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He gently kisses me for the cameras and then tilts my chin up. “Don’t stress. You’ll make it through this. You always do.”
“My choices are to fight or give up. I can’t let Josh win,” I whisper.
“Trust me, darling, right now, he’s losing big. Heard he had a meltdown earlier today.” Louis holds the door open for me.
“Really? Good.” I smile. “Thanks for everything.” I brush past him and into the lobby.
“Night, Billie.”
“Night, Your Royal Highness.”
I blow him a kiss, and he grins as he heads back to his car.
Ifonlythings were different.
Once I’m inside my penthouse loft, I kick off my heels and unzip my dress, letting it fall to the floor. I unsnap my bra and drop it, too, before heading to my bedroom and stepping into my closet.
I throw on some comfy shorts and a cutoff graphic T-shirt that shows off half my stomach. I retrieve my phone from the pocket of my dress and pour myself some rosé in the biggest glass I own. The sweetness hits my tongue, a delightful blend of sweet and tangy.
I light a candle on the counter and briefly watch the flame dance. It smells like strawberry shortcake.
Settling onto the couch, I get comfortable and catch up on what people have been saying about me today.
Most outlets are reporting on my night at Diamond—detailing my supposed romance with Louis and portraying Banks as my jealous secret lover. My nostrils flare as I see photos of our hands brushing together.
The articles speculate that Louis is just a cover while Banks and I plot to take down Josh.
I gasp, realizing that might be why Josh had a meltdown today. Does he really believe this? Could Banks be double-crossing him and somehow helping me in his own twisted way? It’s possible. Easton thinks so. I’m not convinced.
Right now, no one knows the real story. One thing that’s not being discussed is Bellamore versus Lustre Fashion, and I want to keep it that way, so I’ll continue with this angle.
I quickly text my bestie.
Billie
I think I’m entering my villain era.
Harper
You entered that era when you turned twenty-one, and nothing has changed.
I burst into laughter.
Billie
Okay. I’m moving into my supervillain era.
Harper
Are you drunk?
Billie
Tipsy.
I snap a picture of my half-full glass of rosé and send it to her.
Harper