure of it now. Could it be that he already understood how my family treated me? Did someone tell him about it? Celeste was not such a talkative person. I decided I would have to ask her when I left here.

Vivian could not take it anymore. She got up and excused herself, saying she was going to the restroom.

The moment she left, my mother began to act so sweet it made my stomach turn. She picked up a plate and began scooping food onto it. "You look so malnourished, Pat. Come and eat."

Something about the act made me feel even more sick. I did not know if it was the food getting to me, or the pretense I could no longer put up with, but I got up as well. "I need to use the restroom."

I walked quickly, and the moment the door closed behind me, I ran to the toilet and threw up. I washed myself, breathing hard, and when I came out, Vivian was waiting for me at the door.

"I know what you did today." Her voice was low and mocking. "All of that was just to make a comeback, right?"

I stared at her.

"No matter how much you try to act like you are better than me, you will never have what I have." She stepped closer, her smile sharp as glass. "Of course, you could go to school. You could bring a man like Kingsley to show up. But everyone knows that engagement is not marriage.

I know for a fact that all of this is just for show, just to deceive our parents. And all those gifts, they mean nothing. What matters is having a stable family. That is something I have. I have a husband. I have children. But look at you, Pat. You let yourself go. You are old already. And there is a possibility you will never become a mother in this life. You can never measure up to me, Pat, no matter how much education you acquire."

I smiled. Then I covered my mouth as though I was about to throw up.

I took a few more minutes to calm myself before I went back.

The moment I walked into the room and headed for my seat, Vivian's voice rang out, loud and clear.

"Mom, has Pat told you that she is pregnant?"

There was silence.

Every pair of eyes swung to me. I stood frozen by my chair, the ring on my finger suddenly heavy, the secret ripped open for the whole table to feast on. Vivian smiled at me from across the room, sweet and venomous.