Chapter 4
Effie called her back almost immediately.
As soon as the call connected, Nita’s anxious voice came through. “Effie, are you okay? Why didn’t you answer earlier? Where are you?”-
“I’m fine, don’t worry. I’m at home,” Effie replied, trying to sound as casual as possible.
“That’s a relief. By the way, is everything alright between you and Mitchell? He just called me, sounding completely frantic, saying he couldn’t find you.” Nita’s tone was laced with suspicion.
Effie hesitated for a moment, then decided there was no point hiding the truth- Nita would find out sooner or later anyway. “Um… I need to tell you something, but you have to promise not to freak out.”
There was a beat of silence on Nita’s end, and then she replied, a hint of dread in her voice, “Okay, shoot. What happened?”
“I broke up with Mitchell. We’re done, and he’s got nothing to do with me
anymore. Oh, and he’s with Suzan now.” Effie said it calmly, finally able to face the situation without flinching.
“What? Did you just say that jerk Mitchell is with that witch Suzan?” Nita’s voice shot up an octave.
Effie had to pull the phone a little away from her ear.
Nita exploded, her words firing off rapid-fire, machine-gun style.
“That backstabbing witch! Seriously, are men so scarce that she has to go after her own so-called brother-in-law?”
“And Mitchell, what a dog! Even rabbits know better than to mess in their own burrow! He knew perfectly well you and Suzan hated each other, and he still went for her?”
“I knew the moment Suzan started working at E&M Group that she was up to something…”
“Babe, take it easy…” Effie couldn’t help but laugh, though her heart swelled with gratitude for having such a fiercely loyal friend. The knot in her chest eased a little.
“So what now? Are you really going to let those two walk away unscathed? Effie, come on you were the undisputed queen of our college! You could have any guy you wanted, and you wasted it on Mitchell-who, let’s be honest, is all looks and no substance. Not to mention, you practically built his career for him. And now he repays you like this?”
“And don’t even get me started on that bitch Suzan. Wasn’t she always trying to play the innocent little angel? You should tear off her mask and let everyone see her for what she really is—a man-stealing vixen, just like her mother!”
“And what, let everyone know I couldn’t keep my own boyfriend in check?” Effie sighed. “Honestly, I’ve made peace with it.”
“That’s letting them off way too easy!” Nita fumed.
“Oh, don’t worry. They tried to play me, but I’m not letting them get away with it. Besides, when one chapter ends, it just means a new one’s about to begin.”
Effie’s mind drifted to the upcoming jewelry design competition. Suzan was clearly itching to shine, and now it all made sense-Mitchell had been dropping hints about it the past few days. He probably wanted to turn his new girlfriend into the next big thing.
Winning that competition was the fastest way to get noticed, after all.
Tonight’s revelations were enough drama for anyone.
And as for her own engagement to Lyman, well, that was one bombshell she wasn’t ready to drop on Nita just yet.
“So, what’s your next move?” Nita pressed.
“I’m going to make sure they get what they deserve-and then I’m leaving the company for good,” Effie replied, already planning her escape from this mess.
“Good. I support you, no matter what. If you need anything, you know where to find me!” Nita said firmly.
It was true-back in college, Effie had been a force of nature: gorgeous, brilliant, always at the top of her class, winning every competition she entered. She could have conquered the world, as long as she didn’t get blinded by love.
“I’ll be alright, trust me.” Effie’s voice was thoughtful, but steady.
After hanging up, she switched off her phone, cutting off any chance of Mitchell reaching her.
Starting tomorrow, she was done wasting another second on a guy like him.