Her Perfect Revenge

by Anna Mara

  Christina had dressed in an elegant, cream-colored sleeveless long gown that emphasized her sexy, curvy body. Her hair was up and her makeup was perfect, and she looked every inch the happy, beautiful bride-to-be.

  She was wearing the diamond necklace Bill had given her along with her diamond engagement ring and one karat diamond stud earrings, which her sweetie had surprised her with earlier in the week.

  Christina looked old money chic, perfectly suited to her new position as lady of the manor and wife to one of the richest men in the country.

  It was almost 7 p.m. and dinner was to be served at 8 p.m. Strangely, both William and Bill had still not arrived home from the office, and Christina was left to greet her parents and Maddie by herself.

  Gabriella, Nunzio, Maddie and Christina were all sitting in the salon having pre-dinner drinks. Christina was slightly embarrassed by William and Bill's absence.

  "They should be here soon. They're probably delayed at the office. I left messages for both of them," she explained, as she sipped her drink.

  Maddie patted her hand. "Don't worry, dear. William probably got tied up in some silly meeting and Bill is probably stuck in traffic. Those two are never on time for anything, believe me, I know."

  Christina smiled. Maddie was such a nice person and Christina felt very lucky to have her as a mother-in-law.

  Gabriella came to sit beside her daughter on the couch and put a comforting arm around her. "My darling, you're learning the hard way that husbands are undependable and unreliable." She turned to Nunzio who was sitting across the room and gave him a dirty look.

  "Hey!" Nunzio retorted. "What are you looking at me for? I was here on time."

  Christina chuckled to herself. Her parents had always been like this and they were never going to change.

  Suddenly, she frowned. But where were Bill and William? Bill had promised her that he would be here when her parents and his mom arrived—and William should have shown up on time if only not to give Maddie any new ammunition to use against him.

  Oh, where were they?

  * * *

  Earlier that afternoon, Bill had been in his office when his secretary, Julie came in carrying a gift-wrapped box with a big bow on it.

  "This just came for you, sir. It looks like a wedding present," she announced as she placed it on his desk.

  "Thanks, Julie," Bill replied and she left.

  The box had a gift card on top with his name written on the envelope. He opened it. The only words on the card were

  'You're welcome.' That was odd. What did that mean? And who had sent this gift? There was no name anywhere on the card or the box. Bill tore the wrapping off and opened it.

  Underneath layers and layers of tissue paper, was a black, hardcover book. Curious, he started flipping its pages. It was a handwritten journal of some kind that—wait! He, suddenly, recognized the handwriting. That was Christina's scrawl. She had written this—but what was this all about? Was this some sort of secret wedding surprise that his darling had sent for him?

  Smiling to himself, Bill sat down at his desk and began to read. But his smile quickly faded as he began to learn the truth—about who Christina Matteo really was—and what she had planned for him. His heart sank as every word he read speared another arrow into his soul. He forced himself to read every single word—and he felt such pain—pain like he'd never felt before.

  Everything had been a lie.

  Everything!

  She had been a lie and her love for him had been a lie.

  She had gotten her revenge because she had indeed destroyed him.

  And in that moment, after he had turned the last page, Bill felt his whole world collapse around him.

  * * *

  William was at his desk engrossed in financial reports when he glanced at his watch. Damn! He was going to be late for the dinner party and that blasted ex-wife of his would definitely lord it over him. Well, a few more minutes wouldn't make much difference.

  It was then that he spotted the large manila envelope marked 'Private & Personal' near his telephone. Reaching for it, he ripped it open. Inside, were 8-1/2" x 11" colored photographs, along with a note. The note had cut-out and pasted magazine letters on it and it spelled the words, 'Every Caesar Has His Brutus – Look To The Son.'

  Annoyed, William made a face. What the hell was this?

  He checked the envelope but there was no return address on it. His intuition went into overdrive. This didn't look right. He scanned the photographs.

  Suddenly, he recognized his son who was shaking hands and socializing with a bunch of people whom William didn't know. And then he recognized Bill's friend, Jake but he was in a wheelchair? What the hell had happened to him? He hadn't seen Jake in over a year and a half since he never came to the house anymore. William placed the pictures under his table lamp and took a closer look.

  Suddenly, he gasped. He knew these people. They were those goddamn GME hippies that had been protesting outside his offices for almost two months now! This slimy, rotten bunch had been responsible for his company's share prices falling but what were Bill and Jake doing fraternizing with them?

  William studied the pasted note again.

  'Every Caesar Has A Brutus – Look To The Son.'

  And, suddenly, he knew! His son—his own flesh and blood—had betrayed him! Bill had stabbed his own father in the back. And not only was he a member of GME but in all probability was financing their operation!

  Just look at this rowdy, dirty bunch. They wouldn't have enough money between them to buy a packet of gum let alone finance a clever, well-oiled machine like the Guardians of Mother Earth.

  No, his son was behind them and was giving them his, William's hard-earned money—and was also probably giving them insider secrets on the machinations of Fido Foods and Samco Oil. That's how they'd managed to keep one step ahead of William at all times! That's how they'd done it!

  It was the first time in William's life he felt like truly crying. But he didn't. His rage put a stop to that.

  Chapter 62

  Christina, Maddie, Gabriella and Nunzio were all still sitting in the salon having drinks when Bill arrived at half past 7. He walked in and he had Christina's journal tucked under his arm. He smiled for the benefit of his guests but refused to look at Christina.

  "Sorry I'm late; the traffic was brutal," he explained, as he walked towards Maddie.

  "See, I told you," Maddie directed the comment at Christina before accepting the peck on the cheek from her son.

  "Hey, mom," he said. Then he turned to Christina's parents and kissed Gabriella on the cheek and shook Nunzio's hands. "I hope you've been making yourselves at home, Mr. & Mrs. Matteo. Has Christina been taking good care of you?"

  He turned to her then and she was smiling at him. His heart skipped a beat. God—she looked beautiful tonight—every inch the Havenwood princess—but she didn't love him. She hated him. Those had been her very written words.

  And she was no princess. She was a she-devil bent on revenge and retribution. She had used every tool in her arsenal—her smiles, her words of love, her luscious body, sex—everything she had, to pull off her plan. And he, idiot that he was, had fallen for it—and fallen hard.

  And now he was in torment.

  Was it only a few hours ago that he had been the happiest he'd ever been in his life? And now, he was devastated. It had all been a lie—an illusion, a sham, a plan to destroy him—and it had destroyed him. This was his lowest point, even lower than when he'd hit rock bottom with his drinking.

  He pasted a phony smile for the benefit of his guests as he came towards Christina and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

  "Darling, you look lovely tonight," he said, before quickly stepping away from her.

  "Thank you," Christina replied but her smile, suddenly, slipped as she felt him emotionally pull away. There was something wrong with him tonight. Why hadn't he kissed her on the lips? And why were his eyes looking at her like that, with that f
rosty glare? Christina was so focused on Bill's face that she didn't even notice the book he was carrying under his arm.

  "May I speak to you privately, Christina?" Bill asked, staring at her as if her presence disgusted him.

  Worried, Christina put her drink down. "Yes, of course," she replied before turning to her guests and excusing herself.

  Bill put his hand under her elbow and steered her out of the room and into William's office.

  "Okay, tell me what's wrong," Christina asked, as Bill closed the door. He turned to her then and she almost gasped at the hate she saw reflected in his eyes.

  "I read a good book today, a real page turner," Bill sarcastically replied.

  He threw the book at her and she quickly caught it. She looked down at the black hardcover in her hands and knew before even opening the pages what it was. It was her journal, the one detailing her revenge plan for Bill Havenwood—and her loathing for him. She was stunned—and scared. Her breathing became shallow as fear coursed through her body.

  She looked up at him again and he was looking at her with cold eyes. "Where… where did you get this?" she whispered, barely getting the words out.

  "It came to my office today… anonymously; a wedding present."

  "But… this… it was in my apartment?" Confused, Christina shook her head.

  Bill left out a sarcastic half laugh. "So it is yours? You're admitting it?"

  Christina breached the gulf between them and put her hands on his arms. "Bill, just let me explain... this isn't…"

  He violently threw her hands off his body. "Don't touch me. You save all that for your next victim."

  "Please… you don't know everything…"

  "I know enough and what I know disgusts me. It makes me sick to my stomach at what you've done, the lengths you went to, to get your revenge on me. And you make me sick."

  "Bill, please, you don't mean that…" Christina pleaded.

  "I mean it." Anguish shone in his eyes as he glared at her. "My God, Christina, you had sex with me… for revenge? Why? So that I would feel the pain of losing you when you finally left me, is that it? You prostituted yourself because you hated me that much? What kind of a person are you?"

  "No… it's not like that. I love you…"

  "Stop it. Just stop the lying," he rasped. "You got what you wanted and it's over. Mission accomplished. The knife is in my gut and you've twisted it beautifully. I'm bleeding and I'm in pain; and I hope you're happy. I hope it was all worth it." The last words sounded shaky as Bill was at the point of losing it but his anger kept him in check.

  Christina looked at him. She saw he was hurting—and she saw that he hated her. She looked down at the book still in her hands and her hands started to shake. What could she say to him? It was all true. Everything in the damn book was true—or at least had been true a month ago. Now she loved him but she saw that he wasn't going to believe her. Her spine straightened and she resolved to act with dignity as she looked back up at him.

  "All I can say is, I'm sorry; but I do love you and I went to bed with you because I loved you and for no other reason."

  He laughed at that. "You're an accomplished liar, Christina. How can I believe anything you ever say to me again?"

  "It's the truth."

  "The truth? Come on… every word out of your mouth is a lie, not the truth." He laughed again then brazenly looked her up and down. "So you're the girl under the bleachers from high school? You turned out very well, I have to give you that."

  "So, you do remember me?"

  "Now I do. But I was so drunk back then that I never associated you with her."

  Christina stood her ground. "Why did you do what you did to me back then? Why me?"

  "Because I was a stupid, drunken, immature kid and I'd caught you staring at me a few times, so we picked you out to pull the prank on." Bill shook his head in disbelief. "Jake and I used to think we were the best at pulling pranks but you Christina… you're the master."

  "I'm sorry."

  "Save it!" he yelled back.

  Bill's anger started to hit the danger zone as he took a few involuntary steps towards her. God, she was so goddamn beautiful and he still wanted her—and that made him madder.

  He grabbed her arm and yanked her to him. "You're so beautiful… and ruthless," he gritted. "It's too bad it's over between us because you would have made a perfect Havenwood." His other hand began to caress her cheek. "No wonder my father liked you so much. He saw himself in you." He then savagely thrust her away from him and Christina stumbled back. "You disgust me."

  Christina was breathing rapidly now. "I love you."

  "Stop it. Just stop it," Bill shouted. "Just answer me one thing. The day of the car accident… were you really following me?"

  Christina lifted her head up. She wasn't going to cower in front of him and she was going to take her punishment proudly. Maybe somehow, she could make him believe that she truly loved him but it all had to start with the truth—and the time was now.

  "Yes," she admitted. "I recognized you when I was shooting the GME protesters outside your father's building and I wanted to get back at you for what you did to me in high school. I hated you and so I followed you."

  "Was hitting me with your car part of your plan too?"

  "No, that was an accident, and the rest, dragging me into your life to help you with your father, that was all you but I used it to my advantage."

  "I know you did and how! Clever girl! And were you really going to marry me? Maybe get your hands on some Havenwood cash before destroying me completely?"

  "I never wanted your damn money, only…" Christina stopped herself from saying the word.

  "Revenge. The word is revenge, Christina and you played it like a maestro." Suddenly, the cool façade evaporated and he put his hands in his hair in anguish. "My God… I loved you… I… loved… you… and now it's all gone."

  "Don't say that, please don't say that…" Suddenly, Christina's cool façade also dropped and tears started falling down her cheeks. "I'm sorry. I'm so… sorry. I didn't know who you really were deep down when I started all this. I thought I hated you but… I… I fell in love with you instead and I was wrong… so wrong… to have ever tried to get revenge on you. Please believe that… please…" She went to him then and tried putting her arms around him but he stepped back.

  He looked at her and his torment was clearly etched in his eyes. "It's over, Christina. We're over and I never want to see you again in my life."

  "Don't say that!" The tears fell faster down Christina's cheeks. "I… love you…"

  "And I don't love you. That's finished… and gone… and we're through," Bill choked out the words. They were the most difficult words he'd ever said in his life and they were a lie. He still loved her—madly, crazy, and hopelessly in love with her—but he was so angry with her that he refused to acknowledge those feelings.

  "No," Christina didn't want to believe it and she shook her head.

  "My love for you is dead… and you're dead to me!"

  "No, give me a chance. We can work this out…" Christina made a grab for his arm but he shrugged her off and started to walk to the door.

  Suddenly, they both heard William shouting in the foyer. "Where in hell is that bastard!" he yelled at the top of his lungs.

  The door of the office was thrown open and William came stalking in.

  "You!" he shouted at Bill. "It was all you!" He pointed an accusatory finger at his son.

  "What are you talking about?" Bill responded.

  "This!" William seethed as he threw Christina's manila envelope with the photos at Bill—as Bill had done earlier with the journal book to Christina.

  Bill caught the envelope and Christina, seeing what it was, audibly gasped. Bill turned to her and suddenly knew this was something that had to do with her. He slowly looked down at what was in his hands. It was a brown envelope addressed to William. Bill pulled out the photos and the pasted note. And he knew—he knew this was Christina's
handiwork and that it was she that had sent it to his father.

  William rounded on his son. "You… my own flesh and blood betrayed me. How could you do this to me? How?" he shouted at the top of his lungs.

  Bill looked at the photos and at the note with the pasted letters, and uttered a self-derisive laugh. He turned to Christina then and saw the shock etched on her face.

  "Brilliant move, Christina. I'm in awe of you. You've not only twisted the knife in my gut and in my heart, but one last stab and you've finished me off. You've destroyed me completely in every possible way that you could. Bravo."

  "Bill… please… that was never supposed to have been mailed out. Please, you've got to believe me…" Christina was now desperate. How had that gotten into William's hands?

  William was shouting at his son again. "What the hell has Christina got to do with your duplicity? You're the one who's betrayed me. You! My own son! Why, damn it, why?"

  Bill shouted back. "Because dad, you were destroying the environment and you didn't give a damn about any of it. You'll do anything for profit and that's not right. And somebody had to do something about it. Somebody had to teach you a lesson."

  "And that was you?"

  "Yes, that was me. What you were doing was wrong and I couldn't stand by and do nothing, not anymore."

  "I'm your father. You don't stand against me. Ever!"

  "You were never any kind of father to me. And I was always your property, not your son."

  "How dare you say that to me, after everything I did for you… everything I gave you… and this is how you repay me?"

  Christina came between the two, trying to put a stop to this.

  "William, please listen to me, Bill loves you…"

  Bill turned to her and yelled, "Christina, stay out this. You've done enough for one night, don't you think?"

  "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry… for everything," she whispered at him.