Bianca’s POV.
Sitting in my dressing room, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Beneath the glamorous facade–perfect makeup, styled hair, and a closet full of designer clothes–I felt bitterness bubbling up inside me like a storm. I’d clawed my way back to my career, lied my way out of jail, and smiled my way through every question. But for what? Everything I’d done to keep Alexander away from her–Christiana–felt like it was slipping through my fingers.
The door creaked open, and in walked Vivian, my closest friend and the only one who knew the lengths I’d gone to. She closed the door behind her, casting me a sympathetic look as she adjusted her oversized sunglasses and crossed her arms. “Bianca, you’re pushing it,” she said in a low, urgent voice, leaning against the wall. “People are starting to talk, and you know how risky that is.”
I let out a bitter laugh, tossing my brush onto the vanity. “I don’t care about people talking, Viv. Alexander is back with her.” My voice cracked, and I clenched my fists, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “I did everything to get her out of the way, but somehow she keeps coming back.”
Vivian sighed, stepping closer and placing a hand on my shoulder. “You need to let this go, Bianca. You’re Bianca Monroe Lewis–the Bianca Monroe Lewis. You have everything. Don’t let her ruin what you’ve built.”
I jerked my shoulder, shrugging her off. “What I’ve built?” I scoffed, narrowing my eyes at her. “Alexander was supposed to be mine, Vivian. Mine. I’ve waited, played the game, done everything right.” I could feel my hands trembling as I gripped the edge of the vanity. “Christiana had her chance and she blew it. But for some reason, she still has him wrapped around her finger.”
Vivian hesitated, her face a mixture of worry and sympathy. “Look, I know how much he means to you. But if anyone catches wind of… you know… the lengths you went to…” She trailed off, glancing around the room as if even the walls might betray us.
“Nobody will catch wind of anything,” I snapped. “Do you think I’d let that happen?” I leaned forward, staring at her hard. “Margaret Alistair knows what I’m capable of. She knows I’m the only one ruthless enough to handle that woman.” I smirked, my confidence creeping back. “Why do you think she helped me get out of that mess?”
Vivian shifted uncomfortably. “Yes, but Margaret wanted you to lay low. You’re a celebrity, Bianca. Any misstep, and the press will have a field day. You need to be careful. Or Margaret will cut you off the minute she thinks you’re a liability.”
“Let her try,” I muttered, venom lacing my voice. “She’ll regret it if she does. I’ve come too far to let Christiana waltz back into his life and take what’s mine.”
Vivian looked at me, worry etched across her face. “Bianca, you’re not thinking straight. You have to be careful.”
“Careful?” I let out a humorless laugh. “I’ve been careful for too long. I won’t sit back and watch her take him from me. I’m done playing nice, Viv.” I met her gaze, my eyes flashing with determination. “Alexander will see that I’m the only one for him. And when he does, Christiana won’t have a place in his life anymore.”
Vivian stared at me, silent. I could tell she wanted to say something, but she swallowed the words, probably fearing that any argument would push me even further. I didn’t care. The wheels were already in motion, and nothing–no one–was going to stand in my way.
I’d always known how to play the game.
Looking in the mirror, I saw the face I had carefully crafted over the years: flawless, untouchable. Yet, behind the impeccable makeup, beneath the poised exterior, there was one undeniable truth–Alexander was slipping away. Despite everything I’d done to cut Christiana out of his life, she was back, worming her way into his heart, their children somehow drawing them evén closer together.
But I was not one to accept defeat. No, there were still cards left to play.
1/2
09:28 Wed, Nov 6 BB
Chapter 122
98%
I leaned back, letting my fingers drum rhythmically on the polished vanity in my dressing room, the soft click of my nails against the wood punctuating each dangerous thought. Alex had always believed in me, trusted me. And that faith was something I could use again–if I played this carefully.
+5
With a steadying breath, I whispered to my reflection, “If Christiana wants a war, she’ll get one. And this time, it won’t be as easy as prying me out of his life.”
I’d pull her image down bit by bit, slowly enough that Alex wouldn’t see it coming until it was too late. She thought her reunion with him and their picture–perfect family would last? Not a chance. I could already see it: quiet whispers of her supposed instability, hints that she wasn’t fit to be around him or the children, planted just subtly enough. I’d sew every doubt in his mind until he saw her as I did–someone unhinged, someone who couldn’t be trusted.
Vivian’s warnings echoed in my mind, but I ignored them. She might call me reckless, but she didn’t understand. This wasn’t about anger–it was about reclaiming what was rightfully mine.
“Alexander deserves better than her,” I muttered darkly, my voice barely audible, filled with bitterness. “He deserves someone who understands him, who’s loyal. Not a woman who’s walked away from him and left him heartbroken.”
And the kids? Well, I’d give them a reputation to match. They were a constant reminder of Christiana’s presence in his life, but in the right light, they could become… collateral. I’d show the world a version of them that matched Christiana’s “unfit” image. I could see it now–innocent, small rumors that would plant seeds in the minds of the people around them. Christiana’s picture–perfect life would unravel slowly, bit by bit, until she had nowhere to turn but Alex, who’d be convinced she’d lost her grip.
And I’d be there, waiting for him with open arms, promising him peace, normalcy, stability.
My smile grew, soft and dangerous. There was a thrill in this, a satisfaction that tingled through me at the thought of watching her empire crumble. I could already feel the moment I’d replace her, every bit of bitterness and jealousy I’d felt disappearing as I took my rightful place beside Alexander.
“Just a matter of time,” I whispered to myself, standing up from the vanity, my smile growing more calculated, more determined. I could see my path forward, and this time, I wouldn’t stumble.