All Chapters of Built Like Karma: The Plus Size Girl's Guide to Comeuppance : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Jalen’s POVHeadquarters #2 in Chicago felt unusually tense today.I sat at the large oval conference table across from my father, Tucker, with my younger brothers Parker and Patrick flanking me. We were deep in discussion about the declining cruise sales post pandemic, and it wasn’t looking good."Well, it’s time for a rebranding," my dad said firmly, tapping a report with one thick finger. "And we need to start soon."Parker, ever the kiss ass lately, leaned forward, practically bouncing in his chair. "Sybil, she’s amazing with marketing. She says we need to step into the future. Bold colors, influencer campaigns, immersive travel experiences. That’s what people want now."I sighed, trying not to roll my eyes. I couldn’t stand Parker and Sybil’s lovey dovey dynamic. They acted like they were staring in a damn rom-com every time they breathed the same air. Everything was “Babe, look what I made for you” and “No, you’re the genius.” Spare me.Meanwhile, I had been married to Talia for

Aria’s POVPresent Day“So I do remember that semester you guys had all the same classes and that you and Jalen became pretty friendly, but he didn’t know you were the witch’s roommate,” Nia says.“Correct. Well, at first, he didn’t.” I nod, sipping down some of my juice.“Well, how did he find out you were Talia’s roommate?” she asks.I look at her and scoff. “How did you forget, girl? It was a complete shit show, and you were right there.”FlashbackThird week of school Tuesday after Labor Day weekendAfter returning from my modest home in the south suburbs of Chicago, I headed straight to my bestie’s shared campus apartment. I needed critical eye help, and Nia was always that for me.This no-nonsense chick was my savior from day one. She was part Native American, part African American, with radiant cinnamon-toned skin and the kind of bone structure that stopped boys mid-sentence. People were constantly drawn to her, but her heart had only ever belonged to one person, Matt.Matthew,

Aria’s POV Present DayAs I drifted off to sleep, I hated that my last thoughts were of him. Jalen. That damn moment in the kitchen wouldn’t stop replaying in my head.Was he really looking at me like that?Was he interested in me back then?The same man who sat there silently while his bitch of a girlfriend tore me down?God, the confusion was making my skin itch. For so long, I was furious at him—for sitting there, for never saying a word, for letting her call me names like I wasn’t even human. But now? Now I'm questioning everything, and I hate it.When I woke up, I dragged myself through my morning routine, still lost in thought. After throwing on a black jogger set and wrapping my curls into a loose bun, I padded out into the kitchen.Maya was already there, hair wrapped up in a silk scarf, sitting on the stool like a queen in her castle.“Hey, Tete,” she grinned. “You hungry?”I smiled softly. “Nah, just coffee for me. I’ve got a meeting in a bit.”She raised her juice glass. “

Jalen’s POVWork felt long today, but finally, Teresa brought me the update I’d been waiting for. The meeting with Bright Initiative's executive board was set for 10 a.m. next Wednesday. But it wouldn’t be held at my company’s office. I’d have to go to theirs.Figures.I nodded. “Yeah, that’s fine.”As soon as Teresa left, Talia stormed in like she was walking a red carpet. She wore an expensive designer dress, hair, and makeup flawless, like she was gearing up for a photo shoot. Probably was.Without waiting for a hello, she said, “After that stupid reunion, I’ll need to fly to Paris for Fashion Week. I need to use the jet.”I sighed. “Fine. Take it. As long as you’re out of my face.”Her smile was tight and plastic, literally. It looked like she’d just had another round of Botox, maybe something else, too. There was something... off.“Is that all?” I asked, already praying for her exit.She sat across from my desk like she had all day. “No. My FaceTok views are down, and my Pictogra

Present Day Jalen’s POV4:05 PM.I shut my laptop, slid it into my desk drawer, and locked it. Tossing on my jacket, I grabbed my keys and mentally braced myself for the dreaded elevator ride down to the garage.Once I reached my “poor man’s vehicle” as my wife, so kindly called it. I couldn’t help but shake my head. My BMW. Over $100K, but still considered beneath her because I didn’t waste $250K on a Lamborghini Urus or something similar. An overpriced flex that most insurance companies won’t even touch. I could buy ten of them tomorrow if I wanted to, but why the hell would I? Flashy doesn’t mean smart.I love my BMW. I love my Tahoe. That’s all I need.Of course, there she was. Voldemort. Standing by the car, arms crossed, pouting like a teenager. “What the fuck took you so long? Let’s go so we can get this boring shit over with.”I popped the locks without saying a word and got in. She stood there for a second, waiting for me to open her door like some medieval servant. When sh