All Chapters of Built Like Karma: The Plus Size Girl's Guide to Comeuppance : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Aria’s POV Ben wrapped up his speech, and while everyone clapped, Nia and I were locked in a mini debate she was still undecided about bringing the kids tomorrow. I was trying to convince her to just enjoy herself, but before we could settle it, Michael strolled over, smirk already in place.“A little birdie told me you’re part of the Bright Initiative Group,” he said smoothly.I arched a brow. “I am. What do you need, Mr. Michael?”He leaned in slightly. “Can we talk outside?”I hesitated for half a beat, then nodded. “Sure.”The moment I stood, I could feel it, eyes burning into me. That weight on my back. Jalen. Always watching. Always lurking.We stepped out onto the balcony, cool air brushing against my skin. Out of the corner of my eye, there he was, pretending to scan the room like he’d lost something. Please. Subtlety has never been his strong suit.Michael cleared his throat and rested his hand lightly on my arm as he started talking. “So, my law firm runs a boarding house f

Jalen’s POVWe finally got into the car. Canaan was driving, and Amy, “Talia’s assistant” decided to ride with us. Talia remembered the announcement last night that the pool party was open for everyone, kids, friends, family, whoever.So, of course, Talia showed up in pink on pink, looking, or trying to look like Barbie. Amy, on the other hand, wore one of Talia’s black bathing suits with a white, long cover-up to her knees. Weird. Almost like she was trying to match me. I shook it off. Didn’t think too hard about it.When we pulled up, wristbands in hand, check-in was quick. I said my name, walked through. Talia said hers, added her plus one, and strolled right in.And then I saw her.Aria.My breath caught.She was standing there in her multicolored two-piece, sunglasses on, high bun, and skin glowing under the sun. The suit wasn’t even revealing. It was simple, modest, but the way it held her… the way she wore it… every curve, every line, every movement was killing me. When she sli

Aria POVPresent Day 5:15 pm“Oooowee, Auntie, you are so pretty!” Maya says.I smile down at her. “Thank you, sweet girl.”Well, I’ll admit, after Nia’s mom helped me tame my mane, which the humidity, chlorine, and everything else that works against 4A hair on a pool day had destroyed, I was finally feeling myself. Geraldine is a genius when it comes to hair. She gave me a sleek blowout with soft beach waves and set it with just the right products so it would actually last.Makeup was done, with thick added lashes. She insisted and said, and I quote: “Your eyes are still naked unless they look like Mr. Snuffleupagus.” I rolled my eyes, muttered “whatever,” and of course Nia cracked up.I’d brought three dresses with me: a short red mini, a black high-low cocktail dress, and the one I finally chose, which was a long, chocolate evening gown. It had long sleeves, an illusion sweetheart neckline (really a high neckline with mesh that matched my skin perfectly), and a defined satin waist

Jalen’s POVWhen Aria’s name is called for the Bombshell award, I feel it before I even see it. The heat, the sharpness, and the venom roll off Talia in waves. It’s like her entire body stiffened beside me. Everyone else is clapping both Kendall, Camille, and even strangers, but not her.Aria stands, radiant, her smile lighting up the room as she accepts her little golden trophy. She raises it high and says with a laugh, “Without you, I'm nothing!” The crowd bursts into laughter, the sound bouncing across the ballroom. But Talia doesn’t move. Not a clap, not even a petty smile. Just a glare sharp enough to cut glass.Another award follows for “aging like fine wine.” It goes to Charli, and when she steps onto the stage, the room gasps. She’s still breathtaking, always has been. But the moment her name is called, I swear I can hear Talia grinding her teeth. Charli was the one who beat her for Homecoming Queen back in college, and clearly, that old wound never healed. Watching her lose

Aria’s POVWow. That’s all I can fucking say as I tear out of that closet like it’s on fire.What the hell just happened?That kiss, Jesus. It wasn’t just a kiss. I felt it all the way down to my toes, vibrating through me. And let me not lie, my barely there panties? Soaked. My chest heaving like I just ran a marathon.I stumble into the bathroom, gripping the sink, staring at the mirror.Wrecked. That’s what I look like. Wrecked.I try to pull myself together and fix my lipstick, smooth my hair, pat down the wildness Jalen left in me, but then I see it.On my neck.Wait...hold the fuck up. Is that… a hickey?I lean closer. Yep. A dark blotch, brazen as hell, mocking me. “What the fuck?” I whisper. We didn’t even kiss long enough for him to leave a mark like that. I groan. “Fuck my life.”Maybe, just maybe, with all the drinks flowing, the low lighting, and the chaos of the ballroom, no one will notice.I take a breath, paste on a half decent smile, and step back into the hall.And t