FATE - The Billionaire's Love Triangle

CHAPTER TEN - CONFRONTATION

REBECCA: The air in the upscale restaurant crackled with unspoken animosity. Victoria’s smile, usually so radiant, seemed strained as she delicately dabbed at the corner of her mouth with a linen napkin. Across the table, my usually playful expression was tight, and my eyes narrowed. The clinking of silverware and the murmur of other diners did little to mask the tension that hung heavy between them.

Victoria. I thought, my nails digging into the tablecloth. So sweet, so innocent. Always batting those long eyelashes at Jacob, hanging on his every word. As if she’s some fragile flower that needs constant attention. I had tried to be polite, to accept Victoria into their social circle. But the constant saccharine sweetness, the way Victoria seemed to always position herself just a little too close to Jacob, was starting to grate on her nerves.

“You know, Victoria,” I began, my voice deceptively light, “Jacob has been working so hard lately. He’s practically glued to his phone.”

Victoria’s smile faltered for just a fraction of a second, but it was enough for me to see. “Yes, he mentioned something about a big deal,” Victoria replied, her voice smooth as silk. “He’s so dedicated. It’s truly admirable.”

“Dedicated?” I scoffed inwardly. “Or just obsessed with the company, like his brother.” I took a sip of my wine, the ruby liquid swirling in the glass. “He barely has time for anything else these days,” I murmured, my eyes fixed on Victoria’s.

Victoria’s perfectly manicured eyebrows arched slightly. “Well, business is important,” she said, her tone just a shade too sharp. “Especially for someone like Jacob, with so much responsibility.”

“Responsibility?” my grip tightened around the wine glass. She’s acting like she already owns him. A wave of anger, hot and sharp, washed over me. I’d had enough of the subtle digs, the veiled insinuations.

“Responsibility is one thing,” I countered, my voice dropping to a near whisper. “But neglecting the people who care about you… that’s quite another.”

Victoria’s eyes flashed, the sweetness replaced by a flicker of something colder, harder. “And who are you to judge, Rebecca?” she hissed, her voice low and dangerous. “You’ve been with Jacob for how long? I wonder what you guys are doing together. And he still hasn’t put a ring on it. Or is it because you screw his brother too?”

The words hit me like a slap. My breath caught in my throat. Victoria had crossed a line. This wasn’t just about Jacob anymore. It was a direct attack, a challenge.

How dare she? I thought, my mind racing. The heat in my cheeks rose rapidly, my pulse pounding in my ears. I wasn’t going to let Victoria get away with this.

“At least I don’t have to try so hard,” I retorted, my voice trembling slightly. “I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not to get his attention.”

Victoria’s lips curled into a sneer. “Oh, please,” she scoffed. “You’re just jealous.”

“Jealous?” I laughed, the sound brittle and sharp. “Of what? Your fake sweetness? Your desperate attempts to snag him before I do?”

The air between us crackled with tension. The other diners seemed to fade into the background, our conversations a muffled hum. Victoria and I were locked in a silent battle, our eyes locked, each daring the other to blink first. The waiter approached, asking if everything was alright. Neither woman answered, their gaze unwavering. The waiter, sensing the tension, quietly backed away. The war had begun.