Page 233
Story: The Friend Situation
“I love you too, gorgeous.” He grins wide, twirling my hair between his fingers, admiring me like artwork. “It’s because you started saying yes.”
I laugh against his lips. “Touch the watch, wear the ring, right?”
“Steal my heart, wear the ring,” he says.
“I didn’t steal anything, Weston. You gave it to me.”
“Because it belonged to you,” he admits, his lips brushing across mine. “You were my missing piece.”
“You know, during our one year anniversary of meeting, how you told me to make a wish?” I ask, meeting his eyes.
He nods.
“You are what I wished for.”
EPILOGUE
BILLIE
One Week Later
In my corner office, I stand at the far wall of windows. The early morning sunlight glimmers off the surrounding structures, creating a dazzling display of reflections. Bursts of yellows and pinks stretch across the skyline, painting the horizon with the hues of a new day.
In the distance, I can see the corporate office of Calloway Diamonds. It looms there—a stark reminder of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I refused. Instead, I started a clothing company with my best friend. We’re self-made billionaires. Behind my desk is Banks Advertising and Marketing firm. I refuse to look that way, knowing Asher Banks’ office is directly across mine. That asshole purchased the property just to troll me, a reminder that he exists.
My office building stands tall in the center of Lower Manhattan. Its sleek, modern design is a sharp contrast to the more traditional architecture around it. The building gives the illusion of a crystal palace, which is why it’s nicknamed that. Itsshimmering surfaces evoke a sense of sophistication and luxury, just like Bellamore.
We’re one of the fastest-growing fashion companies in the world, and expansion comes with pains. In this industry, the ones who aren’t afraid to pivot and take risks survive.
Before I drown in my thoughts, I move to my desk and open the bottom drawer. I pull out the laptop and slide it into a padded envelope, along with a letter I wrote.
I open it one last time and read over my words.
Carlee,
I had Lexi let me into your apartment because she still had a key. I took your laptop. She also gave me the password, so I didn’t have to hack it. Now that those questions are answered, you and my brother needed a push in the right direction. I knew he’d save the day once this went missing. And look at you now.
I’m sorry for the stress I caused you. Please don’t hold that against me, and don’t be mad at Lexi. She just wanted what we all did—for you two to find true love.
I adore you. I’m so happy you’re a part of the family.
Billie
P.S. I don’t know who submitted and posted the blind items to the gossip site. That wasn’t me.
P.P.S. Weston, you owe me one giant favor.
After I seal the package, I call my assistant, Hannah. She enters wearing a gorgeous vintage miniskirt and fuzzy sweater.
“Please address it to Carlee Calloway,” I reply with a faint smile. “Have itdelivered ASAP.”
“Will do,” she says, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she leaves.
I pick up my coffee mug and take a sip, feeling warmth spread through me for what I orchestrated. They’re together and happy—proof that love conquers all.
After chatting about Carlee with Weston, I sensed that something deeper was simmering between them. It was evident how much they cared for one another, even in secret.
Discovering Carlee was behind LuxLeaks was a surprise I’d never anticipated, but it didn’t compare to the revelation that they’d hooked up Lexi and Easton.So sly.It was as if fate had twisted their paths together so they could find love for themselves and others. It’s serendipity.
I laugh against his lips. “Touch the watch, wear the ring, right?”
“Steal my heart, wear the ring,” he says.
“I didn’t steal anything, Weston. You gave it to me.”
“Because it belonged to you,” he admits, his lips brushing across mine. “You were my missing piece.”
“You know, during our one year anniversary of meeting, how you told me to make a wish?” I ask, meeting his eyes.
He nods.
“You are what I wished for.”
EPILOGUE
BILLIE
One Week Later
In my corner office, I stand at the far wall of windows. The early morning sunlight glimmers off the surrounding structures, creating a dazzling display of reflections. Bursts of yellows and pinks stretch across the skyline, painting the horizon with the hues of a new day.
In the distance, I can see the corporate office of Calloway Diamonds. It looms there—a stark reminder of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I refused. Instead, I started a clothing company with my best friend. We’re self-made billionaires. Behind my desk is Banks Advertising and Marketing firm. I refuse to look that way, knowing Asher Banks’ office is directly across mine. That asshole purchased the property just to troll me, a reminder that he exists.
My office building stands tall in the center of Lower Manhattan. Its sleek, modern design is a sharp contrast to the more traditional architecture around it. The building gives the illusion of a crystal palace, which is why it’s nicknamed that. Itsshimmering surfaces evoke a sense of sophistication and luxury, just like Bellamore.
We’re one of the fastest-growing fashion companies in the world, and expansion comes with pains. In this industry, the ones who aren’t afraid to pivot and take risks survive.
Before I drown in my thoughts, I move to my desk and open the bottom drawer. I pull out the laptop and slide it into a padded envelope, along with a letter I wrote.
I open it one last time and read over my words.
Carlee,
I had Lexi let me into your apartment because she still had a key. I took your laptop. She also gave me the password, so I didn’t have to hack it. Now that those questions are answered, you and my brother needed a push in the right direction. I knew he’d save the day once this went missing. And look at you now.
I’m sorry for the stress I caused you. Please don’t hold that against me, and don’t be mad at Lexi. She just wanted what we all did—for you two to find true love.
I adore you. I’m so happy you’re a part of the family.
Billie
P.S. I don’t know who submitted and posted the blind items to the gossip site. That wasn’t me.
P.P.S. Weston, you owe me one giant favor.
After I seal the package, I call my assistant, Hannah. She enters wearing a gorgeous vintage miniskirt and fuzzy sweater.
“Please address it to Carlee Calloway,” I reply with a faint smile. “Have itdelivered ASAP.”
“Will do,” she says, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she leaves.
I pick up my coffee mug and take a sip, feeling warmth spread through me for what I orchestrated. They’re together and happy—proof that love conquers all.
After chatting about Carlee with Weston, I sensed that something deeper was simmering between them. It was evident how much they cared for one another, even in secret.
Discovering Carlee was behind LuxLeaks was a surprise I’d never anticipated, but it didn’t compare to the revelation that they’d hooked up Lexi and Easton.So sly.It was as if fate had twisted their paths together so they could find love for themselves and others. It’s serendipity.
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47
- Page 48
- Page 49
- Page 50
- Page 51
- Page 52
- Page 53
- Page 54
- Page 55
- Page 56
- Page 57
- Page 58
- Page 59
- Page 60
- Page 61
- Page 62
- Page 63
- Page 64
- Page 65
- Page 66
- Page 67
- Page 68
- Page 69
- Page 70
- Page 71
- Page 72
- Page 73
- Page 74
- Page 75
- Page 76
- Page 77
- Page 78
- Page 79
- Page 80
- Page 81
- Page 82
- Page 83
- Page 84
- Page 85
- Page 86
- Page 87
- Page 88
- Page 89
- Page 90
- Page 91
- Page 92
- Page 93
- Page 94
- Page 95
- Page 96
- Page 97
- Page 98
- Page 99
- Page 100
- Page 101
- Page 102
- Page 103
- Page 104
- Page 105
- Page 106
- Page 107
- Page 108
- Page 109
- Page 110
- Page 111
- Page 112
- Page 113
- Page 114
- Page 115
- Page 116
- Page 117
- Page 118
- Page 119
- Page 120
- Page 121
- Page 122
- Page 123
- Page 124
- Page 125
- Page 126
- Page 127
- Page 128
- Page 129
- Page 130
- Page 131
- Page 132
- Page 133
- Page 134
- Page 135
- Page 136
- Page 137
- Page 138
- Page 139
- Page 140
- Page 141
- Page 142
- Page 143
- Page 144
- Page 145
- Page 146
- Page 147
- Page 148
- Page 149
- Page 150
- Page 151
- Page 152
- Page 153
- Page 154
- Page 155
- Page 156
- Page 157
- Page 158
- Page 159
- Page 160
- Page 161
- Page 162
- Page 163
- Page 164
- Page 165
- Page 166
- Page 167
- Page 168
- Page 169
- Page 170
- Page 171
- Page 172
- Page 173
- Page 174
- Page 175
- Page 176
- Page 177
- Page 178
- Page 179
- Page 180
- Page 181
- Page 182
- Page 183
- Page 184
- Page 185
- Page 186
- Page 187
- Page 188
- Page 189
- Page 190
- Page 191
- Page 192
- Page 193
- Page 194
- Page 195
- Page 196
- Page 197
- Page 198
- Page 199
- Page 200
- Page 201
- Page 202
- Page 203
- Page 204
- Page 205
- Page 206
- Page 207
- Page 208
- Page 209
- Page 210
- Page 211
- Page 212
- Page 213
- Page 214
- Page 215
- Page 216
- Page 217
- Page 218
- Page 219
- Page 220
- Page 221
- Page 222
- Page 223
- Page 224
- Page 225
- Page 226
- Page 227
- Page 228
- Page 229
- Page 230
- Page 231
- Page 232
- Page 233
- Page 234
- Page 235
- Page 236