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

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

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

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

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

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