I couldn’t help but cry in front of my best friend, my shoulders were shaking in anger and despair. I was shaking my head while trying not to accept what just happened but Vivian embraced me with a warm embrace, “It’s okay…”
“No, it’s not, I can’t let this go…”
And she replied, “Of course. We need to make him pay…”
I wiped away my tears. She cupped my face, saying, "You shouldn't cry for that man! There are a lot of men in this world who are worth your time and beauty. So, do you want me to call my brother to have that stupid man beaten up?"
I shook my head, "No, not Jackson. He's mad at me—"
"Don't worry, he'll be happy to beat Arthur up if he finds out the truth." Vivian reassured me.
"I can't let your brother be involved in this…" I said, then added, "But we'll play Arthur’s game, but on our terms. We'll give him a taste of his own medicine."
A slow, dangerous smile crept across Vivian's face, "I like that…"
When we were back inside, I gasped. My stepmother walked in wearing a black nightgown. It looked expensive but out of place for a birthday celebration. She apologized to the guests, "I'm so sorry I'm late. Where's my stepdaughter?"