Chapter 54 - Carla's plan

After Alpha Shane and Leo had departed, Giselle found herself surrounded by her family in the cozy living room of her spacious room. Robert and Helen, her parents, sat together on the plush sofa, while Jon and Cindy, her older siblings, occupied armchairs nearby. The atmosphere was relaxed yet tinged with curiosity as they gathered to discuss the upcoming interviews.
"So, what's this about interviews we've been hearing?" Robert asked, his voice gentle yet filled with paternal concern.
Giselle took a seat opposite her parents, her hands folded in her lap as she prepared to explain. "Sarah wants to interview me," she began, meeting their gazes with a calm demeanor. "And Carla will interview Alpha Shane."
Helen smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners with maternal pride. "That's wonderful, dear. It's about time people knew about your engagement."
Alpha Shane had insisted they reveal their relationship to the public, a decision Giselle had initially been apprehensive about. Now, with the interviews looming, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Robert nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowing slightly as he processed the information. "Alpha Shane mentioned he wouldn't reveal your relationship to everyone," he remarked, seeking clarification.
Giselle nodded in confirmation. "Yes, he wants to make it public now," she explained, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Cindy, always outspoken and protective of her younger sister, frowned deeply. "I don't trust Carla," she stated bluntly, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "Sarah is much better. She should be the one interviewing both of you."
Jon, usually the peacekeeper in the family, nodded in agreement with Cindy's sentiment. "Sarah has always been fair and thorough in her interviews," he added, his voice calm and measured.
Giselle hesitated, torn between her family's concerns and her desire to respect Alpha Shane's wishes. "It's already settled," she replied softly, her gaze flickering between her parents and siblings. "Carla will interview Alpha Shane, and Sarah will interview me."
Robert exchanged a knowing glance with Helen before turning back to Giselle, his expression filled with paternal concern. "Are you sure about this, sweetheart?" he asked gently, reaching out to squeeze her hand reassuringly.
Giselle managed a small smile, grateful for her parents' support. "I trust Alpha Shane's judgment," she replied honestly, though a flicker of doubt lingered in her eyes.
Helen leaned forward, her voice warm and comforting. "Whatever happens, we're here for you, Giselle," she assured her daughter, her words wrapping around Giselle like a comforting embrace.
Cindy sighed softly, relenting in the face of Giselle's resolve. "Alright," she conceded reluctantly, her protective instincts still on high alert. "Just be careful, okay?"
Jon nodded in agreement, his expression supportive. "We trust you to handle this, Giselle. Just remember, we're always here if you need us."
Feeling a surge of gratitude for her family's unwavering support, Giselle nodded solemnly. "Thank you, everyone," she said sincerely, her voice filled with emotion. "I appreciate your concern. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."
With the discussion settled, the family lapsed into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Outside, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow through the windows of their home.
As evening approached, Giselle couldn't help but reflect on the whirlwind of events that had led to this moment. From meeting Alpha Shane to falling in love, and now preparing to share their story with the world—it was a journey she never expected, yet one she wouldn't trade for anything.
With resolve in her heart and her family's support behind her, Giselle knew she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The interviews awaited, and she would face them with grace, honesty, and the unwavering love that had brought her to this point.
Together, they would navigate the spotlight and emerge stronger, their love shining brightly amidst the scrutiny of public attention.
And so, surrounded by her loving family, Giselle prepared herself for the interviews that would soon bring her and Alpha Shane's relationship into the public eye, trusting in their love and the support of those closest to her.
******
In the quiet confines of the TV network office, Carla and Kendra were the last ones remaining after a long day of preparations. Kendra, diligent as ever, sat at her desk meticulously organizing documents and schedules for the upcoming interviews. Across the room, Carla paced back and forth, her mind consumed with thoughts of the impending interview with Mr. David.
As Carla rehearsed potential questions under her breath, Kendra glanced up from her work, curiosity piqued by Carla's intense focus. "Carla, why are you so eager to interview Mr. David?" she asked, her tone gentle but probing.
Carla paused mid-stride, her brow furrowing slightly as she turned to face Kendra. "Because," she began slowly, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and determination, "if I had been the one to interview him first instead of Giselle, maybe things would be different. Maybe I would be the one married to the billionaire Mr. David, not that Giselle."
Kendra's eyes widened in surprise at Carla's candid admission. She had always known Carla to be ambitious and driven, but this revelation hinted at a deeper rivalry simmering beneath the surface. "Carla," she started cautiously, choosing her words carefully, "it sounds like you have strong feelings about this."
Carla sighed heavily, sinking into a nearby chair with a defeated expression. "I do, Kendra," she admitted ruefully, running a hand through her hair. "I can't stand Giselle. She always seems to get ahead of me in everything."
Kendra nodded empathetically, sensing the weight of Carla's frustration. "It's tough when someone else achieves what you want," she offered gently, trying to empathize with Carla's perspective.
"You have no idea," Carla muttered bitterly, her gaze fixed on the floor as she wrestled with her emotions. "I've worked so hard to get where I am, and yet Giselle effortlessly waltzes in and steals the spotlight."
Kendra leaned forward, her voice soft but firm. "Carla, it's important to remember that everyone's journey is different," she advised earnestly. "Giselle's success doesn't diminish your accomplishments. You have your own strengths and talents."
Carla's shoulders slumped, her frustration palpable in the air. "I know," she murmured, her voice tinged with resignation. "But sometimes it feels like no matter what I do, I'll never measure up to her."
Kendra regarded Carla with compassion, recognizing the vulnerability beneath her colleague's ambitious facade. "Maybe this interview is your chance to prove yourself," she suggested gently, seeking to uplift Carla's spirits.
Carla looked up, meeting Kendra's gaze with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "You think so?"
Kendra nodded encouragingly. "Absolutely. Use this opportunity to show everyone what you're capable of. Focus on delivering a great interview, and let your professionalism shine through."
A small smile tugged at Carla's lips, gratitude mingling with determination. "You're right, Kendra," she acknowledged, a newfound resolve settling over her. "I can do this."
With renewed purpose, Carla straightened in her chair, her mind already racing with ideas for the interview. "Thank you," she said sincerely to Kendra, her voice filled with appreciation.
Kendra smiled warmly, her faith in Carla evident. "Anytime, Carla. We're a team, after all."
As they prepared to wrap up for the evening, Carla felt a sense of clarity and determination wash over her. The rivalry with Giselle still simmered beneath the surface, but Kendra's words had offered a perspective that Carla hadn't considered before.
With the upcoming interview looming on the horizon, Carla knew she had a chance to prove herself, not just to others but to herself as well. As she gathered her notes and prepared to leave for the night, Carla carried with her a renewed sense of purpose and the quiet determination to make her mark.
And amidst the competitive world of journalism, Carla was ready to seize the opportunity and showcase her talents, leaving behind the shadows of rivalry to step into the spotlight on her own terms.
*****
Carla stormed into her apartment, the weight of the day's frustrations pressing heavily upon her. The familiar comfort of her home did little to ease the turmoil brewing within her. She paced the living room, her mind swirling with thoughts of the upcoming interview with Mr. David and the looming shadow of Giselle's presence in her life.
Striding towards the ornate mirror that adorned one wall, Carla stared at her reflection with a mixture of anger and determination. Her usually composed demeanor cracked, revealing the raw edges of ambition and envy that fueled her relentless drive.
"Damn Giselle," Carla muttered through clenched teeth, her voice tinged with bitterness. "She always gets ahead of me."
The image in the mirror reflected back a woman driven by ambition, her features etched with frustration. Carla's gaze bore into her own eyes, searching for answers amidst the chaos of emotions swirling inside her.
"Why does it always have to be her?" Carla's voice rose in a frustrated crescendo, her fists clenching at her sides. "I've worked so hard, sacrificed so much... and yet she effortlessly steals the spotlight."
A surge of resentment coursed through Carla as she recalled the countless times Giselle had seemingly effortlessly achieved what Carla had yearned for. From accolades in their shared profession to personal milestones, Giselle's success had become an insurmountable barrier in Carla's mind.
With a sudden burst of frustration, Carla slammed her palm against the mirror, the impact reverberating through the quiet apartment. "I deserve this," she declared fiercely to her reflection. "I deserve to be with Shane David, to be the billionaire's wife. Not Giselle."
As Carla wrestled with her emotions, a torrent of memories flooded her mind—memories of striving to outshine Giselle, to prove her own worth in a world where success often felt elusive. Yet, despite her best efforts, Giselle remained an elusive figure of success and admiration.
The silence of the apartment enveloped Carla, punctuated only by the echoes of her own voice and the faint hum of city life beyond her windows. She closed her eyes briefly, attempting to calm the storm raging within her, to find a path forward amidst the tangled web of ambition and resentment.
"I will make sure Shane David chooses me," Carla whispered fiercely to herself, a determined glint in her eyes as she reopened them to meet her reflection once more. "I will show him why I am the one who deserves to stand by his side."
With renewed resolve, Carla began to pace the room again, her mind already formulating strategies for the upcoming interview. She would outshine Giselle, prove herself not just as a journalist but as a woman worthy of Mr. David's attention and admiration.
The clock ticked on, marking the passage of time as Carla immersed herself in preparation. Papers scattered across her desk, notes and questions meticulously organized as she rehearsed potential scenarios in her mind. Each thought, each detail was scrutinized with the precision of someone driven by an unyielding hunger for success.
As the evening wore on, Carla's determination burned brightly amidst the solitude of her apartment. She knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, with Giselle's presence looming as a constant reminder of her own aspirations. Yet, Carla refused to be deterred.
With the upcoming interview as her battleground, Carla vowed to seize the opportunity and shape her own destiny. She would not let Giselle—or anyone else—stand in the way of her ambitions any longer.
And as the city outside gradually quieted into the stillness of night, Carla remained steadfast in her resolve, a woman driven by dreams that burned brighter than any star in the night sky.