Andrea's diary wasn't something I wanted to read. It was a private property that belonged to her and besides a diary was something known to keep secrets you couldn't tell anyone, the one place where you are allowed to spill yours secrets without fear of judgment and consequences. Diaries were dangerous things in my opinion. They exposed too much, left you open, vulnerable and there was a high chance of it ending up in the wrong hands, much like this one I found.
Though Andrea kept it hidden very well. I wouldn't have found it if I hadn't woken up one midnight and try to move one of her frames, the big one I felt was constantly giving me judgmental looks. As I grabbed it, I discovered a small compartment behind it and inside it was a shoe box. Wondering why a shoe box was inside it, I opened the box only to meet a worn leather bound book, its cover faintly etched with an "A" at the bottom. For Andrea. I was a lot confused about my own identity and technically it does belong to me, so I read it.
And honestly, I kind of wish I hadn't but I had to settle this once and for all! I thought to myself as we pulled up to the restaurant where I knew a special guest awaited us.
Grayson who hadn't spoken a word since the very beginning, turned to look at me with raised eyebrows. "And what exactly are we doing here?"
"Follow me and you will see." I answered my hand already on the door handle. The anticipation was crawling under my skin, but as I moved to step out, Grayson's hand shot out grabbing me by the wrist.
"I understand you eating breakfast with your outfit," He said, eyes sweeping over me with clear disapproval, "But do you really want to go outside in this?"
I yanked my hand away from his, "I appreciate your concern_" I don't! "But I happen to feel very comfortable and normal in this outfit. Now will you please follow me, it's improper to keep our guest waiting."
Without waiting for his response, I stepped out of the car. I was well aware of the stares that followed me and Grayson's confused glare as he climbed out after me. But I didn't care, I had something heavier on my mind.
As we entered the restaurant, the manager was there to greet us with warm smiles as I had been the one to make the reservations. The manager arched a brow up at my outfit but wisely kept her mouth shut and instead proceeded to lead us to the private dining room in the back.
Grayson trailed behind me, playing the role of a dutiful wife. But as soon as we reached the table, I felt my own confidence waver. There seated at the table, was the woman whose name I'd only ever read in Andrea's careful, private handwriting and pictures I found through severe stalking on social media.
Damn, she was a lot prettier in real life! I muse as I took in the sight of the woman before me. Her long, silky brown hair fell in gentle waves over her shoulders catching the ambient tight and adding a touch of warmth to her appearance. She had a heart shaped face accentuated by high cheekbones that framed her inviting smile.
"Andrea!" She breathed out as she stood up from her seat and suddenly I wished I had listened to everyone and look more presentable.
She wore a low cut out black dress that was both elegant and alluring, the fabric draping gracefully over her figure while subtly highlighting her curves. The neckline added a touch of sophistication, revealing just enough to be intriguing without crossing into overtly bold territory.
Now I was no Jane Doe, but I can finally see what Grayson saw in her. I recovered first and turned to look at the manager.
"Thank you, we will like not to be disturbed please."
The manager nodded her head at me, "Of course Mrs Carter."
After the manager left, I approached the table lowering myself to my seat. It was only when I sat down did I realize I was alone. Turning around, I saw Grayson still standing there, staring at the woman he once loved, my best friend Brianna with a pained expression on his face.
For a brief moment, I saw how vulnerable he was and I almost felt bad for setting up this meeting, almost! I cleared my throat, drawing his attention back to me. I saw a shadow fall on his face as he stared at me. Jaw clenched shut, Grayson walked towards me and took his seat beside me.
"Hi, it's really great to see you both!" Brianna said, her gaze trying so hard not to go to Grayson but she was failing miserably. She caught me looking at her and averted her gaze quickly, "So how have you been?"
I'm pretty sure the question wasn't directed at me but I answered anyway. "Miserable, no thanks to you."
Brianna frowned at the same time Grayson turned to look at me, "What the hell do you think you are doing?" He hissed at me.
I leaned back unfazed by the sharpness in his eyes. He could seethe all he wants but this was something that needs to be addressed here and right now. "Let's skip the pleasantries and please do not act all excited to see me when in reality the only one you are pleased to see is my husband."
"What are you talking abou_"
"I know you guys have been texting each other," She opened her mouth, probably ready to offer some flimsy excuse but I held up a hand silencing her before she could even start. "I am also quite he spent most of his time with you during our honeymoon on the paparazzi attack that happened."
A flicker of something passed over her face, fear perhaps or was it regret? I didn't care which one though as long, as it brought her to honesty.
Grayson's gaze bored into me. "You shouldn't have brought her into this, you are mad at me I get it, so face me not her."
A scoff escaped my lips, "Look at you, still trying to protect her. Do you really have no idea what she did or are you just plain stupid?"
"Andrea!" Brianna gasped aloud as she clutched her chest.
Grayson's nostril's flared in anger, a warning coursing through the air between us. "Watch that mouth of yours."
"Are you going to tell him or should I?" My gaze turned to Brianna who was busy watching us.
Brianna shook her head at him, "You know I was really excited when you texted and reached out to me for the first time since the_"
Her gaze landed on the diamond ring on my finger before she continued, "event that happened, I thought you had come to reconcile but apparently I was wrong. Now if you will excuse me, I've got things to do." She said grabbing her purse about standing but I wasn't allowing that.
"Sit down!" I said, tone low and threatening.
Brianna arched a brow up at me, looking to Grayson for help but Grayson wasn't in charge here, I am. "Sit and I'm not going to repeat myself."
With a scoff Brianna lowered herself to her seat as she flipped her hair in annoyance. Looking at her now, I see the appeal. It's pretty easy for her to pass a sweet kindhearted loving person instead of the two faced bitch she actually is.
"Andrea, what's going on?" Grayson asked and this time I could detect a hint of curiosity in his tone.
I drew in a deep breath and turned to look at him, "Why did you think I got married to you?"
"Cause you are an obsessed bitch who wants whatever I want even though you have everything. It's just never enough for you so you decided to take the only last happiness I have!" Brianna hissed at me.
Great, at least now she is showing her true colors! I thought to myself as Grayson turned to look at her, he placed a hand on hers, an attempt to calm her down. For some reason, it settled on me the wrong way but I pushed that feelings aside.
"Grayson?" I called him drawing his attention back to me.
Grayson stared at me his gaze hard and expectant, while I waited for his response. "I don't know, Andrea," He finally said, his voice cold. "You always got whatever you wanted with no questions asked!"
The words hit me, unexpected and sharp. They weren't harsh or anything but somehow, his quiet bitterness stung more.
What the hell was wrong with me?
Blinking back the hurt I felt, I cleared my throat. "Well I did it to save you contrary to whatever misconceptions you had about me."
Brianna scoffed at the same time Grayson asked, "Save me?"
Turning my gaze to Brianna, I asked her. "Will you tell him the real truth or shall I?"
For the briefest moment, her bravado faltered. I could see the fear behind her eyes but she masked it with a smirk, forcing herself to hold her ground.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." She answered with a casual shrug.
Fine if that's the way it is. "She's having an affair with your brother!" I announced.
No one moved or said anything which prompted me to continue, "She's having affair with Donovan, and things got out of hand when she got pregnant for him. She didn't want to terminate the pregnancy but she didn't want to lose you either."
"What the fuck are you talking about?" Grayson asked his tone dangerously calm.
"Ever wondered why Brianna has been hinting about marriage talks with you and Donovan suddenly supports the two of you relationship, even pushing you to propose?" I asked while Grayson frowned at me in confusion, "Well it's because they came up with a plan. Once married Brianna will reveal her pregnancy and make you think it's yours." I said.
"What the fuck?" Brianna breathed as she stared at me, disbelief coloring her features. "Grayson tell me you do not believe that?"
I scoffed with a roll of my eyes, "Still going to deny it are you?"
"Shut up!" Grayson suddenly said and I turned to look at him.
My mouth opened slightly as I stared at him at the way he was clenching his fists, his jaw set so tightly I thought he might break a tooth. No, this wasn't just anger, this was pure fury and it was all directed at me. He didn't believe me!
"Grayson, I_"
"I can't really believe you are going to sink this low!" He interrupted, his voice a harsh accusation that seemed to tear the air between us. "I mean I get that you are used to getting what you want but you being this level of obsessed that you are willing to spin a story about my own brother is just fucking sick, you are sick!" Grayson said his voice filled with hatred as he glared at me.
A snort escaped me, this would have hurt me badly if I was actually in love with him. You sure know how to pick 'em Andrea! I muse before I grabbed my purse and fished for the diary that was buried inside. Opening the diary, I pulled out the photographs tucked between the pages and flung them onto the table, watching as they fluttered to a stop like discarded leaves.
"I don't know what this woman sees in you that she decided to marry you or was willing to go through this length just to save your ass but if it was me, I would have looked the way and watch your life be ruined. God knows I love it when the rich have a good scandal!" I say as I stood up while shouldering my purse, "Oh and before you talk about how obsessed and sick I am, you need to understand something. I didn't ask for this, I am just trying to survive by pretending to be someone else and obsessed with you? I would never date someone like you even if I was being offered a million dollars and I would rather die than get married to you, heaven knows I did it one time!"
Grayson opened his mouth to respond but I was already leaving the restaurant. On my way, I met some waiters and waitress who were busy carrying food to our table but I spared them no look as I exited the place. I met Phil our driver already waiting for me outside the car, he raised a brow probably wondering why I walking out alone but I just gave him a weary smile.
"Where to next miss?" Phil asked me.
After what happened right now, I just needed some time alone to myself, without all the drama. "Anywhere that isn't home."