Page 109 of Fake Dating Mr. Prince

“I know what you did. And ... and it’s absolutely awful.” Stella glared at Elaine with disappointment.

“Stella—” Elaine growled.

“You should probably be more cautious when typing in your computer password or better yet don’t discuss sensitive information in an email.”

Elaine’s face paled.

She quickly logged on to her computer and scrolled through her emails. A thunderous look crossed her face once she got to the one Stella was referencing.

“How dare you.”

“How couldyou?” Stella countered.

“We all know what you did, and you can’t use it to push us around.” I cocked my hands on my hips. "So I’m here to say you can shove it. I’m officially announcing my resignation immediately.”

Elaine slapped her hand to her desk. “I don’t believe you.”

“You should. If you need it in writing, I’ll get it to you by tomorrow.”

Elaine sat there sputtering.

It was glorious.

I decided now was the best time to exit.

“I quit too,” Stella said, following me.

“Me three, Bitch.” Burda gave Elaine the middle finger and left with us.

Relief flowed through my veins, and the tension that had become so much a part of me began to dissipate as I grabbed Stella and hugged her. The tightness in my chest loosened and I breathed for what felt like the first time. “It’s done. I can breathe now.”

Stella still trembled. I knew the next few days and weeks would be hard on her. Her whole life had changed in a moment.

“I’m here for you. You know that?” I whispered in her ear.

She sniffed and nodded.

“I won’t ever forget this, Stella. You coming with me, helping me, choosing me—” I cleared my throat, forcing the words past the lump that had formed. “Even though you chose to leave I know it’s tearing you up inside. Whatever you need to do next is okay with me.” I’d never forget how Stella had sacrificed her relationship with her mother for me.

“I know.” She swiped at her tears and after one last squeeze stepped away.

“Who wants to go out for a celebratory drink?” I asked.

They both gave a resounding yes.

As I pushed the doors open to leave the boutique for the last time, I couldn’t help but look back. In the center of the room, a large crystal chandelier, the only piece of my mom left, twinkled in the sunlight, casting a rainbow on the floor below.

A huge grin lit my face as I imagined it was a sign from my mother to followmydreams.