May 20, 1980
I couldn't believe the weekend in Vermont was a failure. Once again I tried to convince Bradford to leave Claire after our explosive love making at the snow-covvered terrace of our suite. Books say you are more likely to get your man to do what you want when you ask him right after an earth-shattering climax, but the moment I brought up Claire's name, Bradford became as cold as ice and drew away from me.
I know the woman had done nothing offensive nor offending to me despite her suspicion about Bradford's affair with me, in fact, she kept mum about the affair, keeping the pain and anger to herself instead of confronting or scandalizing me like most legal wives would, but I can't help hating her more and more each day. What kind of hold does she have over Bradford? Why can't Bradford leave her?
No matter what I do I still couldn't bring Bradford to leave her for me. I do not intend to be the other woman forever. If I can't make Bradford leave her. I will make her leave Bradford...
Betty closed the diary she found in one of the secret compartments of the bed inside the hidden room of Meade Publications. The room was rumored to be former editor-in-chief Fey Sommer's romatic rendezvous with the company's owner Bradford Meade, rumors that have never been proven by speculators nor confirmed by either Bradford or Fey since the room was found after their passing.
Betty thought that the diary found by Amanda and Mark which helped acquit Mrs. Meade of murder was all the personal records that Fey Sommers kept. Apparently, it isn't.
Betty debated whether to give it to Amanda, being Fey Sommer's daughter, or to just dispose of the diary. There are some things that are better left unknown to children to keep the respect and love they have for their parents.
"Betty, what are you doing?" asked Christina as she went inside the room behind the wide array of display clothing.
"Oh hi Christina! I thought you were in here when I couldn't find you then the bed looked so soft and beckoning I decided to lie down for a while. It had been a long day," explained Betty.
Christina noticed the elegant looking notebook made of wood right under Betty's jacket. "What's that?" ashe asked.
"Just as I was rolling on the bed, my hand touched what felt like a compartment right behind the headboard and when I groped for it, it opened to a small crevice containing this-it's Fey Sommer's Diary."
"Just how many diaries did that woman keep?" exclaimed Christina.
"I don't know. The ones Amanda and Mark found were only a couple of pages. It covered a year of Fey Sommer's life perhaps but when someone is a prolific journal writer, she must have a whole lot of journals," said Betty.
"Come on, I'm curious. Let's read a few entries," insited Christina.
May 28, 1980
Every chance I got I flaunted my affair with Bradford right under Claire's nose. I saw her run to the ladies' room and cry tonight at the company party right after I insinuated the big boss couldn't keep his hands off me. It will be a matter of time before Claire files for divorce and Bradford will be all mine.
July 10, 1980
I hope my mother forgives me. I shattered her priceless antique vase in anger. It was one of my precious inheritance. It's that Claire's fault. I hate you Claire. Bradford gave Claire the 3 karat rare pink diamond ring that costs a fortune. Agnes told me Bradford won it at a private auction. His friends teased him about what's he's going to do with such a fine jewellry. Bradford bragged he would give it to the most beautiful woman in the world. I waited for weeks but there never came a pink diamond. Then today Claire and her two sons dropped by the office to show Bradford Alex and Daniel's outstanding report cards and their it was glistening under the light, staring at me, was the pink diamond I longed for-snuggly fit on Claire Meade's right ring finger.
She didn't flaunt it to me. She never flaunts. She emanates an aura of confidence and security that I wanted so badly to shatter. Claire never felt the need to shove her assets and accomplishments into people's faces just to feel superior or secure about herself. She was looking at Bradfor with love and adoration, the same way she was beaming with pride and affection for her children who brought home exceptional marks from school. I've never felt inferior in such a long time. I am beautiful, smart, and accomplished like Claire but she has warmth and tenderness which I have lost a long time ago on my way to success.
Perhaps if I could bear a child to Bradford...I will be of equal footing with Claire.
"Hey. Senorinas. I'm going to close the lights now it's 8:00pm," said Fernando, the maintenance personnel on their floor.
"I'm sorry, we lost track of time. Alright, we're going home," said Christina.
Betty and Christina gathered their things and proceeded to the elevator.
"Please don't tell anyone I found this journal. We don't know if this contains skeletons in the closet that might hurt anyone. Mrs. Meade is a good person and so is Daniel and Alexis. I don't want any of them hurt by things long buried in the past," appealed Betty to her friend.
"It doesn't seem to be buried properly is it? With the way recent circumstances have turned up. But don't worry, you can count on me, Betty," smiled Christina.
