All Chapters of Built Like Karma: The Plus Size Girl's Guide to Comeuppance : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

53 Chapters

Chapter 41 Dreams and Treats

Aria’s POVSunday Morning-5:15 a.m.“Whew… shit. What the fuck was that?” I gasped, sitting up in bed, sweat cooling my skin like I’d been running for my life. My chest rose and fell too fast, heart racing from the dream that clung to me like a second skin.Flashback — The Dream“Hey, love.”I turned, and there he was. Jalen. Black slacks, crisp white button-up, sleeves rolled high like he came straight out of a fantasy. His smile… that smile still disarmed me.“What are you doing here, Jay?” My voice came out softer than I meant it to.“I’m here for you, my girl.”I shook my head. “I’m not your girl, Jalen. You’re married… to that beast Talia.”He chuckled, low and sinful, and started toward me, undoing the buttons of his shirt one by one.“What are you doing?” I whispered.“Getting ready to devour you. Slowly.” His shirt slid to the floor, revealing an eight-pack that made my mouth go dry.I licked my lips before I could stop myself, and he smirked. “Yeah, baby. I know you want this

Last Updated : 2025-09-13

Chapter 42 Gloves Off

Aria’s POVSunday 10:30 amWe walked into the university ballroom, Nia at my side, Matt behind us carrying the last of the boxes. The room buzzed with early energy, tables set up with brochures and business cards, colors catching the morning light through the wide glass windows. This networking brunch wasn’t just a social event, but it was like a chessboard, every player sliding into position. Entrepreneurs, alumni, parents, and even freelancers are all looking to swap contacts and find opportunities.I kept it simple. Bright Initiative Group’s materials went on the table, which looked clean, minimal, and professional. I didn’t need to overexpose myself here. I’d already secured a few connections with Michael and Brian, and I liked keeping my profile low.“Ben, is this good enough?” I asked, stepping back from the display.He looked over, nodding. “Perfect. Katie’s finishing up the children’s corner now.”By the time we wrapped, it was almost 11:20. I glanced at the clock. “Let’s chec

Last Updated : 2025-09-14

Chapter 43 Let’s Be Friends

Jalen’s POVSunday 10:45 amAs I pull up to the university ballroom, I see cars lined up, people stepping out in pressed suits and polished dresses, with bags tucked neatly at their sides. The kind of crowd that thrives off shaking hands and flashing smiles while quietly sizing each other up.Caanan eases the car to a stop. I thank him, tell him I’ll call when this is over, and remind him about the flight. My pilot already confirmed that the plane will be ready to leave at five. That gives me just enough time to handle what I came here for.Inside, the welcome desk is unmanned but neatly arranged, materials stacked high, a wide glass bowl waiting for business cards. I slide one of mine in and grab a souvenir bag like everyone else did, and start stuffing it with brochures. But one catches my eye,Bright Initiative Group, Inc.I paused. My chest tightens. Who the hell here works with them?That’s not just any company. That’s my leverage into them working with us. That’s the access I n

Last Updated : 2025-09-15

Chapter 44 Making Moves....

Aria’s POV Sunday – 12:30 p.m. The table was alive with laughter, chatter, and that old rhythm of familiarity that comes with people who have known each other too long to pretend. We ate, we joked, and for a moment, it felt almost… safe. Brian’s phone rang mid-sentence, his whole face lighting up. He excused himself quickly, practically running toward the exit as he answered, “Hey, love.” His voice was soft, sweet even. I couldn’t help but smile, because I knew exactly who was on the other end. Rollie. My Rollie, well, not mine, but my gentle giant of a friend, one of the best souls I’ve ever known. I took another sip of juice, feeling Jalen’s eyes on me. “So wait,” he said slowly, leaning closer, “when Brian said his man is on the phone… he meant his partner?” I laughed, shaking my head. “Yes, Jalen. Brian is bisexual. Rollie is gay. They’ve been together for a while now.” He studied me, eyes narrowing just slightly. “So… you and Brian done nothing, ever?” That made me laugh

Last Updated : 2025-09-16

Chapter 45 The Real Truths

Aria’s POVI slipped into my room, unzipping the pant suit that had been hugging me all evening. Piece by piece, I stripped it away until I stood bare, skin humming with both nerves and anticipation. From my suitcase, I pulled out my Kelly green two-piece set, which consisted of high-waisted leggings and a cropped top that clung in all the right places. Comfortable but intentional. I wanted him to see me. To hear me. To finally know everything.Sliding my cloud shoes on, I folded my discarded clothes neatly into the suitcase. My flight leeave tonight at 10 p.m.one more clock that I was silently racing with. Pulling my hair up into a high ponytail, I studied myself in the mirror. Not the polished, guarded woman I’d been wearing as armor today. Just me. Vulnerable and determined. I spritzed some Ferragamo across my neck and wrists and whispered a breath, Okay. Here I go.By the time I stepped into the living room, Camille and Kendall had just arrived through the front door with three o

Last Updated : 2025-09-17

Chapter 46 What’s Next

Aria’s POVAs we stepped out into the backyard, all eyes swung to me and Jalen. For a split second, I felt the air shift and the conversations dipped, just enough for me to notice. I rolled my eyes and kept moving, not about to give anyone the satisfaction of thinking something had gone down in that little room earlier.Maya’s voice broke the tension. “Look, Tt! I can flip!” She launched herself on the trampoline, her braids bouncing as she tucked into a forward roll. Cameron wasn’t about to be outdone, and he jumped right after her, landing with the same proud grin his sister wore. Their laughter cut through the buzz of adult chatter, and I gladly let them distract me, and I stood close and watched them.Camille and Nia strolled over, both with those knowing smirks that made me brace myself.“So,” Nia asked, tilting her head, “how was your little talk?”I shrugged, playing it cool. “It was… a lot. We cleared up things I’d been carrying around for years. We agreed to keep it friendly.

Last Updated : 2025-09-18

Chapter 47 He’s Working Overtime

Aria’s POVMonday morning, 6 amText exchangeJay: Good morning, Love. I just wanted to be the first to say good morning and have a great day.I blinked at the phone, and dammit I actually smiled. Jalen had been blowing up my messages since yesterday. All these soft, ridiculously sweet texts I had no business entertaining:Jay: Love, I can’t wait to see you on Wednesday, hopefully I will.Jay: Love, I miss you already.Jay: Love, call me sometime.I shook my head. I have to stay away from that man, but of course, I never listen to my brain. My heart takes over every damn time.Me: Good morning to you too, Jay. I hope you have a great day.Jay: I will now, Love, that you sent me that message.Me: Jalen, remember we are just friends. I don’t know about calling you.Jay: Friends call friends all the time, Love.Me: Jay, TTYL8 ok.Jay: Boooo. Okay, later.I tossed my phone on the bed and dragged myself up. Shower. Clothes. Makeup. The usual armor. Sliding into my Audi e-tron felt like sli

Last Updated : 2025-09-19

Chapter 48 It’s Getting Comfortable

Jalen’s POVMonday Night – 9:45 pmText MessageMe: Love, please send me a picture.Beauty: Um, no. Just use the one you screen shotted from Matt’s IG page.Me: So you know about that?Beauty: Yes and no. You weren’t too discreet about liking the photo. Plus, I was next to Matt when you liked it, so I assumed you screenshotted it. So… yeah, you just told on yourself.Fuck. I chuckled, shaking my head as I relaxed inside my home office, phone in hand. She had me smiling like a damn fool, just sitting there grinning at her text bubbles. We’d been going back and forth since she got out of the shower and started winding down for bed.And in my head? I pictured her in a black silk nighty, maybe with a robe tossed somewhere on the floor. Maybe nothing at all, because she’s the type to sleep naked.Me: So are you gonna send me a picture of you in your night clothes or what?Beauty: No, so you can jerk off to me? Not happening.Me: Please… Love.Beauty: No, I am not. But I can FaceTime you.…

Last Updated : 2025-09-20

Chapter 49 Law Office of Karma

Jalen’s POVTuesday morning — 7:30 a.m.The steam from my shower did nothing to wash Aria off my mind. Her last text replayed over and over that she had an appointment tonight. I didn’t want to admit it, but the word sat wrong with me. Appointment meant planned. Appointment meant intentional. Appointment could damn well mean another man.I let the hot water burn across my shoulders until it went lukewarm, hoping it would drown the knot in my chest. It didn’t.By the time I dressed and made it down the stairs, the sound of raised voices had already ruined my morning.“What is this shit, protein shakes and rabbit food again?” Amy’s voice carried through the kitchen like nails on a chalkboard. “Why can’t you make pancakes, bacon, eggs? You know, like real food.”Kira’s calm response made me proud and irritated all at once. “This is the menu that Mr. Todd requested, Amy.”Amy laughed, smug. “Maybe you should just start making my breakfast right now. Unless you want me telling Mrs. Todd ho

Last Updated : 2025-09-21

Chapter 50 What Are You Hiding

Aria’s POVTuesday — 2:30 PM, Board Room 3“Alright, Aria, how are we introducing you as the owner and CEO of Bright Initiative Group?” Reese said as he leaned forward, his voice full of energy, like he had been rehearsing this moment all morning.I folded my hands on the table, calm and steady. “Same way we’ve done it before in the past. Everyone on the team comes in, gets some breakfast refreshments, and we introduce the team to them one by one. NDAs first. If they don’t sign, they leave with whatever story we’ve crafted for the outside world.” I glanced at Vlade. “And for now, the story is still you.”Vlade smirked, that quiet confidence of his always filling the room. “Good. I’ve already pushed new concepts for the cruise liners. More inclusivity, different families, and dynamics that actually look like the world we live in. People want to see themselves represented, not just the fantasy.”“Exactly,” I said, nodding. “Alan and Kim make sure all the iPads are prepped. Presentation

Last Updated : 2025-09-22

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