Back then, Freddie would make me hangover soup and cereal and when I was drunk and out of it, he would hold me and soothe me to sleep.
Even when he didn’t have much money, he still remembered every anniversary and bought me pricey gifts.
Aside from not giving me an official title, Freddie gave me almost everything.
This was one of the reasons why I valued this relationship so much.
I always believed that, in some way, he cared about me.
Later, the company slowly gained attention and Freddie secured his role with his strong skills.
His company also started to hire more people.
Imogen joined around that time; I was the one who hired her.
Freddie said, “I don’t want you going out in front of others. You can find someone to drink for you.”
From then on, I slowly stayed behind the scenes.
Imogen, young and bold, often drank until she couldn’t stand at business dinners.
I began teaching her how to talk people into drinking, how to build up her tolerance and how to close deals at the table.
She had talent and learned fast. Because she was cheerful and good-looking, she got several good-paying contracts.
Freddie cared for her openly, making no effort to cover it up.
Besides her normal bonuses, Freddie started giving her extra gifts.
Costly clothes, bags and jewelry poured into Imogen’s hands like running water.
They began showing up together often at the company, acting close as if no one else existed.
I caused trouble more than once, but each time it ended with Freddie walking off in anger.
“Bella, don’t use dirty thoughts to judge people.”
“Bella, if you keep acting out, there’s no reason for us to stay together.”
That relationship, with me as the one hurt, almost broke me.
Staring at the clear glass of white wine in front of me, I lifted my eyes toward Imogen.
“Didn’t I show you before? Don’t push a woman to drink.” When I finished speaking, I set my utensils down and poured my wine into Freddie’s glass.
“Freddie, if you can’t handle your woman, don’t bring her out and make things awkward.” Freddie’s expression changed at once.
He pulled Imogen back. “Stop causing trouble.”
“Sit down and eat. Even if you don’t want to eat, the baby in your stomach will.”
What he said made the food on the table suddenly taste like nothing.
I suddenly felt sick to my stomach and stood. “Sorry, I’m going to the restroom.”